Did you know that approximately 67 million tons of air pollutants were released into the air in the United States of America in 2021? Polluted or dirty air is a sure way to come up against numerous health issues if you’re breathing it in on a daily basis. The worst place to encounter these issues with air quality is in your own home.
Learning how to check air quality offers a number of benefits that will keep you and your family safe from the pollutants, pet dander, and mold that can thrive in a home. The good news is that you’ve found the right place to learn about testing air quality and the steps that you can take to keep your family safe.
Keep reading this article to learn more today!
Monitor Your Health
If you start to notice that you have recurring allergies then it’s quite possible that you have issues with air quality in your home. Some allergies can get chalked up to changes in the seasons, especially during spring and winter. If you notice that you’re getting sick throughout the year then it’s possible that your allergies are a result of more than just a change in the seasons.
It’s also important to monitor the health of your household. If you have young children or elderly relatives living with you then they’ll be the most susceptible to issues from poor air quality. Check in on them to make sure that their health is still strong. You likely have issues with your home’s air quality if everyone in your home is consistently sick.
Check for Mold
Another thing that you can do to check air quality in your home is to check for mold growth. Mold tends to thrive in the ductwork of HVAC systems, which means that any time you turn on your heat or your air conditioning you’re pumping your house with mold spores.
There are certain colors that you need to look out for when it comes to mold. The most common mold colors are green, white, ad black. Your nose is one of the most effective ways to test for mold in your home, though it might be unpleasant. You’ll smell a musty and old odor in areas where mold is thriving.
If you think that you have a mold problem with your air conditioner or HVAC system then it’s a good idea to contact an AC repair company. Armstrong Air and Electric has you covered if you’re in need of repairs and mold elimination services.
Consider Your Home Improvement Projects
Home improvement projects are another big cause of poor air quality in your home. If you’re getting work done on your home or you’re remodeling then it’s quite possible that the company handling the project is using a number of chemicals. Dust particles are also common in places where woodwork is getting completed.
Certain paints and paint strippers are also big causes of poor air quality. These toxic chemicals release VOCs into the air in your home, which are harmful for you to breathe. If you notice that your eyes and nose are irritated then it’s likely that your home has too many VOCs in the air.
Get an Air Quality Monitor
Getting an air quality monitor to test air quality in your home sounds like an expensive investment, but you can’t put a price on your health. The good news is that you can get a quality air testing device for as little as $25. If you have some money to blow then you can get a professional-level air quality monitor, which will run around $2,000.
An air quality monitor is great for checking the humidity and temperature as well as the presence of any VOCs in your home’s air. The best ones will even tell you about the levels of PM2.5 in your home. This is essential for measuring the volume of dust particles in the air that you’re breathing.
Buy a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide is one of the scariest gasses for humans, so it’s worth it to purchase a carbon monoxide alarm for your health and your safety. It’s scary because it’s tasteless, odorless, and clear. Without a carbon monoxide alarm, it’s close to impossible to detect this deadly gas in your home.
There are a number of common appliances in the home that give off carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Stoves, grills, and fireplaces are common causes of this deadly gas, though your alarm will alert you when carbon monoxide levels reach a deadly volume.
Buy a Radon Monitor
A radon monitor is another great investment for testing air quality in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally on Earth. It’s similar to carbon monoxide in the sense that it has no smell, taste, or color to it, making it almost impossible to detect.
Homes that are made from wood are less likely to encounter issues from radon, while homes that are on concrete slabs should consider getting a radon monitor. You should also perform an air quality test on a regular basis.
Work With Professionals
If your methods are getting the job done then it’s a good idea to contact professionals to help you with checking air quality in your home. They’ll have the best equipment as well as years of experience in the industry to ensure that your household stays safe.
They’ll take samples of the dust particles in your home and perform an in-depth inspection of your home for any signs of mold. It’s a great idea if you’re at your wit’s end with your home’s air quality.
Now You Know How to Check Air Quality
Learning how to check air quality in your home is essential when you become a homeowner. Choosing not to check air quality in your home could result in some serious consequences, especially if there is a lot of radon or carbon monoxide in your home. Consider buying an air quality monitor to ensure that your home’s air is clean and safe for you to breathe.
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