How To Test Air Quality In Your Home (Easy & Cheap)

Why It's Important to Test the Air Quality in Your Home

If you’re wondering whether the air quality of your home affects your family’s health, the answer is yes! Poor air quality in your home can cause various problems, including health issues like allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems that affect your ability to breathe and sleep.

Identifying what’s causing the poor air quality in your home can also help you catch hazardous pollutants before they become a major problem. Additionally, better air can improve your sleep, focus and mental health, as well as keep your home and clothes smelling fresh and clean! Keep reading to learn how to identify, test and improve your home’s air quality.

1. You notice unusual and persistent odors. If you’ve noticed a recurring, persistent smell in your home, no matter how much cleaning you do, the culprit may be poor air quality.
2. You see excessive dust and allergen buildup on surfaces. Does it feel like your home stays dusty no matter how much you clean? You could be experiencing air quality issues. Excessive dust and allergen buildup are a direct result of impure air.
3. You develop new or worsening respiratory problems. If you, your pets or anyone in your household have recently developed respiratory problems, including coughing, sneezing or wheezing, or experienced worsened symptoms, poor air quality might be at play.
4. You experience frequent headaches or feel tired all the time. Poor air quality can lead to frequent headaches and fatigue, especially if you’re having trouble sleeping.
5. You see mold spores and moisture on your walls, ceilings or floors. The most obvious sign of poor air quality in your home is visible mold and moisture spots on the surfaces in your home. If you see these, you more than likely are experiencing decreased air quality.

How Is Air Quality Measured?

Because a variety of factors lead to poor air quality, there are several different ways to test your home’s air quality for pollutants. Below, you’ll find information about the different types of air quality tests, how they work and how effective they are.

These devices can detect changes to your air quality almost instantly, so you’ll know the minute your air quality changes. This will help you catch potential issues before they develop into larger, more expensive problems.

Often, air quality monitors are smart devices that come with a smartphone app that displays easy-to-read details about your home’s air quality. You may be able to set up alerts that warn you when your air quality changes.

You can also purchase mini air filters that come with built-in air quality monitors. These smart air filters typically clean the air of an entire room and connect to an app on your smartphone that notifies you of changes in air quality.

If you’re considering purchasing air filters for your home, check to see whether they come with an air filter to make the most of your investment.

When You Need It

You may need an air quality monitor if any of the following is true for your household:

• You experience unexplained recurring respiratory issues.
  
• Excessive dust collects in the air or on surfaces.
  
• You can smell odors that don’t go away when you clean.
  
• Your home is extremely humid inside.
  
• Your home has recently been remodeled.
  
• You or someone you live with is immunocompromised or has chronic respiratory issues, like asthma or lung illnesses.
  

🛟 Safety Tip: If you live with someone who has asthma or extreme allergies, use this resource from aafa.org to create an action plan with your doctor in case of an emergency.

How It Works

Indoor air quality monitors identify and measure the levels of common airborne pollutants and particles, providing real-time, easy-to-understand feedback about the air in your home. These devices can rapidly detect changes in quality, allowing you to quickly take action to avoid bigger issues, like a mold outbreak.

Most modern versions can also be programmed and controlled with an app on your smartphone.

How Much It Costs

Indoor air quality monitors come in a wide range of prices, catering to different needs and budgets. Basic models, which typically measure key pollutants, like dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can be quite affordable, often starting at around $50.

On the higher end, advanced models that are equipped with features such as enhanced accuracy, connectivity options and additional sensors for detecting a broader range of pollutants can cost several hundred dollars.

The price of an indoor air quality monitor is influenced by several factors. The brand plays a significant role, with well-known and reputable brands generally commanding higher prices due to their reliability and customer support. Features and accuracy are also critical: models with higher precision, advanced sensors and comprehensive data analytics capabilities tend to be more expensive. Additionally, connectivity options, such as integration with smart home systems and mobile apps, can add to the cost.

When considering the cost of air quality monitors, it's worth noting that some mini air filters come equipped with built-in air quality monitors. These smart devices not only purify the air in an entire room but also connect to a smartphone app that alerts you to any changes in air quality.

