We’ve heard a lot about indoor air quality over the past couple of years, so how do you know if your home’s air is healthy or not?
There are multiple ways of testing, from buying individual air quality monitors to hiring an HVAC professional like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
Here are a few things you can do to test the air quality in your home …
Do-it-Yourself Indoor Air Quality Testing
To keep tabs on your home’s indoor air quality, there are a handful of devices and tests you can purchase.
Buy an Indoor Air Quality Monitor
An indoor air quality monitor measures air pollution in your home and displays a number that rates your home’s current air quality.
More high-tech monitors will include multiple sensors to track air quality room-by-room, while simpler devices monitor a single room and don’t require an internet connection.
Remember, these monitors, which cost anywhere from $90 to $200, don’t do anything to improve your air quality. They only tell you the current quality of your home’s air.
Buy a Mold Test Kit
An indoor air quality monitor is great for detecting contaminants in the air, but it won’t detect mold. If you think any rooms in your house may have mold contamination, you should test specifically for it.
Mold tests are relatively inexpensive and give you some peace of mind. Common places to test for mold include:
- Under sinks
- In ventilation ducts
- Behind refrigerators
- Under carpeting that was once wet
Most mold tests are only for mold that’s visible. After collecting the sample, you typically need to send it in to the lab associated with the test. Results are available within a few days.
If you need to remediate mold, contact our sister brand, STOP Restoration for mold removal services.
Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that can leak from multiple locations, including your stove. Having a carbon monoxide alarm goes beyond detecting air quality—it can save your life!
Carbon monoxide alarms detect the poisonous gas early enough to give you time to get outside for fresh air. Don’t ignore the beeps. When you hear it, get your entire family outside immediately.
Monitor Your Health
Your home’s indoor air quality could be worsening if you or other members of your household are feeling more lethargic or notice more irritability of the eyes, throat, sinuses, and lungs. Keep an eye on those symptoms and others, including headaches, to help gauge if you need professional indoor air quality services.
When You’re Ready to Hire a Professional
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technicians can convert your heating and cooling system into a whole-house air treatment center. Contact the pros today to learn more.