Why You Should Consider Having Your Home's Air Quality Tested

Most people don’t think much about the air inside their home until something goes wrong. But the air in most buildings is far more polluted than the air outside, and that’s a real concern when you spend about 90% of your time indoors. The good news is that there are options to fix it. The first step is always an air quality test, which tells you exactly what’s in your air so you know the right way to address it.

Why Indoor Air Pollution Is Such a Major Concern

Indoor air pollution is a serious problem that affects almost all homes and other buildings. According to the EPA, the level of pollution is typically somewhere three to five times higher in indoor air when compared with outside. This is because most building materials, furniture, electronics, cleaning products, and many other things in the typical home continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful pollutants in the air. Cooking is also a major source of indoor air pollution.

A lot of homes are also full of allergens like dust mites and pollen. An even bigger issue is mold spores, which can result from water damage, condensation, and high indoor humidity. Down here in South Louisiana, humidity is a year-round battle, and that makes mold a constant concern. Mold is a major allergen on its own, and some types are toxic and can cause serious health problems.

How Air Quality Testing Works and Why It’s Important

When you have an air quality test performed in your home, office, or any other building, a technician will use highly specialized, sensitive equipment to measure the concentration of various airborne pollutants. An air quality test can also detect the presence of mold spores in the building, which is important so that you can then have remediation performed to overcome your mold problem.

The main reason an air quality test matters is that it shows you exactly what’s in your air so you’re not guessing. Once a technician knows the specific issues, they can recommend the right equipment. For instance, a whole-home dehumidifier works well for preventing mold since high indoor humidity is one of the biggest contributors to mold growth. A UV light system installed in your ductwork or air handler is another good option for killing mold spores, bacteria, and viruses before they circulate through your home.

We’ve been improving indoor air quality in Acadiana homes since 1956, and testing is always where we start. If you’ve noticed musty smells, increased allergy symptoms, or just want to know what you’re breathing, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646 to schedule an air quality test.