For those investing in home air filters, selecting models with integrated air quality monitoring can enhance the value of your purchase by ensuring you are constantly informed about the air quality in your living space.

While the initial investment in a quality air monitor might seem high, it can potentially save you money in the long run by helping prevent respiratory illnesses and other health issues caused by poor indoor air quality. This could lead to reduced healthcare costs and a healthier living environment.

It's also important to consider the possibility of recurring costs. Some air quality monitors require periodic replacement of sensors or filters, which can add to the overall expense over time. However, these recurring costs are usually minimal compared to the benefits of maintaining good air quality.

Ultimately, purchasing an indoor air quality monitor should be seen as an investment in your health and well-being rather than just a one-time purchase. Like most appliances, there is a wide variety available, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for every home and budget.

🛟 Safety Tip: If your carbon monoxide detector alarm goes off, you’ll need to evacuate your family and pets from your home immediately and call 9-1-1—no matter how early or late it is. Ignoring high levels of carbon monoxide could be fatal. Use this guide from ready.gov now to create a family action plan for what to do in an emergency.

When You Need It (Hint: Always—Carbon monoxide detectors are needed in all homes)

Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, but there are some cases where it’s especially critical:

• If you have fuel-burning appliances in your home, such as a furnace, fireplace or stove.
  
• If you have an attached garage (running vehicles release CO).
  
• If your current detector is more than seven years old.
  

🛟 Safety Tip: Play it safe by replacing your carbon monoxide detector with a new one every seven years (or as indicated in the instruction manual).

How It Works

Carbon monoxide detectors operate by sensing the presence of CO in the air and triggering an alarm when the concentration reaches a dangerous level. Advanced models may feature digital displays that provide real-time readings of CO levels. Some CO detectors come equipped with smart capabilities, allowing them to send alerts directly to your smartphone.

Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is effectively detecting CO levels by testing it regularly and performing all maintenance schedules recommended by the instruction manual. They function most effectively when installed near sleeping areas, where occupants are most vulnerable during the night.

How Much It Costs

The price of carbon monoxide detectors can vary greatly, ranging from as low as $20 to as high as $100 or more. Factors affecting the cost include the brand, features and the device's internal technology. For instance, models with digital displays or smart capabilities may cost more than models that just make a sound when CO is detected.

While basic models offer essential features such as high-decibel alarms, more advanced, expensive ones can provide additional benefits like voice alerts and connectivity to your home security system. You can purchase a carbon monoxide detector once every seven years (or fewer if it comes with an app that lets you know when it’s time to replace it) but remember to budget for the ongoing costs of battery replacement.

When You Need It

Mold kits detect mold growth early and can let you know there’s mold before it’s visible. Using a mold kit can help you take care of a mold problem before it grows out of control.

Here are some of the many situations where using a mold kit could benefit you:

• You notice musty or mildewy odors.
• Your walls, floors, ceilings or furniture experience water damage.
• The air inside your home is excessively humid.
• You experience new or persistent allergy symptoms.
• Your home has recently survived a water-related natural disaster, like flooding, severe storms or hurricanes.
• Your home is humid and doesn’t have air conditioning.

🛟 Safety Tip: If you are worried about mold growing in your home, add testing your home for mold with a DIY kit to your regular maintenance schedule.

How It Works

Mold kits allow you to check for mold on surfaces using a swab and petri dish—like an at-home science lab! Typically, you simply use a swab to collect a sample from a surface you would like to test, such as walls or floors. You then transfer this sample to the petri dish and allow for any potential mold growth to bloom.

The kit you purchase should come with specific instructions on how to collect and read your results. Although this is useful if you suspect mold is in a specific area, it can’t tell you whether every surface in your home is mold-free. Some tests also lack the ability to give you details on what kind of mold is growing in your home.

How Much It Costs

Mold kits come in a wide range of costs, starting around $11 dollars and going up to about $50 dollars. This variance could be due to how many testing samples are in the kit or the brand.

