We all like to breathe clean, fresh air, especially at home. Testing your home’s air quality is a wonderful method to make sure you don’t have any issues with mold, allergies, or radon. We’ve compiled a list of numerous ways you may test the air quality in your home, as well as some pointers on how to spot the signs of poor air quality. We’ve also given tips on how to employ a professional if you run into any problems.

Method 1: Conducting Your Own Air Quality Tests

1. Invest in a quality-of-air meter.

There are several indoor air quality sensors on the market right now that can efficiently detect (and document over time) the quality of air in your house. PM2.5 levels (small dust particles and other allergens in the air you breathe), VOCs (volatile organic compounds – chemical pollutants), temperature, and humidity are all monitored by these sensors (for mold). The Foobot, Awair, Speck, and Air Mentor 6 in 1 are some of the most reliable air quality monitors on the market, with prices ranging from $150 to $250 in the United States.

Carbon monoxide detector in van

2. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each of your home’s floors.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be produced by a variety of household appliances (like stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and grills). Because carbon monoxide can be fatal if inhaled, it’s critical to have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every floor of your home to alert you if excessive amounts of CO are present.

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors near your bedrooms so you’ll be more likely to hear the alarm while sleeping.
  • Make sure the detector batteries are changed on a regular basis. Changing the batteries once every 6 months or so is a fair rule of thumb, however the lifespan will vary depending on the model.

 

Method 2: Keep an eye out for signs of poor air quality.

1. Become aware of a rise in allergy symptoms.

It’s easy to blame allergy symptoms on the weather or seasonal changes, but irritants in your home’s air are often to blame. If you observe a major increase in your allergy symptoms, it’s time to check your home’s air quality. The following are some of the most frequent allergy symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Congestion in the nose
  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds

2. Be aware of any new or unexpected health symptoms.

You may believe that getting unwell has nothing to do with the air quality in your home. This is often true, however some contaminants (such as asbestos, deadly mildew, and other chemicals) can be harmful to your health. This is especially true if you appear to have pneumonia or bronchitis on a regular basis. If you experience any of the following symptoms, have your home’s air quality checked:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rashes
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

3. Keep an eye on any construction in your neighborhood.

The air quality in your home can be affected by home development. The air can be exposed to dust particles, chemicals, and other dangerous contaminants during a renovation or new building project, which can collect in your HVAC system and then circulate throughout the entire house.

  • Even building by your neighbors can have an adverse effect on your home’s air quality, so keep an eye out for that as well.
  • VOCs can be released by some building materials, such as paints and paint strippers (volatile organic compounds). These chemical fumes can produce unpleasant symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as more significant health issues including liver or kidney damage.
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