Some Sure Signs You Need to Check the Air Quality in Your Home

Posted in Air Quality, on February 13, 2017

In most homes, both urban and rural, people have become much more environmentally conscious than ever before. And while much is made of the air quality outdoors and around the world, we often overlook the air quality inside our living space. It really shouldn’t be that way, especially since we spend so much of our waking hours indoors.

The bigger question is how to ensure that indoor air quality is at an acceptable standard. The best way to start is with an air quality test. Most every home could use an air quality test, including those that seem to be just fine. The truth is, a homeowner doesn’t have to wait for physical symptoms to arise before exploring the indoor air environment. For that matter, symptoms could be ambiguous and wide ranging, including everything from allergies, to sinus conditions, to headaches, to respiratory irritation.

But when symptoms do persist, checking a home’s air quality and air circulation might have great benefit. In the majority of homes, dust and debris is commonplace. And this could be anything from plain dirt, to plant materials, to skin particles, to home cleaning off-gases. For those with respiratory issues, polluted indoor air may be playing a part, especially when irritation is exacerbated. Even furnace filters have their limits – and poor maintenance can easily contribute to poor air quality. In cases where furnace filters clog up quite quickly, an air quality test might diagnose a problem.

In many North American homes, winter heating can perpetuate sneezing fits and sinus headaches for many homeowners. When that blower starts to distribute dust and debris all around, those who are particularly sensitive will feel the effects immediately. On the downside, there are also heating systems that aren’t very well maintained and sometimes “off gas” materials that are both colorless and odorless. This is where a carbon monoxide detector is valuable and necessary.

Interestingly, most homeowners aren’t aware enough of the negative effects of moisture build up in various parts of the house. Moisture is simply a stepping-stone for mold or mildew to develop, even in a small sized washroom space. And while mold may look unsightly, an infiltration could be the first sign of a health risk. In any home, it’s wise to watch for the beginnings of mould, but for extra measure a high quality air test will be able to pinpoint the exact source and extent. For those who live in an old home, or are considering buying an old home, a comprehensive air quality test could be very valuable.

Sometimes, there are areas where lead-based paint was used, and sometimes there are even residual asbestos deposits. For safety and wellbeing, it’s wise to be preventive, and determine if any polluting substances are being circulated throughout the home. This is especially important post-renovation, when lead or asbestos may have been disturbed. For homebuyers, an indoor air quality test will allow for peace of mind prior to purchase. It’s an assurance that home is clean and safe – an environment that will be healthy for the entire family.