8 Signs That Indicate Your Home Needs Air Quality Testing
Leave your thoughtsRecognizing the need for air quality testing in your home is critical to maintaining a healthy living environment. Several symptoms may imply that it is time to evaluate the air you breathe indoors. These signs should not be ignored, from persistent health symptoms among residents to visible mold growth or an unexplained musty odor. Here are the signs you should know about:
Recognizing 8 Signs Your Home Needs Air Quality Testing
1. You Feel Like You’re Always Cleaning
Housework seems to be an endless chore. However, if you find yourself dusting more than normal and notice a persistent coating of dirt throughout your home, you may have a filtering problem. Dirt and dust naturally find their way into your vents. When you have a clean air filter and properly functioning ducting, dirt and dust become trapped. And once confined, it can’t blow back into your home.
However, the dirt has nowhere to go if your filter is clogged or you haven’t cleaned your vents in a while. And your HVAC system recirculates it throughout your home.
2. Your Allergies Are Going Haywire
Allergies change with the seasons. And if you have allergies, you have probably had a sneezing or coughing flu as soon as you stepped outside your front door. But what if your allergies worsen when you’re indoors?
Dust particles, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants can accumulate in a home if the HVAC system isn’t functioning properly. This can lead to poor indoor air quality. Please pay attention to when and where your allergies flare up and when they subside. If you discover your home is a hub of activity, it’s time to consider indoor air quality testing.
3. There Are Humidity Issues
If you are continuously receiving static shocks when you touch something, your wallpaper is drying and peeling, your plants are drying out, and your air humidity is too low. It may also be causing dry eyes and skin, sinus problems, and an increase in upper respiratory infections.
On the other hand, symptoms of high humidity include the prevalence of mold growth and increased allergy issues due to the stickiness in the air. Fortunately, humidity difficulties are resolved using an air quality test kit, depending on the moisture level requirements of your home air.
4. There’s a Smell That Won’t Go Away
Did you burn popcorn two nights ago, and can you still smell it? Or is there a stale, musty odor in your home that you can’t seem to locate the source of?
Your home’s air exchange system is designed to replace stale air with fresh air. That’s why if last night’s food slipped past you, you won’t notice it the following time dinner rolls around. If your air feels stale and scents linger for longer than they should, it’s time to call a professional. They can determine what is causing your indoor air quality issue.
5. Everyone In the House Seems Sick
It is fairly uncommon for a family to contract a cold or another sickness. But what is strange is when everyone is sick, and no one appears to be getting better. Or everyone appears ill at home but feels better once they leave.
Respiratory difficulties, congestion, scratchy throats, and lethargy are frequent symptoms of poor air quality that might be misinterpreted as other ailments. Watch everyone’s symptoms to observe when and where they appear, just as you would with allergies. If everyone feels better outside the house, it’s a good clue you should have your air quality assessed. If the symptoms persist, it’s time to consult a professional service for air quality testing near me.
6. You Find Mold
Mold is a four-letter word that scares many people, and with good reason. Mold spores can spread through your home’s air currents and enter your and your family’s lungs, causing illness.
When there is high humidity and insufficient air circulation, moisture and dust particles provide an ideal breeding environment for mold. Mold is most commonly found near bathtubs, sinks, basements, and other areas where moisture accumulates. Do not waste time if you discover mold or sense a musty, moist odor in the air. Have your air quality checked. The faster you address the issue, the safer your home will be.
7. Increase In Allergy or Asthma Symptoms
Indoor air pollution can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory issues. If you or your family experience an increase in allergy symptoms or more frequent asthma attacks, it may be a sign that your home’s indoor air quality needs improvement.
Common indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, can cause allergic reactions and asthma episodes. To limit allergy exposure, practice frequent cleaning, use allergen-free bedding, and invest in a high-efficiency particulate air quality test kit.
8. You Notice Air Distribution Inconsistencies
Have you ever gone through your house and observed a cool or warm spot? Ignoring this or dismissing a cold area as a ghost is easy. However, it could indicate that your home has poor air distribution.
If your HVAC system fails to maintain adequate humidity and temperature levels, warm and cold spots may appear in various regions of your home. Reach out to a professional air quality testing near me to take a look. If the air in your home is not spread effectively and uniformly, your air quality will suffer.
Final Thoughts
We spend a considerable portion of our lives indoors, so maintaining adequate air quality in our homes is critical to our health and well-being. By following the thorough guide to air quality testing in your home, you can empower yourself to create a living environment that supports a healthier and more pleasant lifestyle for you and your family.
If you are still confused about air quality testing services, don’t worry; our team of experts is here to assist you. With years of experience measuring indoor air quality, we offer extensive testing services to guarantee your home or workplace is safe for you and your loved ones. Book a consultation today!