How to Test Air Quality in Your Home

HOW TO TEST HOW TO TEST Air Quality in Your Home Air Quality in Your Home

– Inadequate ventilation – Health problems – Unusual odors – Older homes – Inadequate ventilation – Health problems – Unusual odors – Older homes Signs and Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality Signs and Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality

STEP 1: Install an indoor air quality monitor. STEP 1: Install an indoor air quality monitor. Some monitors use electrochemical sensors that detect toxins while others estimate particulate matter that passes in front of a laser. Choose a monitor that detects the pollutants you’re concerned about. Some monitors use electrochemical sensors that detect toxins while others estimate particulate matter that passes in front of a laser. Choose a monitor that detects the pollutants you’re concerned about. Our Recommendation: Vivosun Air Quality Detector at Amazon for $49.99 Our Recommendation: Vivosun Air Quality Detector at Amazon for $49.99 *BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

STEP 2: Test for mold. STEP 2: Test for mold. Mold tests come in various formats, including swabs, tape strips, air pumps, and petri dish tests. Mold tests come in various formats, including swabs, tape strips, air pumps, and petri dish tests. Our Recommendation: Seeml Labs DIY Mold 3 Test Kit at Amazon for $33.99 Our Recommendation: Seeml Labs DIY Mold 3 Test Kit at Amazon for $33.99

STEP 3: Perform a radon test at home. STEP 3: Perform a radon test at home. Radon can seep into a home through the foundation until the gas reaches harmful levels. Short-term tests take about 90 days or less, while long-term tests can take several months. Radon can seep into a home through the foundation until the gas reaches harmful levels. Short-term tests take about 90 days or less, while long-term tests can take several months. Our Recommendation: Airthings 2989 View Radon at Amazon for $199.99 Our Recommendation: Airthings 2989 View Radon at Amazon for $199.99

STEP 4: Install a carbon monoxide detector. STEP 4: Install a carbon monoxide detector. There should be a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the home and near sleeping areas. There should be a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the home and near sleeping areas. Our Recommendation: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon for $29.90 Our Recommendation: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon for $29.90

Next Steps for Improving Indoor Air Quality Next Steps for Improving Indoor Air Quality Check your HVAC system to make sure it’s functioning at peak efficiency. Increase the airflow in your home by periodically opening the windows and using fans to circulate the air. Check your HVAC system to make sure it’s functioning at peak efficiency. Increase the airflow in your home by periodically opening the windows and using fans to circulate the air.

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