Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a big problem. Poor IAQ can aggravate allergies, lead to your family getting sick, or just make it flat-out harder to breathe. If you notice that members of your home seem to always be sick, you may think there is nothing you can do to prevent it; however, improving your home’s IAQ is the first step you should take. We are going to review what an indoor air quality test is and why you should test the quality of the air in your home.

What is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants (EPA). Poor indoor air quality has been linked to continued sickness, reduced productivity, and impaired learning and thought processes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rates poor indoor air quality as an area of major concern, noting that common contaminants, endlessly redistributed by a central air system, can contribute to allergy symptoms and sickness.

Poor indoor air quality and household pollutants can come from various sources. Even if you don’t suspect a problem, it’s a good idea to have some type of air quality monitor in the home or to have an indoor air quality test. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Poor indoor air quality is caused by pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air. Poor ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

Poor indoor air quality can be caused by the age of your home. Depending on when your home was built, materials made with harmful pollutants may have been used, and the construction methods may lead to poor ventilation.

According to the EPA, some sources, such as building materials, furnishings and products like air fresheners, can release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities like smoking, cleaning, redecorating or doing hobbies release pollutants intermittently. Unvented or malfunctioning appliances or improperly used products can release higher and sometimes dangerous levels of pollutants indoors.

What Effects does Poor Indoor Air Quality have on Your Home and Family?

IAQ can directly impact the health and well being of people who are in your home. There can be short-term and long-term effects. Immediate effects typically are similar to those of colds and other viral diseases, while some long-term effects may include respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, and more.

What is an Indoor Air Quality Test and Should I get one?

To put it simply, an indoor air quality test measures the quality of your indoor air. Indoor air quality tests measure the air for things such as allergens, mold and mildew, pet dander, radon, and other pollutants. These tests can show whether the quality of your indoor air is either safe or dangerous.

Do you know what is in your home’s air? You should get an indoor air quality test on your home even if you don’t suspect you have poor IAQ. If your air is contaminated, there are things you can do to fix it, but it all starts with a professional IAQ test.

At Reimer Home Services, the results of an IAQ test gives our specialists a plan of attack. Once we know exactly what’s in your home’s air, we can recommend specific ways to clean and purify it. An IAQ test also alerts us to critical issues, such as mold or radon in the air.

We’ll work with you to improve your IAQ using air filters and air scrubbers.

To get started and to schedule an IAQ test, contact us online or call us now.