Home should be the place you feel the most comfortable and safest. However, sometimes the air quality isn’t what it should be. In fact, the air inside your home can be five times more polluted than the air outside.
That means that the place you spend the most time can be extremely damaging to your health. If you experience symptoms like asthma, allergies, shortness of breath, frequent sinus issues, or other breathing problems, it’s time to test the air inside your home.
There are a variety of pollutants that can cause these issues. Here are some ways to measure indoor air quality.
Check for Mold
Mold is a problem that causes damage to walls and ceilings, but it also impacts indoor air quality. If you notice a musty smell or have increasing symptoms of allergies, look for mold first.
Look around humid or damp areas for patches of mold. If you don’t see anything, use a testing solution to wipe a section of your HVAC filter. The test will tell you if there are mold spores.
If you find mold, you’ll need to clean all the visible mold off surfaces. Then, determine what’s causing the excess moisture. You might need a dehumidifier, or there could be water leaks in the area.
Conduct a Radon Test
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that comes from the soil. The dirt under your foundation can emit radon that builds up in your home. You can buy a home testing kit to check for radon in the air of your house.
A radon test is a container that has a specific type of charcoal in it. The charcoal will attract radon from the air. After a few days, you close the container and mail it into a lab. They will let you know if there are elevated radon levels.
If you have a radon problem, you’ll want to vent your home. This may require a professional to install a pipe vent system.
Use a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
One of the most dangerous pollutants is carbon monoxide. Most of the time, if you have low air quality, you’ll have mild symptoms that will warn you of the issue. Not with carbon monoxide (CO). Unfortunately, a build-up of this odorless gas will kill you.
That’s why having an alarm to warn you of elevated CO levels is so important. The device will let you know to evacuate your home and call professionals right away.
The most common sources of CO are gas-powered appliances, such as a gas stove, water heater, dryer, or a gas fireplace. Fortunately, CO alarms are inexpensive and easy to place throughout your home.
Get Cleaner Air in Your Home
Unfortunately, poor indoor air quality is a common problem. The good news is that you don’t have to just live with it. You can take steps to clean your air so you feel safe and comfortable at home.
At Omega Heating & Air, we offer a variety of indoor air quality systems. The right products can reduce dust and allergens, along with bacteria.
To learn more about keeping your home’s air clean, contact us today!