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9 Ways to Determine If Your Home Has Poor Air Quality

The air quality in your home can greatly impact your health and well-being. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, below are tips for determining whether you need to take steps to improve the air quality in your home. Knowing how to recognize potential signs of poor indoor air quality will help you identify if there is an issue, and take the steps necessary to fix it.

1. Look For Visible Mold

Mold grows due to excessive moisture and the lack of proper ventilation. Excess moisture or water damage can cause mold to grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, and other surfaces.  It often appears as black or green spots on walls, floors, ceilings, or other surfaces and spreads.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to ventilate your home regularly and keep moisture levels low by using a dehumidifier. Also, inspect any areas of your home prone to water damage, such as the basement or around pipes.

2. Check for Signs of Pests

Pests such as cockroaches and rodents can also indicate poor air quality. These pests can carry diseases and trigger allergies, especially in large numbers. Signs of pests such as droppings, trails, nests, or bites can indicate poor air quality in your home. To check for any signs of pests, it is essential to regularly inspect your home and all areas that may be prone to pest activity. This includes cracks or crevices in walls and floors, windows, under or behind furniture, and inside cupboards. 

3. Look For Water Stains or Leaks

When water accumulates in any area it creates the perfect conditions for mold growth, which is one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution. These water spots can indicate excessive moisture in the air, leading to mold growth and other health issues. 

Humidity levels that are too high can cause water to condensate on walls and ceilings and are often accompanied by a musty odor. If you find any signs of water damage, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of mold spores and other contaminants in your home.

4. Look For Dust Buildup

Dust can contain many airborne particles, such as pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. These particles can cause various respiratory problems, including allergies and asthma attacks. Furthermore, dust buildup can also lead to other problems, such as clogged air ducts and ventilation systems. 

If you notice a layer of dust on your furniture or in the air, your home will likely have poor air quality. To reduce dust levels, vacuum regularly and frequently clean to remove dust buildup. Additionally, increase ventilation in your home by opening doors and windows to help bring in fresh air that can help improve indoor air quality.

5. Increased Allergic Episodes

Allergies result from airborne particles such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that can become trapped inside a house or apartment with poor ventilation. If not properly ventilated and filtered, these particles can build up over time, leading to increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, and itchy eyes. 

Taking measures such as installing HEPA filters or getting rid of any old carpets or furniture can help improve the air quality of your home and reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction. If you find that switching to a more natural cleaning product does not help, it may be time to invest in an air purifier or ventilator to improve the air quality within your home further.

6. Skin Irritation

Exposure to low-quality air can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Chronic exposure to this type of air can even lead to eczema and other conditions. Poor air quality can also trigger existing allergies and asthma attacks, causing further irritation and discomfort. Additionally, low humidity levels can reduce the skin’s ability to hold moisture, resulting in dryness and itchiness.

7. Fatigue or Dizziness

Indoor air quality plays a major role in your performance and health. Poor indoor air quality can make you feel tired, dizzy, or fatigued even if you’ve not put in much effort. It can also make you feel listless and unable to concentrate. If you’re feeling tired more than usual, it is a sign that something might be wrong with the air quality in your home. 

8. Difficulties with Sleep

Poor air quality can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, frequent awakenings during the night, and general fatigue even after a full night’s rest. Additionally, studies have found that people exposed to high levels of pollutants are more likely to suffer from insomnia than those living in areas with better air quality.

Common sources of indoor air pollution that can make it difficult to sleep include chemicals and particles from combustion, such as those found in stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, or tobacco smoke. Also, house dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can increase the presence of airborne allergens that can make breathing more difficult while you sleep.

9. Inspect Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system provides a comfortable temperature and fresh air circulation inside your home. If the system is not functioning correctly, it can lead to poor air quality and health risks. To ensure that your home is safe and healthy, it is important to inspect your HVAC system routinely.

When inspecting your HVAC system, you should look for signs of dirt or debris around the vents and ducts. If there is an accumulation of dust or dirt present, this could indicate that you need to change your air filter. You should also check the air registers to ensure they are not blocked or obstructed. Additionally, you can inspect the condition of your system’s blower motor, coils, and evaporator fins for visible signs of wear or damage. Finally, listen for any strange sounds, such as rattling or loud humming, that may indicate an issue.

Why You Need a Professional to Work on Your Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can lead to many long-term health problems, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and heart disease. With this in mind, hiring a professional for any work affecting indoor air quality is crucial. A professional has the knowledge, experience, and tools to provide your home or business with the best air quality possible. 

Furthermore, they will have access to the latest technological advances and techniques that can help improve indoor air quality quickly and efficiently. A professional will be able to identify and eliminate any sources of indoor air pollutants that may be present in your space, as well as provide you with the best options for maintenance and prevention.

In conclusion, taking the necessary steps to test and improve indoor air quality is important for protecting yourself, your family, and anyone else who spends time in the house. At Revival, we have the latest technology and highly trained professionals to help you identify and remove any sources of unhealthy air that might be present in your home. Besides air quality improvement services, we also offer other HVAC services such as installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Contact Revival Heating and Cooling today and let us help you ensure a safe and healthy environment in your home.