Importance of Indoor Air Quality Testing Services for Your Home

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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It is crucial to note that IAQ (indoor air quality) tends to be underappreciated as a predictor of health. Some don’t know that the average indoor air may be more polluted than the outdoor air which is unhealthy to the body. Since people are constantly indoors, the need to breathe safe and pure air is undeniably crucial. It is, therefore, critical to engage qualified services of indoor air quality testing services to ascertain that the air in your room is safe for inhalation. The reason why such IAQ testing services are crucial for your family’s health will be analyzed in this article.

What is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality is a term that is used to describe the condition quality of air in buildings and residential homes. The following are factors that can affect indoor air quality; lack of ventilation, pollutants, humidity, and filtration systems.

Allergens and many other toxins, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), mold spores, carbon monoxide, and bacteria, can accrue in our homes if not addressed. Such accumulation may cause various health problems. Various researchers have proved that poor air quality is responsible for several respiratory diseases, allergies, asthma, and even lung cancer.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Testing Service

Image source:climateexperts.ca

Professional indoor air quality testing services assist in the identification and measurement of indoor air pollutants within a home. These services use specialists with tools and methods to determine air quality correctly. They can test your home and samples to determine the types and levels of pollutants in your home. This information helps them to come up with a personal plan to improve the quality of air as per your needs.

Advantages of Hiring Professional Services to Test Air Quality in Your Home

Companies that provide good indoor air quality testing services are beneficial to you and your family. The following are some of these advantages;

1. Detection of Hidden Pollutants

IAQ testing services are able to detect pollutants that might be invisible to the human eye. Some common sources of indoor air pollutants include:

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are produced by paints, solvents and cleaning products and furniture.
  • Formaldehyde: Commonly used as raw materials in buildings and products used in households.
  • Mold and Mildew: Can grow in wet environments and pollute the air with spores and mycotoxins. Mold spores can grow in places with water and moisture problems. Mold testing includes testing samples from different areas of mold in your house to check if there is mold and its type.
  • Radon and Carbon Monoxide: These colorless, odorless gases are highly toxic and can be fatal to you if they enter your house. The paper also recommends the use of radon and carbon monoxide detectors for the detection of the two.
  • Allergens: Those with allergies must be careful about dander from their pets, dust mites, and pollen in their homes.
  • Particulate Matter: Particulate matter is defined as ambient air pollution, including dust, smoke, and pollen. Inhaling these particles can be dangerous, especially for those who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions.

There are some tests, such as radon tests and mold tests, that can be done to minimize the presence of mold or reduce the levels of radon which in turn can improve the poor indoor air quality and create a better indoor environment. One of the most efficient ways is to use a carbon monoxide detector to detect this gas which has no smell and color.

2. Preventing Health Issues is Crucial 

Protecting health and air quality is absolutely necessary for children and older adults. Low humidity in the aspects of indoor air quality may cause dry air which might promote respiratory problems. To avoid these problems a person can test and improve the bad air in the home. This ranges from allergies and respiratory diseases to serious conditions in the long term.

3. Checking the Efficiency of your HVAC 

Compare the services provided by the testing company. Some may conduct a more extensive set of tests in order to evaluate your indoor air quality better.

4. Checking Air Quality Requirements 

It must be made clear that each house and its occupants have their own IAQ needs. This is why indoor air quality monitor services address needs and offer solutions. From helping you increase ventilation to recommending the best air purifiers or focusing on certain pollutants in your house, these services will make recommendations specifically for your home.

Ventilation is required in order to have good indoor air quality. Ventilation removes pollutants from the home and introduces new air from the outside.

5. Offers Peace of Mind 

Finally, when you test your indoor air quality (IAQ) using professional testing services, you get relief, knowing you are taking a step to reduce the level of indoor air pollution in your living environment.

Take comfort in the fact that you have done everything possible to ensure the health and safety of your family. When you remove or cut down on the pollutants in your home, you’re creating clean air for everyone.

Choosing the Right Indoor Air Quality Testing Service Provider

Choosing a service provider for your indoor air quality testing is a very important decision. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a professional air quality testing service:

1. Credentials and Experience

Make sure that the testing service provider is licensed and has prior experience in carrying IAQ testing. Ensure there is evidence of accreditations by credible bodies and positive feedbacks from past clients.

2. Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations

Find out if the testing service provider implements quality standards as well as guidelines from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Regulatory requirements help in the accuracy of the test kits and the tests themselves.

3. Range of Services Offered

Compare the services provided by the testing company. Some may conduct a more extensive set of tests in order to evaluate your indoor air quality better.

4. Transparency and Reporting

Check that a service provider provides detailed reporting of the test results. Transparency in information disclosure is necessary for interpretation and action.

5. Cost and Timing

Explain the prices of the testing services and the time to expect testing. Note that quality service is often a matter of a reasonable cost.

Conclusion 

Air quality inside a building or a home is one of the things that should not be overlooked. As we spend more than half our time indoors it becomes very important that we should have air that is free of pollutants for our health. IAQ testing services also help to assess the nature and extent of contaminants in homes and other buildings in order to take corrective actions to enhance IAQ. These services may help us avoid health problems, make our homes more energy efficient, and create a safer environment for us and our family members. And so never neglect air quality – take a step towards a healthier home by getting in touch with an indoor air quality testing company today.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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