It’s Fall...Time to Test Your Indoor Air Quality!

Posted in Air Quality, on September 26, 2016

It’s getting colder at night and the air conditioning is finally being turned off. With fall, the leaves start to change, the nights become colder and this means getting the house ready for the colder months ahead. With the colder temperatures also comes the annual furnace maintenance where the furnace should be cleaned and all systems checked to ensure a warm indoor environment in the winter that lies ahead.

However, as much as thermal comfort is important, so is good indoor air quality. Heating season can lower the indoor relative humidity, lead to an increase in airborne dust and allergens as well as in some cases dry out main drains leading to odours, sewer gases as well as VOC or chemical offgassing from contents and furniture. The solution? Indoor Air Quality Testing! It is recommended that your home be tested annually for indoor air quality issues that can lead to sinus irritation or even sinus infections as well as other allergic reactions that could arise from a developing mould growth issue or hidden moisture problem. All of our indoor air quality testing programs have the option of including a detailed mould inspection or mould assessment of your home.

A comprehensive indoor air quality test or assessments may include the following:

1. A detailed and comprehensive visual assessment of the home. This involves visually inspecting all accessible areas for signs of water penetration, efflorescence, water staining, etc.
2. Visual assessment for actual mould growth on perimeter wall surfaces as well as (where accessible) contents.
3. Detailed instrument survey of all rooms for temperature, relative humidity, dew point, specific humidity, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), chemical off gassing or VOC’s, airborne dust and particulate, and sewer gases.
4. Laboratory sampling of the air for airborne mould spore activity including information on count per cubic meter of air and genus of mould.
5. Detailed survey of perimeter walls, floor and ceiling for moisture using thermal imaging and moisture meters.
6. All of our air quality assessments include a detailed report showing you what we tested for, your results, what your levels should be and detailed recommendation on how to address any issues you may have.

A detailed indoor air quality test in the fall can identify developing areas of concern that could lead to allergic reactions as well as more serious health issue in the upcoming heating season. In many cases, identifying an air quality issue early can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in rectifying the issue if caught early.

Make this winter a healthier season for you and your family by ensuring the indoor air quality in the home is the best it can possibly be. Who wants to suffer through another cold winter with poor indoor air quality. Many indoor air quality problems are easily fixed once you have detailed and factual information on what problems may exist. An annual indoor air quality test or assessment is a way to better indoor health. Enjoy a healthy home this year. Call us today and we would be delighted to speak to you about your indoor air quality needs.