5 Simple Ways To Test Your Home’s Air Quality

Many homeowners assume their indoor air is safe, but pollutants can (and do) go unnoticed.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental health risks, so it’s important to take proactive steps. Here’s how you can test your home’s air quality and ensure it’s in good shape.

1. Use an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitor

An IAQ monitor provides real-time updates on the air quality in your home. These devices are simple to use and don’t require professional equipment. To get started, purchase an IAQ monitor, place it in key areas of your home (such as living rooms or bedrooms), and it will continuously measure pollutants like mold, dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

If your monitor shows high levels of pollutants, it’s time to contact a professional for further testing.

2. Check for Dust Mites and Pet Dander

One way to check for dust mites and pet dander is by inspecting surfaces in your home, particularly on soft furnishings like carpets, bedding and curtains. You can also use an allergen test kit, which allows you to take samples from your home’s surfaces or air and send them to a lab. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter and keeping bedding clean can reduce dust mites and dander.

3. Measure Secondhand Smoke Levels

If someone in your household smokes, monitoring secondhand smoke is crucial. An IAQ monitor that detects particulate matter is one way to track smoke particles in the air. Additionally, look for odor signs and stains on walls or fabrics as indicators of lingering smoke. Reducing smoking indoors or confining it to a single, well-ventilated space can help keep air quality in check.

4. Watch for Signs of Mold

To check for mold spores in the air, consider using a mold test kit, which can identify areas of concern. These kits typically involve placing a dish in different rooms to capture airborne mold spores or taking surface samples from areas like bathrooms, basements, and around windows. You can also invest in a humidity monitor to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%, which reduces the chances of mold growth.

5. Test for Dangerous Gases

For harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and radon, the best approach is to install detectors. A carbon monoxide detector should be placed near sleeping areas and on every level of your home to provide alerts if CO levels rise. For radon, you can use a radon test kit, which you leave in your home for a few days before sending it to a lab for results. Regularly checking and replacing your detectors ensures continuous protection.

Call Just Fix It Today for Air Quality Testing

While you can monitor some aspects of indoor air quality on your own, professional testing provides a more detailed understanding of potential issues. At Just Fix It, we use advanced tools to evaluate and improve your home’s air quality. Whether during National Indoor Air Quality Month in October or any other time of the year – we’re here to help!

We recommend scheduling professional air quality testing annually, or whenever you notice any concerns. To discuss your options or set up an appointment, call us at (218) 617-2231.