How To Know If Your Indoor Air Quality Is Bad
January 01, 2018
Poor indoor air quality causes immediate health symptoms in most homes. Here's how to identify if your home's air is affecting your health.
Key Takeaways
- Allergies that worsen indoors indicate poor air quality from dust, pollen, and chemical contaminants
- Recent renovations release VOCs and chemicals that circulate through HVAC systems
- Severe symptoms like vomiting or shortness of breath require immediate professional assessment
- External sources like nearby construction can infiltrate your home's air supply
How to Tell If Your Indoor Air Quality Is Poor
Monitor Your Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms that start when you enter your home and disappear when you leave signal poor indoor air quality. Common indoor air pollutants include dust, pollen, and chemical contaminants from household products. If you experience coughing, sneezing, and headaches specifically indoors, your home's air quality needs attention.
Inspect Recent Home Improvements
Renovation and painting projects release chemicals into your home's air. Your HVAC system circulates these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) throughout your living space. After completing any home project, clean the area thoroughly and replace your air filter immediately. Installing an air purifier provides additional protection against chemical off-gassing.
Recognize Warning Signs of Serious Contamination
Severe symptoms indicate dangerous air contaminants. If you experience vomiting, skin rashes, hearing loss, or shortness of breath, you're likely exposed to toxic substances like asbestos or black mold spores. These conditions require immediate professional intervention.
Evaluate External Environmental Factors
Outdoor activities affect your indoor air quality. Nearby construction, house painting, or pesticide application in your neighborhood releases chemicals that enter your home. Track these external activities to identify pollution sources and implement targeted solutions.
Professional Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Professional HVAC technicians diagnose and resolve indoor air quality problems completely. Contact Airview A/C for expert air quality testing and solutions tailored to your home's specific contamination issues.