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Why testing the air quality in your house is important, and how to do it yourself
Folks often seem to be more concerned about the outdoor conditions rather than their immediate environment, but it’s also important to keep track of the air quality in your home. After all, the air we breathe inside is what the body is exposed to for the longest period of time as we sleep and move about our homes.
Certain known pollutants are exclusive to indoor conditions such as radon, mold and carbon monoxide accumulation, and managing these toxins is important when considering your overall health. But these are just a fraction of possible pollutants that could be dirtying your indoor air quality. Many people fall victim to various health complications because they don’t examine their air quality and address the issue.
This guide will help you better prepare for testing your home’s air quality and what to do about it.
Purchase a quality indoor air quality monitor
The first thing you will need to get a full picture of your home’s air quality is something that many overlook: an air quality monitor. Indoor air quality testing is paramount to your success in living a healthy life.
Be sure to purchase a device that can accurately assess contaminants in your home. This device should be equipped to test for the major pollutants found in homes like particulate matter, allergens and chemicals, as well as the humidity range.
Air quality monitors range in cost from around $50 to $300, and they can often be found at your local hardware store. Don’t fall for buying the cheapest model, as the results may not be as detailed. Instead, opt for a middle-of-the-road device that can give you a quality reading that is accurate and reliable. You will be using this for years, so it’s important to get a sturdy and dependable device.
Test your home for dangerous mold
Mold is in the air, no matter where you test it. You basically can’t escape it, but there are certain acceptable levels, just like there is for pollen, that is okay to breathe in without causing any harm. However, if the airborne mold spores are excessive, then it can pose a problem and you might have a deeper issue that needs addressing.
At some point, you’ll need an air quality professional, such as Richmond’s Air, to discover the nature of your mold problem. There are certain symptoms to be aware of such as excessive coughing, wheezing or a continual musty odor. Mold can get especially bad if you have a leak in your roof as the water is what causes it to thrive and eat away at the wood. It’s an elusive hazard which is why it needs to be properly tested.
Install carbon monoxide alarms
Carbon monoxide is an ever-present hazard that can sneak in at any time and threaten your life. This is why it’s vital you obtain a reliable carbon monoxide detector to keep tabs on the levels of this subtle and deadly gas throughout different areas of the home. These detectors are just as important as installing smoke detectors in every room and should be implemented with regular maintenance and a battery check.
Because carbon monoxide is lighter than air and tends to rise, it’s a good idea to take a targeted approach and place them on the ceiling or high on the walls to ensure you’re well-informed during an emergency.
Consider testing for radon
When it comes to radon reduction systems, these can be expensive. However, these are important to install if you have high levels of radon in your home. It’s more common to have Radon in the basement since the source is naturally occurring from the ground.
Much like carbon monoxide, this gas is completely undetectable by our own senses—that’s what makes it most dangerous. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and many people get it through long-term exposure without even knowing it.
Radon comes from the natural uranium deposits in the soil which break down over time and form a gas that can accumulate on the lower floors of your home. It’s not to be taken lightly and requires the proper testing measures to gauge if there’s a significant problem.
Hire Richmond’s Air for professional air quality testing services
You and your family deserve to breathe quality air that isn’t full of contaminants or higher concentration levels of radon, allergens, mold and other pollutants.
At Richmond’s Air, you can rely on us to properly test, monitor and address your indoor air quality. Hiring professionals to conduct this job will give you peace of mind by knowing that the tests were implemented accurately and the right course of action was taken to ensure a healthy home. We have all the bases covered so you can rest easy at night knowing that the air isn’t harming your health.
