One of the most essential components of a safe home is the air we breathe while indoors. While you might think the air in your home is pure, you might not be aware of hidden dangers. There are many factors that contribute to the overall air quality in your home.
One of the best ways to ensure optimum air quality is to schedule regular vent cleaning from a professional duct cleaning company. This should be done every two to four years to promote healthy air in your home.
Air Quality Testing
How much does air quality testing cost? Is it worth it? The answer to the latter questions is, yes, it is definitely worth it. Testing the air quality in your home is the best way to ensure that your home environment is free from pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. The cost of the testing may vary per the type of testing that needs to be performed. The average range for testing air quality may range from $50 to $150. It is best to call around to get a quote before scheduling an appointment.
Types of Air Pollutants
There are several types of contaminants that may be affecting the air quality in your home or condo. Below is a brief breakdown of each.
Combustive Сontaminants
These include tobacco smoke and carbon monoxide. Everyone knows that smoking can cause issues such as lung cancer and other types of cancers. Stale tobacco smoke can become trapped in your air vents and then be dispersed throughout your home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, otherwise known as the silent killer, is a serious issue. As carbon monoxide can not be detected by scent, it is imperative to test your air quality. Undetected carbon monoxide can lead to unconsciousness and even fatality.
Chemical Pollutants
Сommon chemical pollutants include radon (radium), formaldehyde, and lead.
They also include what are known as VOCs. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are essentially organic compounds that can form vapors. Common VOCs include household disinfectants and cleaners, paint, craft supplies, and office equipment.
It is important to test for these pollutants as they can cause short-term issues such as itchy or watery eyes, fatigue, breathing issues, nausea, and brain fog, to name a few. Long-term, if not resolved, can lead to issues such as damage to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Biological Contaminants
These consist of mold, dust mites, pollen, dander, and other bacteria that lurk in your home. If not removed, they can lead to serious problems for those who suffer from allergy issues as well as respiratory conditions.
Mold is extremely dangerous, especially black mold, and should be resolved as soon as possible once it has been detected.
Tips to Prevent Air Pollution
- Ventilation: It is always ideal to allow fresh air into your home whenever possible. This includes opening windows and doors, as well as using exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
- Filters: Change and/or clean the air filters in your heating system, central air system, and/or window or portable air conditioning units often to help promote clean air.
- Cleaning: A clean home is a happy home. Not to mention healthy. Regular cleaning such as vacuuming and dusting will prevent mold, dust mites, dander, and other allergens from becoming a part of the air you breathe.
- Control Humidity levels: Excessive amounts of humidity in your home can lead to mold and mildew growth. You can help lower the amount of humidity in your home by using exhaust fans and opening windows. As well, you should store firewood outdoors, limit the number of indoor plants and hang your wet clothes outside to dry. All of these steps can greatly lower the humidity level in your home.
As well, if you wish to ensure that the air quality in your home is safe, you can purchase an air quality monitor as well as a carbon monoxide detector. In addition, you should monitor the health of anyone residing in your home. Increases in allergies and worsening respiratory systems can be signs of poor air quality.
More questions about air quality testing? Give us a call at Comfort Clean. We can give you further advice, as well as book a time for vent cleaning. Call us today for more info as well as free quotes!
