You may not be all that concerned about indoor air quality; after all, you can’t see it, so why worry? Because if people in your household suffer from serious respiratory problems, such as allergies, bronchial infections, and chronic coughs and sniffles, you might need to look into ways to measure air quality.
Assessing Your Home’s Air Quality
The only sure way to assess your air quality is to either hire a professional to measure levels of airborne pollutants or by buying an air-quality monitor. These devices can measure levels of dust and volatile organic compounds (gases). Some monitors may also measure humidity, which can be an indicator you have conditions that are likely to foster mold. (Mold reproduces by means of spores, which can aggravate respiratory conditions.)
You should also install a carbon monoxide detector to measure CO, which is given off by fuel-burning appliances.
Radon-testing kits are available that will help you detect this naturally occurring gas. Radon, a radioactive, cancer-causing gas, is found in certain soils and can seep into a home. You can also have your home tested by a professional, who may be able to install a radon barrier to prevent the gas from entering the home.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
If your home has airtight construction with little ventilation, chances are the indoor air quality is not great. Pollutants can build up and could make your household’s occupants sick.
Installing a ventilation system can help. Talk to your HVAC consultant about which type of ventilation system (exhaust, supply, balanced, or heat or energy recovery ventilation) could work best in your home.
Installing a good-quality air filter can also improve air quality. Choose a dense filter rated 8 to 12 on the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) scale.
Also, check into acquiring an air purifier, either whole-home or portable. Talk to your HVAC consultant about the best type of air purification for your home.
Curious about other ways to measure air quality? Contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning of Lorain.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area