We know you have a lot to think about as a homeowner. Perhaps testing your home air quality is not at the top of your list of worries. However, indoor contaminants can adversely affect your family’s health.
Why Testing Home Air Quality is Important
Irritants in your house can cause allergy symptoms. You may have attributed your coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, and watery eyes to the ragweed in your area. However, it might be caused by something else entirely.
Certain contaminants and chemical pollutants like toxic mold or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause serious reactions and health problems. Some are so harmful that they can cause liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage or an increased risk of lung cancer.
How to Test Your Home’s Air Quality
Whether you are suffering from allergic reactions to a contaminant in your home or experiencing more severe health issues, here’s how to know whether you have poor air quality in your home.
Step 1: Buy an indoor air quality monitor.
Devices are available that will monitor the air inside your home. They check for tiny dust particles, allergens, and VOCs. They also monitor the home’s temperature and humidity to ensure you are not creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Indoor air quality monitors can cost up to $250.
Step 2: Check for mold.
You may be able to see and smell mold spores in your home. However, you can also purchase mold testing kits as the next step in testing the indoor air quality of your home.
Step 3: Install carbon monoxide alarms.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas – that can be deadly. Unfortunately, CO is a byproduct of many fuel-burning appliances, including stoves, fireplaces, gas space heaters, furnaces, and water heaters. Keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors (or a carbon monoxide alarm) on every floor of your home.
Step 4: Test for radon gas.
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs as uranium breaks down. While it is typically found in soil and groundwater, it can sometimes infiltrate people’s homes. Check your radon levels by purchasing a test kit available at home improvement stores. In addition, Kansas State University’s National Radon Program Services sells discounted radon test kits.
Step 5: Remove common sources of indoor air pollution.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, another step in improving your home’s air quality is to remove common sources of air pollution. For example, don’t let tobacco smoke in your house. (Secondhand smoke can stay in your system for up to four days!) Also, take care in choosing cleaning products, room deodorizers, and candles – as these sometimes contribute to air quality problems. Finally, keep a tidy house as dust mites are common indoor air pollutants.
Step 6: Increase the amount of fresh air coming into your home.
On moderate days, turn off your air conditioner or furnace and open your windows to help improve your home’s air quality. Run your bathroom and kitchen fans.
HOP Energy Can Improve the Quality of Your Home’s Air
Are you serious about improving your indoor air quality? Learn more about testing indoor air quality from your friends at HOP Energy. Your HOP Energy technicians will discuss air purifier options that will prolong the life of your HVAC system while reducing the indoor pollutants in your home.