Air pollution is one of the top environmental threats to human health today. That’s why it’s so important to check the air quality in your home regularly. An unhealthy environment is not just uncomfortable and unpleasant — it can also be dangerous. Improving this situation can lower your risk of developing health problems, and it can save you money by reducing the number of sick days you take each year. Keep reading to discover some easy ways to check the air quality in your home.
Invest in an Indoor Air Quality Monitor
An indoor air quality monitor is a simple and inexpensive way to check the air quality in your residence. The EPA recommends that everyone have one in their home by 2025. The main advantage of an indoor air quality monitor is that it allows you to check how healthy your home’s air is at any given time. This can be very beneficial because many issues can be avoided if you catch them early on. You can also use this information to help improve your home’s air quality over time.
Check the Signs of Mold Growth
Mold is a common household problem, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. If you live in Northern Virginia where mold is prevalent, you should make sure that you check the quality of the air in your home regularly. Mold can grow even in relatively clean environments, so it’s essential to check now and again. Look out for the following signs:
Smell
Mold often produces a musty or mildew-like smell. It can be challenging to detect this smell because mold can grow on many different surfaces. For example, your bathroom may have no noticeable signs of mold growth yet still display a musty smell. This means that there is likely some type of mold growing on its surfaces. It would help if you also looked for any visible signs of mold growth, such as black spots or white dust on your walls or ceiling or discoloration on your furniture and carpets.
Appearance
Mold often produces a fuzzy appearance. This is because mold tends to grow on damp and dark surfaces such as the walls of your bathroom, closets, and basements. You can check for this by examining the walls in your bathroom and seeing if they have this fuzzy look. If you see this, there may be some type of mold growing on them.
Use an Air Purifier to Improve Air Quality
An air purifier is a great way to improve the air quality in your home. They are relatively inexpensive, and they can be used almost anywhere in your residence. There are many types of air purifiers on the market today so that you can choose the right one for you. The most common type is a HEPA filter air purifier, which uses an electrostatic charge to remove particles from the air. These air purifiers are also very effective at removing dust and pollen from indoor environments. They can also eliminate odors, smoke, and other chemicals from the air you breathe.
Perform a Home Radon Test
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas created by the breakdown of natural radioactive materials found in soil. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is also the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon can be found in all 50 states and can be released from your home into the air through cracks or openings in the foundation. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon to ensure no harmful levels are present. You can purchase radon test kits from your local hardware store or buy them online. You will need to test your home for radon at least once every three years and perform a test on each level of your home, including the basement.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be dangerous to humans if they are exposed to it. This invisible threat can be produced by a faulty furnace, water heater, or any other combustion device. It is also a silent killer and does not produce any symptoms until it has reached a high level in the air and a high concentration in the body. What you can do about this is install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. They are relatively inexpensive and very easy to use.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are used to filter the air inside your home. They can be purchased at a hardware store or online. The type of filter you buy will depend on what kind of air purifier you have in your house: HEPA or activated carbon. The HEPA filter is an air purifier that uses an electrostatic charge to remove particles from the air. They are relatively expensive and should be replaced every three to four months. The other type is a carbon filter, which is a more affordable option that uses activated charcoal to remove particles from the air. These filters should be replaced twice a year, depending on the demands of your home and where they are located.
Notice an Increase in Allergy Signs
Allergies are common health problems that affect millions of people in the United States. They can be caused by various things, including dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen. It is recommended that you have your home professionally treated for these types of allergens to ensure that you do not develop any more symptoms. You may also notice a change in the odor or even the color of your home’s air. This is because certain substances can alter these, so it is best to have the situation evaluated by your home service professional.
Have Your Home Inspected
If you notice any changes in how your home smells or feels inside, you may want to have it assessed by a professional inspector. The inspector will look at all aspects of the residence and address any intrinsic issues. These range from structural concerns or damage to materials in the environment such as toxins or radon. They will also evaluate whether there are any leaks in pipes or if there are any cracks in the walls.
Rely on Local Experts
As you can see, there are some great ways to prevent mold in your home and preserve the indoor air quality. It would help if you tried to implement as many of these as possible. If you’d like to have some professional assistance in Sterling or the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia, turn to us at Meade’s Heating and Air. Besides installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling equipment, we perform a complete range of indoor air quality services, including testing. We handle humidifiers, dehumidifiers, whole-home air filtration, and UV filtration. Give us a call today to discuss your situation or arrange a consultation.
