IAQ Testing in Tolleson
The EPA recommends scheduling IAQ testing every two years at a minimum. Radon is the main reason for this recommendation. It’s a gas that you can’t see, smell or taste.
Radon is the top cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. It can also appear suddenly, which is why testing once isn’t good enough. The EPA also encourages testing after any major home improvement project such as a renovation or an addition.
Homeowners with appliances that burn fuel should also schedule regular IAQ services. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a concern with furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, and so forth that burn natural gas, fuel oil, or propane.
Through testing, you can ensure that these appliances exhaust their gases properly. You can also have your CO detectors tested and replaced as needed.
Mold is a common contributor to poor indoor air quality as well. If our team finds airborne mold in the home, it could be because of high humidity levels or even overwatered houseplants. In worst-case scenarios, it may mean you have water intrusion and damage that has gone unnoticed.
Testing can identify elevated levels of particulate matter (PM). There are large, fine, and ultra-fine particles. Large PM is what you think of us allergens, including dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Fine and ultra-fine PM is what you associate with smog and other ambient air pollution. It’s not uncommon to find such particles in homes on busy roads that get inundated with automobile exhaust.
Testing can also help you identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs). High levels of VOCs can be quite dangerous. Heating appliances and furnishings are common culprits. You can also introduce VOCs to your home by improperly storing paints, pesticides, and so on.
Options to improve air quality include the following:
- MERV 13 HVAC filters
- Air purifiers
- UV lamps
- Dehumidifiers
- Humidifiers
COPD and IAQ: How Air Quality Affects Your Symptoms
