A Complete Guide To Testing Indoor Air Quality
Many homeowners ignore the importance of air quality inside their homes. Even if your home appears to be perfectly clean and tidy, the harmful chemicals and toxins are hidden in the air can impact your entire family’s health over time.
So, here are a few tests and equipment you can use to check the quality of air in your home.
Air Quality Monitor
An air quality monitor is a device that detects the amount of pollutants and allergens present in the air. You can find these easily at any home improvement store.
The air quality monitor detects the quality of air in your home, based on four levels:
1) The level of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)—chemical pollutants
2) The Level of PM 2.5—allergens and dust particles you’re inhaling
3) The temperature inside your home
4) Humidity level for mould growth
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that prevents your red blood cells from combining with oxygen. It’s emitted from various appliances in your home, such as the furnace, fireplace, stove, grills and hot water heater. If inhaled in high quantities, carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. If the carbon monoxide level in your home increases, the detector will start beeping.
Check for mould
Check for symptoms and signs of mould inside your home. You can easily detect signs of mould infestation with your nose and eyes.
If a musty smell is coming from a certain part of the house and doesn’t go away even after you’ve properly cleaned the room, then it’s a sign that mould is growing inside your home.
Also look out for visible signs of mould infestation like water spots, damp areas and black spots.
Mould growth inside your home can have an adverse effect on your health. It can trigger allergies, cause respiratory problems, flu and even asthma.
Check Air filters
Dust, allergens and debris in the vents of your HVAC system get stuck in the air filters. To make sure you’re not inhaling these pollutants when the air conditioner or heater is turned on, get your air filter cleaned regularly.
If you have allergies or pets in your home, then getting your air filters replaced regularly by an HVAC professional is an option you should consider.
Getting your HVAC system inspected regularly can improve the air quality in your home. Dust, pollutants and allergens from the outside can easily enter your home through broken ducts, vents and dirty air filters.
Get your HVAC system in London, Ontario with George’s Plumbing and Heating.
Call us now at 519-851-2704 and get a free quote.