How To Check the Air Quality in Your Home

Physical Symptoms

If you notice any of these common symptoms that don’t seem to have a cause, poor IAQ could be to blame:

• Frequent coughing
  
• Sneezing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Chest tightness
  
• Wheezing
  
• Itchy or watery eyes
  
• Dryness or irritation in the eyes, nose and throat
  
• Runny nose
  
• Skin rashes
  
• Persistent tiredness
  
• Headaches
  
• Dizziness
  
• Chronic conditions become worse (including asthma, allergies and cardiovascular issues)

Environmental Signs

In addition to physical symptoms, there are environmental indicators that your home may have poor air quality:

• Visible Mold and Mildew: Mold growth on walls, ceilings and around windows is a clear sign of excess moisture and poor ventilation, both of which can degrade air quality.
  
• Lingering Odors: Persistent smells from cooking, smoking or chemical cleaners that don’t dissipate quickly may indicate inadequate ventilation and the buildup of pollutants.
  
• Excessive Dust: If dust accumulates rapidly on surfaces despite regular cleaning, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is not effectively filtering the air.
  
• High Humidity Levels: Humidity levels above 50% can promote mold growth and increase the concentration of airborne pollutants. The EPA recommends maintaining humidity levels between 30-50% to reduce the risk of mold and other pollutants.

Six ways to check your home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Monitoring your home’s indoor air quality is critical for ensuring your family’s safety and health. Here are six easy ways to keep track of your home’s IAQ.

Tip: Consider investing in a smart air filter that not only monitors air quality but also automatically adjusts its settings to clean the air when pollutants are detected. This can be especially beneficial for maintaining consistently good IAQ without much effort.

Tip: To discourage mold growth, keep humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. You can monitor humidity with a hygrometer and use dehumidifiers in damp areas to maintain optimal humidity levels.

3. Test for Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into your home from the ground. According to the EPA, it’s the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the United States, making it crucial to test your home for radon, especially if you live in an area with high radon levels.

• How to Test: Purchase a radon test kit from a hardware store or online. These kits are easy to use and typically involve leaving the test in your home for a few days before sending it to a lab for analysis.
  
  You may be able to find free radon test kits in your area online by searching for your state + “free radon test kit.” Alternatively, consider investing in a continuous radon monitor for ongoing safety.
  
• Why It’s Important: Since radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only way to know if it’s present in your home. According to the EPA, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. If levels are high, you may need to install a radon mitigation system.
  

Tip: Check to see if you live in an area with high radon levels using these radon maps from the EPA. View Tennessee’s radon map here and learn how Tennessee residents can get a free radon test kit here.

4. Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that can build up in your home if fuel-burning appliances, like stoves, water heaters, furnaces or fireplaces are not functioning properly. Since CO is colorless and odorless, it's critical to have a reliable method for detecting it, especially if you have natural gas appliances.

• How to Monitor: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances. These detectors will alert you if CO levels become dangerous.
  
• Why It’s Important: Early detection of carbon monoxide can save lives, as prolonged exposure to high levels of CO can be fatal. According to the CDC, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning (not linked to fires) every year, and more than 100,000 people go to the ER for this reason—making CO monitors a critical device in every household.
  

Tip: Consider using a smart carbon monoxide detector that sends alerts to your phone. That way, you can quickly respond even if you’re not there. This is especially helpful if you have pets or relatives who stay home while you’re at work.

• How to Check: Use an air quality monitor that can detect VOCs or conduct a "sniff test" to identify strong chemical odors in your home. You can also check the labels of household items for ventilation warnings.
  
  If you suspect high VOC levels, increase ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans.

Household products that commonly have VOCs include:

• paints, paint strippers and other solvents
• wood preservatives
• aerosol sprays
• cleansers and disinfectants
• moth repellents and air fresheners
• stored fuels and automotive products
• hobby supplies
• dry-cleaned clothing
• pesticide
• building materials and furnishings
• office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
• graphics and craft materials, including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.
• Why It’s Important: Reducing VOCs in your home can improve air quality and reduce the risk of health issues associated with chemical exposure. The EPA notes that some VOCs are known to have both short- and long-term adverse health effects, making it crucial to minimize exposure.
  
• Tip: When purchasing new household products, look for those labeled as “low-VOC” or “no-VOC” to minimize the introduction of these pollutants into your home. Additionally, consider using air purifiers with activated carbon filters to reduce VOC levels.

• Why It’s Important: Reducing dust and allergens can significantly improve indoor air quality, making your home more comfortable, especially for those with respiratory issues. The American Lung Association recommends using HEPA filters to trap and remove fine particles from the air, which can help prevent respiratory symptoms.
  

Tip: Replace HVAC filters regularly. The EPB Energy ProsSM recommend replacing your air filters every three months, or monthly if you have pets, to ensure your HVAC system effectively filters your air and to maximize its energy efficiency.

For added protection, consider using a smart air filter that automatically adjusts based on the air quality in your home.