Indoor air quality (IAQ) is important throughout the year. Learn why to test, when IAQ testing should happen, and how to test your home’s indoor air quality.
Why You Should Test Your IAQ
It may come as a surprise that the air inside of your home can be more polluted than the air outside. From pollen to radon, it’s important to know what to look for, and then commit to testing and evaluating your home’s indoor air quality so you can rest assured the air you’re breathing is safe and healthy.
When to Test Your Air
Simply put, you’ll want to check and monitor your indoor air regularly to prevent biological, chemical, combustible, or irritating pollutants from populating your home.
Additionally, be sure to monitor your own health. Nausea, frequent headaches, or sneezing are common signs of poor air quality. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a professional to investigate and resolve any issues with the air you’re breathing.
How to Test Your IAQ
If you suspect you have poor indoor air quality, consider these devices to help improve the air you’re breathing:
Air Quality Monitor
Just as the name suggests, this electronic device tests and monitors the pollution levels in your home’s air. There are different types of IAQ monitors and they can test for a range of contaminants, even things like humidity and other particulates. Some models can also monitor the temperature and carbon monoxide levels in your home.
Carbon Monoxide and Radon Detectors
It’s easy to ignore contaminants you can’t see, but carbon monoxide and radon are crucial reasons to test your IAQ. If your home doesn’t already have carbon monoxide and radon detectors, you’ll want them installed right away to monitor the levels in your home and alert you if the levels are too high.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers, such as the Air Scrubber by Aerus, works its magic to clean the air in your home. In addition to making certain pollutants stick to surfaces, their HEPA filter technology works to screen and collect contaminants from the air. These devices can help restore your indoor air quality and are especially useful if you or anyone in your family has asthma or severe allergies.
Humidifiers
If the air in your home feels dry, you’ll want a humidifier. Humidifiers use water to boost the moisture level in your air, saving your hardwood floors and the paint on your walls, but more importantly, protecting your respiratory system.
UV Lights
Ultra-violet (UV) lights can be installed in your ductwork and are very effective in hot and humid environments. They release concentrated and safe UV radiation to kill contaminants like mold, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms floating around in your air –– even better, they do so in a matter of seconds.
These testing methods will help keep track of pollution levels in your home, so if anything unusual is happening, you’ll be the first to know.
Remote Assist
Need a hand? If you’re unsure about your home’s indoor air quality, one of our Remote Assist experts can offer virtual guidance on how to detect poor air quality and what steps you can take to improve the air you breathe every day.