Although very important, air quality is an aspect of home safety that is often overlooked. Harmful chemicals and toxic agents can spread through the air in your home and begin to affect your health over time. There are several kits and home testers that can be purchased at home supply stores. However, you should use the services of a professional to help check the air quality at home.
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Part 1 of 3: Testing Air Quality at Home Alone
Step 1. Purchase an air quality monitor
Today, there are air quality monitors on sale to effectively detect (and record over time) the air quality inside the home. These devices typically test levels of PM2.5 (small dust particles and allergens inhaled from the air), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds aka volatile organic compounds, such as chemical pollutants), temperature, and humidity (for mold).
- Some of the most reliable air quality monitors on the market are the Foobot, Awair, Speck, and Air Mentor 6 in 1.
- These devices are usually priced between Rp. 500,000-Rp. 3,000,000.
Step 2. Check for signs and symptoms of fungus
Usually, fungal infestations at home can be detected using the eyes and nose. If you notice a musty odor coming from certain parts of your home, and it doesn't go away after cleaning, it's best to get tested by a professional.
You should also look for signs of mold growth, such as the appearance of black dots, water spots, or areas that are very humid in the house
Step 3. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of the house
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is a by-product of many household appliances (such as stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, water heaters, and grills). This gas is dangerous if inhaled so it is important to always have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of the house to warn you if the CO level in your home is high enough.
- Place the detector close to the bed so that the alarm can be heard when you are asleep.
- Make sure you replace the detector battery regularly. As a rule, the detector battery needs to be replaced about every 6 months, although the duration depends on the model used.
Step 4. Do a radon test at home
Radon is a radioactive gas that is created naturally when uranium breaks down. This gas can be found in soil and well water, and can sometimes contaminate human homes. The only way to prevent radon contamination is through testing. You can buy a radon tester at a home supply store.
- Most tests involve reading the charcoal by leaving the sensor material at home, then collecting it after a set amount of time for later analysis in the laboratory.
- In the United States, the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers discounts on test kits that can be purchased online at
Step 5. Use an air purifier
This machine is very useful in improving the air quality at home, especially for those who suffer from allergic disorders. Electronic air purifiers/air purifiers are usually the most effective because they remove dust particles and other allergens from the air more efficiently than filtered purifiers.
Place an air purifier in the bedroom for best results. As such, you'll generally get the benefits of the machine longer (while sleeping) than other locations in the house
Step 6. Replace the air filter every few months
When in doubt, you should replace your air filter. The air filter in a typical home needs to be replaced once every 90 days, but if you feel that the air quality in your home is bad enough, you can replace it more often.
- The employer of a pet dog or cat at home will need to change the air filter for 60 days.
- If you (or other family members) have allergies, replace the air filter every 20-45 days.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Professional Help
Step 1. Use a professional to test the air quality at home
If you suspect that the air quality in your home is quite poor, contact a professional who can test the air quality and provide informed advice. Ask a friend, a realtor, or a construction company for a referral to a qualified specialist in your area. Professionals can test for water quality degradation due to:
- Indoor mushrooms
- Tin based paint
- Dust particles and other allergens
- Air pollution due to smoke.
- Air freshener, candles and incense.
- Home cleaner.
- Combustion of particles or gases.
Step 2. Use a radon specialist to test for radon at home
If you suspect that your radon levels are abnormal at home, seek the services of a professional to fix the problem. You can contact your city or state health department for a list of recommended professionals to help remove radon from your home.
In the United States, there is an interactive map from the Environmental Protection Agency for finding radon professionals in the area: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state -contact-information
Step 3. Use a professional test if you need official test results
If you are buying or selling a home, air testing is often one of the loan contingencies to watch out for, especially in areas with high levels of pollution due to pollution or natural causes (eg frequent forest fires). In this case, home air quality testing is not sufficient.
- Use the services of a professional who has experience testing the air quality in your home, preferably one recommended by a realtor, lender, or home inspector.
- If you don't have a professional recommendation, try doing some internet research by reading customer reviews of professionals in your area.
- You can also ensure the professionalism of the service provider by checking the certification in the field, for example in the United States, there is a membership certification of the Indoor Air Quality Association (indoor air quality association) or the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (international association of certified indoor air consultants).
Part 3 of 3: Watching for Symptoms of Poor Air Quality
Step 1. Watch for an increase in allergy symptoms
Allergic sensitivities are usually associated with changes in weather or seasons, but it can also be caused by irritants in the air at home. If you notice a significant increase in allergy symptoms, we recommend testing the air quality at home. Some of the common symptoms of allergies include:
- Coughs
- Sneeze
- Watery eyes
- Nasal decongestion (runny nose)
- Headache
- Nosebleed/bloody nose
Step 2. Watch for any new or strange health symptoms
You may think that your illness has nothing to do with the air quality in your home. Usually, this is true, but certain contaminants (such as asbestos, poisonous mushrooms, and other chemicals) can have a negative impact on your health, especially if you seem to have frequent bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis. Test your home air quality if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dizzy
- Nausea
- Rash
- Fever
- Shivering
- Fatigue
Step 3. Monitor the presence of construction in the house or neighbors
Home construction can affect air quality. When there is a renovation or new construction project, the air is exposed to dust particles, chemicals, and other harmful substances that collect in the HVAC system and begin to circulate throughout the house.
