When Is Indoor Air Testing Necessary?

Indoor air testing is generally not recommended on a schedule, like routine HVAC maintenance, but it’s a good idea in many circumstances. That’s because indoor air quality (IAQ) is a greater concern than most homeowners realize. People spend up to 90% of their time indoors and pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be highly concentrated. In other words, IAQ can be worse than outdoor air quality.

We recommend IAQ testing for many reasons. The indoor air quality in your home can impact you in several ways, some of which include:

• Health: Exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly, while dust and other particles can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Mold, VOCs, and some chemicals can trigger illness or long-term health issues.
• Reduced Comfort: If your home has poor indoor air quality, you may be uncomfortable, especially if high humidity, unpleasant odors, and irritating particles or chemicals are present.
• Limited Productivity: Headaches, fatigue, sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, and other symptoms of poor IAQ can affect concentration. A lack of sleep can also reduce productivity.

When Is It Time to Schedule IAQ Testing?

As noted earlier, indoor air testing doesn’t have to be on a schedule. There’s no right or wrong time for it. However, there’s no harm in having your local HVAC contractor test your indoor air quality once a year. That’s up to you. Nevertheless, signs IAQ testing is necessary include the following:

Increased Allergy Symptoms at Home

Allergies don’t only come from dust and pollen. Compounds released by wood flooring, furniture, paint, cleaning products, and other household materials and items can have health effects. The following signs should raise suspicion you have an IAQ problem and should schedule indoor air testing:

• Frequent allergy/asthma attacks while at home.
• Allergy symptoms are present or more prevalent while in your house.
• Your symptoms go away when you leave.

Frequent Colds and Respiratory Problems

A chronic cough, frequent sneezing, a dry throat, or congestion can be caused by indoor air pollutants. These issues may not only be irritating. They can lead to more serious problems if the root cause isn’t addressed. Asthma and lung disease can develop. Therefore, if you or anyone in your household has persistent or recurring colds or respiratory illnesses, consider scheduling IAQ testing in your home. 

Unpleasant Odors Become More Persistent

Your HVAC system should do a good job of filtering out odors. If you often notice musty smells, you may have mold. Other odors that can indicate an IAQ issue include cooking oil, cigarette smoke, gas odors, and chemical-like smells. Chemicals from pesticides and personal care products can pollute indoor air. 

Some compounds can produce toxic fumes that can be irritating and harmful if breathed in. Other odors can indicate issues, such as a malfunctioning heater, that can release toxins you can’t smell, such as carbon monoxide. Therefore, don’t take the presence of odors lightly; they can indicate a serious indoor air quality problem.

You Have Difficulty Sleeping

High levels of pollution can lead to poor sleep quality. If pollutants are heavily concentrated and the temperature is inconsistent, breathing difficulties can occur during sleep. This can affect your alertness and productivity during the day. It can also lead to sleep apnea, low blood oxygen levels in the brain, and other problems. Over time, cardiovascular disease can develop. If improving ventilation or filtration doesn’t relieve your symptoms, consider having your air quality checked.

Indoor Humidity Is Higher than Usual

You may not think of humid air as being polluted. However, high humidity can be an indoor air quality issue. It can allow mold to grow, make you feel more uncomfortable, and damage sensitive materials and furnishings. Even low humidity can cause damage and health concerns ranging from dry skin to respiratory infections. An air quality test can help determine the source of the problem and identify a solution.

You’re Welcoming a New Baby to Your Home

Indoor air testing should be a priority if you’re preparing to bring a new baby home. Babies have sensitive lungs, so they are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Their immune systems also aren’t fully developed. Therefore, organic and non-organic contaminants can threaten their health and development. An IAQ test can identify harmful culprits you can target, so your home is a healthy environment for your baby.

After a Construction or Renovation Project

Construction activities, no matter what preventive measures are taken, release a lot of dust and debris. Toxic chemicals can be released into the air from various materials and processes. Whether your home was recently constructed, one is being built nearby, or your house was just renovated, professional IAQ testing is a good idea. It can identify pollutants so your HVAC contractor can provide cleaning or filtration solutions as necessary.

Inspecting a New House Before Purchase 

We strongly recommend having the IAQ tested before you move into a new home. Older homes can have asbestos and other outdated/banned materials, or issues such as radon may have gone unchecked. Even newer properties can have air quality concerns, as harsh pollutants are found in many construction materials. A professional can clean out the air or install an air filtration or purification system to address any issues.

What Happens During Indoor Air Testing?

When performing IAQ testing, a contractor sets up specialized equipment. The type of devices used depends on the pollutants they’re testing for. Different tests are available to check for VOCs, mold, or carbon monoxide. Radon, a gas found underground that can have long-term health effects, can require several months of testing to accurately detect. A technician may also evaluate humidity levels and your home’s ventilation. 

A detailed report is provided after testing is complete. It explains what was found and may also include recommendations. These can include common IAQ solutions like humidifiers/dehumidifiers, ventilation improvements, and whole-home air purification systems.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

At Trio Heating & Air, our licensed technicians perform IAQ testing and inspections to find airborne contaminants in your home. Thorough evaluations allow us to identify specific pollutants and recommend air quality solutions. These include whole-house air purifiers, air scrubbers, or air duct cleaning or sealing. To get started, call (415) 532-2984 and schedule your indoor air testing appointment.