When Should Indoor Air Quality Testing Be Scheduled
Posted in Air Quality, on September 06, 2021
Most of us don’t know good indoor air quality from bad, so it can be challenging to know when to schedule indoor air quality testing. In Ontario, the average person spends 90% of their time indoors, which means that the effect of indoor pollution has a more significant effect than that of outdoor pollutants. But when is the best time for air quality testing? The team at SafeAir can answer the where, when, why, and how!
Indoor Air Quality Testing 101
What is an indoor air quality test? It is a discreet air-based test or monitor that takes real-time readings from your indoor environment. At SafeAir, the time it takes to do an air quality test depends on your needs and concerns. For example: if you need a mold test, our visual and physical mold testing and sampling is usually completed in the morning or afternoon. In comparison, radon testing is a long-term process, and the device may need to be installed for 3-6 months. On average, general indoor air quality testing takes between 1/2-3 days to complete.
At SafeAir, we can measure any areas that require testing, but some of the most common are:
- Attic
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Living areas
- Basements and crawlspaces
When to Schedule Air Quality Testing
There is no right or wrong time to get your indoor air quality tested. Because testing is non-invasive, SafeAir can work around your schedule to find a time that works for you and your family. But there are three specific times when we like to recommend air quality testing.
1. During construction or renovation
If you’re doing any type of major or minor construction, indoor air quality testing can give you peace of mind. Many homes in the GTA were built before modern building codes forbade the use of dangerous materials like asbestos and lead paint. Knowledge is power — if you are aware of it, you can plan for safety procedures to keep you safe.
2. When moving
During your pre-purchase inspection or before you move into a new house, get a sense of the indoor air quality of your new abode by booking air quality testing with SafeAir. Our tests can alert you to issues like mold or indoor allergens that will affect the comfort and safety of your new home.
3. When you detect an odour
If there’s a funny smell you can’t track down, an indoor air quality test might be the only way to get to the bottom of it. Some household issues, like mold, have a particular scent, while others may not smell at all or even have a pleasant odour!
Spring, summer, autumn or winter, air quality testing can help you tweak your living environment so that you sleep better, can concentrate more fully, and suffer less from allergies and the effects of indoor pollution. To speak to a SafeAir technician about scheduling indoor air quality testing in the GTA, get in touch with us today!