You probably don’t give much thought to your home’s air quality. But did you know that air inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside? According to the EPA, the levels of indoor pollutants are 5 times higher than outdoor levels. Why does indoor air quality matter? Poor indoor air quality poses an array of health risks. Some of these include upper respiratory illnesses and even death. In this quick guide, we give you ways to test your home’s indoor air quality.

Use an Indoor Air Quality Monitor

An indoor air quality monitor is a device that tests and reports indoor pollution levels. It detects air particles, chemical pollutants, and humidity. Some will even test for carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Some air quality monitors will have a display panel that allows you to see readings and values. Others may even have the option to connect the device to an app. With an app, you will be able to see readings from your phone. The average cost of an air quality monitor ranges from $50 to $100. Some can even cost up to $300.

Conduct a Mold Test

Mold can be a sneaky beast. Indoor air quality monitors don’t detect it, and it’s easy to go unnoticed. Mold typically grows in areas that are moist and damp — think basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Also, if your home experiences leaks, mold could even be growing on your walls and ceiling. If untreated, mold spores can cause allergic symptoms like wheezing, scratchy throat, stuffy head, and runny nose.

The best way to test for mold is through inspection. Mold is easily detected using your senses. It often produces a musty odor and black spores. Other times, mold isn’t easy to spot — this is the case for airborne spores. A standard home mold test can detect airborne mold. It consists of a petri dish and a substance that creates mold growth. You leave the dish out for a specified period. If mold grows, you have airborne mold in your home.

Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The presence of carbon monoxide is deadly. It’s referred to as the silent killer because it is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. Every year, at least 430 people in the U.S. die from accidental CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be avoided by installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. CO alarms should be installed within 10 to 15 feet of each sleeping area. The good news is that carbon monoxide alarms are affordable. Most detectors cost no more than $10 at your local home appliance store.

Complete a Radon Test

Like carbon monoxide, radon is impossible to detect with your senses. When exposed to high levels, radon can be dangerous in the long-term. According to the American Cancer Society, radon is responsible for over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. To test for radon, you can purchase a short-term test kit. These will allow you to see how much radon is present in your home.

Maintain Your Indoor Air Quality with Triad Mechanical

Keeping the air in your home free of pollutants can be a challenge. Thankfully, our air quality professionals are here to help. We will ensure that every breath you take is full of clean air.

Ready to improve your indoor air quality? Give us a call at 770-682-0075 or send us a message.