How to Test the Air Quality in Your Home

Poor air quality inside of your home can lead to health issues like asthma and allergies for your family and guests. The good news is you can improve your indoor air quality. Before you do so, however, it’s important to test it. In order to test indoor air, you can use an indoor air quality monitor, pay attention to health symptoms and keep track of radon levels.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

While there are many types of indoor air pollutants, the most common ones include the following:

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in homes across the U.S. It comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Since radon is virtually invisible to the naked eye and long-term radon exposure can pose serious health risks, it’s essential to test for it.

Smoke

Smoke in your home may be the result of tobacco smoke or smoke from lighting candles, cooking, or other everyday activities. Inhaling smoke on a regular basis can lead to harmful fumes, which may inflame your lungs and airway, increasing the likelihood of lung cancer and respiratory issues.

Combustion Pollutants

Combustion pollutants are glasses and particles produced by burning fuel like wood, natural gas, kerosene, or tobacco. When combustion appliances like stoves and grills are unvented, they become major sources of indoor air pollution.

Molds

Molds are fungi that can grow indoors and release spores in the air. In addition to a musty smell, they may cause irritation, shortness of breath, coughing, and asthma attacks. Fixing leaks promptly, running a humidifier in damp areas, and improving ventilation in rooms like the kitchen and bathrooms can all help prevent molds.

3 Ways to Test Air Quality

If you decide to move forward with air quality testing, here are some methods to keep in mind.

Use an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

An air quality monitor can make it a breeze for you to test your air quality. While there are countless options on the market, be sure to look for monitors that measure temperature, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), levels of particulate matter, and Air Quality Index (AQI). These factors can give you a good idea of where your home air quality stands.

Pay Attention to Health Symptoms

Ask your family members and anyone else who lives in your home to keep tabs on their health symptoms for at least a few weeks. They should try to determine if their symptoms correlate to a particular area of your home or a specific time of the day. For example, if your spouse experiences watery eyes and congestion while they’re working in the basement office, your home air quality is probably an issue.

Keep Track of Radon Levels

Since radon is one of the most harmful substances that may affect indoor air quality, it’s crucial to monitor it. You may hire a professional tester or do it yourself with a detector or kit. If you do go the DIY route, follow directions carefully and be sure to leave the test in your home for the exact amount of time instructed. Once it’s complete, send the device in to get the results. If your radon levels are high, seek the help of an EPA-licensed radon remediation specialist.

Change Your Air Filters Without the Hassle

Once you’ve identified potential indoor air quality issues in your home, air filters may help. You can count on them to capture the pollutants and particles, pushing clean, fresh air back into your living space.

With FilterTime’s air filter subscription service, you can keep the air in your home in optimal shape, year round. Once you subscribe, the right air filters will get shipped to your doorstep automatically so you’ll know exactly when to change them. Since there are no shipping charges, contracts, or hidden fees, you have nothing to lose. Get started today!

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Written by: Anna Baluch