Invest in an At-Home Indoor Air Quality Test

While DIY indoor air quality tests may not be as accurate as the ones performed by a professional, they can be useful in detecting the presence of air pollutants that could lead to allergies and other health complications. Whether you’re experiencing elevated humidity levels or high concentrations of common indoor irritants such as pollen and dander, an at-home indoor air quality test can help you find the best way to improve the air that circulates throughout your home!

Monitor Mold

If the humidity in your home is too high, it can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold is not only unsightly but can also lead to health complications such as:

  • Itchy throat.
  • Stuffy nose.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Coughing and sneezing.
  • Headache.
  • Increased severity of preexisting respiratory complications such as asthma.

If you see black or brown patches in damp, shaded areas around your home such as your shower or outdoor patio, you may be facing a mold problem. However, colonies grow in clusters and can be difficult to distinguish from accumulated dirt.

To see if mold spores have made their way into your home, dab the suspected area with a few drops of bleach. After about two minutes, check to see if the patch has become lighter in color. If so, you may want to contact a professional, as this is an indicator of mold growth. A blower ionizer from Breathe Easy eliminates mold by emitting positive and negative ions that attach to harmful molecules and effectively break them down!

Detect Carbon Monoxide In Your Home

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless — yet deadly — gas. Because of this, it is important to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home at all times. Carbon monoxide most often accumulates in poorly ventilated areas, so be sure your home’s ductwork is properly sealed and working as it should.

Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home. Be sure to test your detectors at least once a month to ensure they are functioning correctly. It is also important to replace them approximately every 5-7 years, as they can get unreliable as they age.

Keep Tabs On Your Symptoms

While it may not be a surefire way to narrow down specific pollutants in your home, tracking any symptoms related to poor indoor air quality can help you decide whether or not you would benefit significantly from a more advanced air purifier or high-efficiency filters. Additionally, different irritants cause varying symptoms, so the way you feel could aid in tracking and identifying airborne pollutants within your home.

If you have any questions about how to test your indoor air quality, please feel free to fill out an online contact form. We would be more than happy to help in any way we can!