5 Indications You Should Test Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is important for a variety of health and practical reasons. Whether you're worried about people and property in your home or a place of business, an indoor air quality assessment can help you figure things out. If you've noticed any of the following problems, you should ask about professional indoor air quality testing.

Musty Smells

People often dismiss these types of smells, especially if they originate in expected places. For example, most folks assume a basement might smell a little funky if it hasn't been aired out in a while.

However, the build-up of musty scents is never a good thing. It is oftentimes a sign that mold is growing. Even if the HVAC system in a building is very tight, those bits of mold will eventually migrate elsewhere and create problems. Mold can get into the walls without you noticing it, and humidity can carry it through a home or business.

Respiratory Illnesses

If people living or working in a building are constantly suffering from respiratory problems, the building's air could be making them sick. Bear in mind that this goes beyond allergens. A poorly ventilated building can collect bacteria and viruses, for example, and these can sicken people.

Similarly, some regions of the country are prone to a naturally-occurring gas called radon. This is a radioactive gas that can cause symptoms, not unlike those of respiratory illnesses. An indoor air quality evaluation can help you to look for potential culprits.

Condensation

Condensation can develop in places with indoor air quality issues. Oftentimes, this happens when the climate control systems stop working as well as they used to. The moisture can promote mold and bacteria growth, leading to some of the previously noted problems.

High Filter Replacement Rates

Many systems use air filters to prevent indoor air quality trouble from affecting their operations. For example, a furnace usually has a filter designed to keep debris out of the main heating unit. If you end up replacing the filters more often than the system's manufacturer indicates, that may indicate air quality issues.

Constant Cleaning

Dust can settle on lots of objects if the air quality in a building is poor. People often assume this is a normal process, but you shouldn't need to dust constantly to keep up. You may need to track down the potential sources of the dust, and an indoor air quality assessment is a good place to start.