Indoor air quality testing helps ensure your home is a healthy environment. Aside from allergies, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health concerns. However, not everyone knows the signs of poor air quality, let alone how to test for common issues. We’ll now delve into the topic to help you understand it and know when to contact Trilogy AC for indoor air quality solutions.
Do I Need an Indoor Air Quality Test?
Some signs of an IAQ issue can be detected with your senses. For example, seeing lots of dust and debris can mean your air ducts are clogged or have an air leak. Musty odors can come from mold. However, many indoor pollutants aren’t visible. Some are even odorless and tasteless. Therefore, you may never know there’s a problem until you schedule indoor air quality testing and receive the results.
Air quality professionals use advanced technologies and equipment to:
- Identify the contaminants present in a building.
- Measure the level of specific pollutants.
- Monitor changes in indoor pollution over time.
What Are the Most Common IAQ Pollutants in Homes?
Indoor air quality testing should focus on the most common materials and compounds that can contaminate indoor air. These can originate from inside your home or outdoor air. Outside air can enter your home through openings in building materials and cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. It can also enter via natural ventilation through open windows and doors. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as exhaust fans, HVAC units, and ductwork, can introduce pollution as well.
The most common indoor air pollutants include the following:
- Particulates: Particulate matter (PM) comprises dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, dirt, and other particles in your home. Airborne dust can irritate your nose, mouth, and throat and trigger respiratory issues. Some dust and particulates can help spread infectious diseases.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene are just a few examples of VOCs that may be in your home. They can be released by paints, finishes, carpets, furniture, cleaners, and more. Their effects can range from upper respiratory irritation to headaches to an increased risk of cancer.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Originating from burning combustion fuels, CO is colorless and odorless, yet a health hazard and often deadly. Frequent headaches, nausea, and dizziness at home can mean there’s a CO leak from your furnace or a fuel-burning appliance.
- Mold: Mold and mildew can grow in any warm, dark area where moisture is present. Mold spores can be anywhere. Once they settle, they can grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, and even within your HVAC system. A mold allergy can be serious, but some molds release mycotoxins that can cause severe illness if inhaled.
- Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas naturally found in soil that causes thousands of cancer deaths each year. Human senses cannot detect it. However, radon is found everywhere in the U.S. and is most accurately detected and measured by a professional.
How Can I Check My Home’s IAQ?
Although professional tools are more precise, you can install air quality detectors and alarms or use test kits to perform some level of indoor air quality testing. There are numerous options on the market, including the following.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: A CO alarm is the most common IAQ testing solution found in homes. When mounted near a bedroom or fuel-burning appliance, it can detect increasing levels of carbon monoxide or whenever the gas is present. A loud alarm similar to a smoke detector can awaken and alert everyone to evacuate to safety.
Symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning can seem like flu. Since CO prevents blood cells from absorbing and distributing oxygen, high concentrations of and prolonged exposure can lead to death.
- Air Quality Monitors: Many types of IAQ monitors are available. A digital device can track the presence and concentration of specific pollutants and show its findings on a display. Some Wi-Fi-enabled monitors can relay important information to your smartphone or another device.
Digital IAQ monitors detect issues in real-time and is designed to detect the concentration of contaminants based on the latest air quality standards. Some smart thermostats, air purifiers, and other devices integrate air quality monitoring functions.
When choosing an air quality monitor, consider the following factors in making an informed decision:
- The type of pollutant it measures
- The monitor’s precision and resolution
- The response time to get readings
- Compatibility with smart technologies
- Whether it can be calibrated
- Mold Testing Kits: If you see and smell evidence of mold and your home is humid, it’s time to do some investigating. Mold test kits are available. However, to determine the type and amount of mold in your home, the test sample must be sent to a lab for analysis. Testing options also include petri dish tests and air pumps; these can detect mold in the air.
- Radon Tests: Radon test kits come in many forms. Some are plug-in devices that can be operated and monitored via an app while others are single-use charcoal canisters. Battery-operated kits are also available. Depending on the test method, it may take a couple of days to up to three months to get results.
A one-time kit must be sent to a lab. However, long-term testing may be recommended to measure radon levels in your home year-round. An electronic radon test provides continuous monitoring. It can provide notifications of radon levels on-screen or send them to your phone, tablet, or other smart device.
- Multi-Functional Air Pollution Monitors: Numerous in-home air quality monitors are commercially available. Basic models are affordable and can be purchased online. Some of these can detect various chemicals and gases at once. Depending on the device, it may also detect aerosol particles and measure temperature and humidity. Integrated alarms and connectivity to smart-home systems are other features you may find.
Indoor Air Quality Testing: What to Do When an Issue Is Found
Depending on the IAQ problem you have, you may need a professional to remediate it, especially if you have mold, radon, or carbon monoxide. You can also take steps to improve indoor air quality, such as the following:
- Change your air filters often.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Regularly dust and vacuum your home.
- Improve ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans.
- Use a dehumidifier or other device to control moisture.
- Avoid smoking indoors.
- Avoid household cleaners and other products with harmful chemicals.
- Seal entry points to avoid pest infestations.
- Install an air purifier to remove pollutants and allergens.
When to Hire a Professional IAQ Service
Some IAQ testing options are suited for in-home use, such as carbon monoxide detectors. Others are limited in their effectiveness, especially when it comes to mold. Identifying mold with precision is important because some molds are harmful while others are not. The cost of indoor air quality testing depends on the size of your home and the type of test performed. Testing for mold, VOCs, radon, asbestos, allergens, and other pollutants is generally recommended once a year.
However, if you have unexplained symptoms, see or smell something unusual, or otherwise suspect an IAQ issue at home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
Contact Trilogy AC
Trilogy AC has been providing air conditioning and heating services in Houston since 2012. Our experienced contractors provide HVAC installation and repairs and specialize in IAQ solutions such as carbon monoxide monitors/alarms, UV lights, air scrubbers, and whole-house media air cleaners. Continue browsing for information on how to improve your indoor air quality, or call (832) 743-1250 to learn more about our ducting and HVAC services.
