With as much attention as the air quality outside often gets, indoor air quality is arguably more important. You spend the majority of your time indoors, so you’d want it to be relatively free of mold, allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants that can contribute to poor respiratory health.
Testing your indoor air quality is relatively simple, but how often should you test? Let’s take a look.
Annual Air Quality Testing
If you live in a relatively new home or don’t have many concerns about your air quality, you can usually get away with scheduling an air quality test once a year. At the very least, it will tell you whether your HVAC system is working properly or if there are any new issues you need to be aware of. You might not have had a problem with mold or VOCs last year, but there may be a new issue that’s come up in the last few months. Identifying it early is the first step in taking care of it before it becomes a problem.
Testing After Renovations
It stands to reason that renovations can negatively impact your home’s air quality. On top of all the dust that gets kicked up during any construction project, you’ll likely have to worry about VOCs from fresh paint and new carpet. It’s not a given that a home renovation project will affect your indoor air quality, but we recommend having your air tested if your home has had a significant remodel recently.
Allergies and Other Health Issues
Even if your indoor air quality is relatively good, you may need to schedule more frequent testing if you or anyone in your family has allergies or is experiencing other health issues. Respiratory problems are common in homes with poor indoor air quality, but other symptoms such as frequent headaches, excessively dry skin, and fatigue shouldn’t be ignored. If you or anyone in your family has a history of health problems or if anyone is showing new symptoms, schedule an indoor air quality check.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The best way to improve your home’s air quality is with an air purifier. Portable units can be helpful in smaller spaces, but whole-home air purifiers are best if you live in a larger home. Your local HVAC contractor may be able to install one in your home, so check to see if it’s an option. Otherwise, change your HVAC system’s air filter regularly, make sure you have plenty of ventilation when you use any cleaning products, and monitor the air quality outside your home. If the air quality outside is poor, keep your windows closed as much as possible.
In the meantime, keep testing your home’s air quality regularly. Annual testing is recommended for any home, but you may need to test more frequently if anyone in your family has health issues or if you’ve recently renovated your home. When you need indoor air quality services in Durham, NC, contact JD Service Now.