Indoor air quality (IAQ) has specific measurements to determine how clean it is to breathe. A good IAQ has fewer than 250 parts per billion (ppb) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a mold risk indicator below four. It also has to have low levels of carbon dioxide, radon, and bacteria. It may seem like a lot to memorize, but these key factors reveal a lot about your home’s air and your health risks. Professional air quality testing can help you identify risks and take the right steps to protect yourself and your family.
What Factors Affect Indoor Air Quality?
IAQ is impacted by big threats, like carbon dioxide and radon, but it is also more frequently affected by allergens, contaminant particles, pollutants and bacteria. Without an air purification system, every home and business has some degree of air contamination. However, with proper prevention, you can lower your exposure to any potentially harmful pollutants and enjoy cleaner, fresher air.
How to Test Indoor Air Quality
You can find online IAQ test kits and digital readers online. However, none of the over-the-counter solutions work as well as a professional indoor air quality test from a licensed HVAC company.
Professionals have access to higher-quality tools and equipment that are more accurate at assessing indoor air quality. You get a better reading and solutions by relying on their readings.
While you may be upset to find you have low IAQ, there is hope. Fixing poor indoor air quality is a process of elimination. In other words, you find what is causing the source of contamination and eliminate it to prevent future exposure.
Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
There are many potential hazards to your air indoors, including smoke of any kind, wearing clothes or shoes from outdoors inside, household cleaning products, certain indoor air fresheners, pet dander and dust.
Even building materials can contribute to poor air quality. The fact of the matter is that every homeowner needs to consider their IAQ, and they will require a unique strategy to make sure they aren’t unknowingly adding more contaminants to their home.
The solution for any major IAQ problem, aside from eliminating the source as much as possible, is to install a home air purifier. This device can trap up to 99.7% of particles at 0.3 microns. They are extremely efficient and effective, giving homeowners peace of mind.
The right air purifier will leave your home smelling clean and help prevent common illnesses and irritation from air pollution. The first step toward finding the right system is to get a test by an expert. Then, they can suggest the best purification system or air filter for your home.
Contact our team at Cornerstone Pros for expert indoor air quality testing and solutions in Tampa Bay, FL.