How to Measure Pollutant Levels at Home
What are you breathing in when you’re inside your home? Homeowners are becoming more aware that their air quality impacts their health and comfort in their homes, and that they can do something about that air quality. But the first step to taking charge of your air quality is to understand what pollutants you’re dealing with. Otherwise, how can you choose the right solutions? Here is how to measure your pollutant levels at home.
Air Quality Tests
The best way to measure your air quality is with professional testing. HVAC professionals can test your air for a wide variety of pollutants. Professionals can test for levels of these contaminants:
- Radon
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Allergens
- Mold spores
- Bacteria
- Viruses
The professionals can also assess carbon dioxide levels in your home. We exhale carbon dioxide, so you’ll have some level of it in your air. However, having too much of this gas is a sign that your home doesn’t have enough ventilation, which can create poor air quality that feels stale.
You can also ask HVAC professionals to test your home’s humidity levels. While they will fluctuate throughout the year, it is a good idea to get an idea of what you’re dealing with, whether your conditions are too wet or too dry, and what can be done about it.
Are you looking to speak with a HVAC expert? Contact the team at Tempasure Heating and Air Conditioning today!
Air Quality Monitors
An air quality test will give you a snapshot picture of how your air is right now. However, you can also buy monitors that will give you constant feedback for some of the most important aspects of air quality. When the pollutant is dangerous, these monitors are alarms. The potential monitors you can have in your home include:
- Air quality monitors: These monitors can alert you to many different aspects of your air quality all at once, including measures like airborne particulate matter and VOCs.
- Radon detector: In areas where radon is a concern, these detectors are highly valuable to alert you about this potentially dangerous gas.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Most homes in Ontario are required to have one of these detectors by law. They can alert you to carbon monoxide, which is potentially deadly.
- Humidity gauges: These monitors can alert you to changing humidity conditions so you know when to turn your humidifier on and off.
Indoor Air Quality Improvements
So, you have discovered that you have poor air quality in one or more aspects. What can you do? There are a few air quality tools you have at your disposal, including:
- Humidifiers: Most in Ontario will find that they need humidifiers in the winter to improve their home’s moisture levels and relieve dryness.
- Air purification: HEPA filters are ideal air purifiers for your home and can help you remove many of the pollutants you may be worried about.
- Ventilation: Ventilation is important to create fresh air, cycle out carbon dioxide, and remove other pollutants.
Are you looking for an HVAC specialist to measure the level of pollutants in your home? Contact our air quality experts today.