If you need to test more than one area of your home, it might be worth the extra cost to get a kit that can test more than one area. Even at the top of the expected price range, mold kits are still extremely cost-effective for the benefit they provide to your home.

Since these kits can detect mold growth before it is visible, they can save you time and money by helping you prevent a larger mold problem down the road. However, keep in mind that some mold growth is so severe, it requires professional mold remediation.

3. Radon Test Kits

Radon test kits are used to measure radon levels in homes and buildings. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer if levels are too high. Since you can’t see or smell radon, a test kit is the only way to know if further professional testing and mitigation are needed.

Radon test kits are an affordable first step in identifying a potential radon problem.

When You Need It

The United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) recommends using a radon test kit in the following situations:

• If you’re purchasing a new home.
  
• If your home has previously tested positive for radon levels above 4pCi/L.
  
• If your home is in a radon-prone area—Check the EPA’s Map of Radon Zones to find out for sure.
  
• If your home hasn’t been tested for radon previously.
  
• If your home has undergone a significant renovation that has disturbed the soil.
  
• If your home has living quarters in the basement.
  
• Periodically, over time—radon levels can fluctuate based on changes in the home and weather conditions.
  
• If your neighbor or a nearby structure tests positive for high radon levels.
  
• If you live with people who smoke—radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer for those who smoke.

How It Works

Radon test kits are designed to absorb and measure levels of radon gas in indoor air. Most radon test kits work like this:

• Follow the instructions to place your kit in the lowest occupied level of the home. If you have a basement that you or your family spends time in, this is typically where the kit will live during testing.
  
• Leave the kit undisturbed for a period of time, typically spanning a few days. The instructions that came with your kit should give you details on this.
  
• After the testing period, mail the kit to the lab for analysis. The kit will likely come with shipping packaging that already has an address and postage on it.
  
• At the lab, experts will measure the amount of radon absorbed by the kit and calculate the radon level in your home. Your kit’s instructions will tell you how to access the results of your test.

It's important to follow all instructions on the radon test kit to ensure accurate results. Several factors can affect the test results, including home ventilation and weather conditions.

If the level is above the EPA recommended level, you’ll need to hire a professional for further testing. The kit does not mitigate radon or replace professional remediation services—it is a screening tool to identify potential radon issues.

How Much It Costs

Radon test kits vary in price, typically starting around $15 and going up to $80 depending on the brand, quality and sensitivity of the kit. Some local organizations or governments may provide radon test kits for free.

Check epa.gov for more resources and information on where to find a radon test kit. You should always do your research before purchasing to be sure the test you get will suit your needs. Even the higher-end tests are worth the cost, since they’re more affordable than fixing hazardous radon levels or treating medical issues caused by radon.

🛟 Safety Tip: If you suspect your home’s radon levels might be high, we recommend testing as soon as you can.

When Should You Hire A Professional To Test The Air Quality In Your Home?

Hiring a professional air quality tester is a good idea anytime you experience the following:

• Your air quality monitor is continuously showing poor air quality.
  
• Your carbon monoxide detector keeps going off.
  
• Your mold kit test shows high mold levels.
  
• Your radon test kit shows radon levels above 4pCi/L.
  
• You’re buying a new home, or your current home has never been tested.
  
• You’re selling your home.
  
• You’re moving into a new property.
  
• You’re experiencing health symptoms that could be related to poor air quality, such as persistent coughing, wheezing, headaches, bad allergies, sneezing or trouble sleeping.
  
• You live in an area with a high prevalence of radon or other air contaminants.
  
• Your neighbors or nearby businesses have tested positive for air contaminants.
  
• There are potential sources of indoor air pollution in your home, such as certain construction materials or heavy usage of chemicals.
  
• You’re unsure of the accurate placement or usage of home testing kits.
  
• Your home has undergone radon remediation or similar treatments, post-treatment professional testing can ensure the effectiveness of the measures taken.
  
• Your home has been damaged by a severe natural disaster, such as flooding.

• Consider using an air purifier, especially in rooms where you spend most of your time.
  
• Avoid smoking indoors and limit the use of candles and fireplaces.
  
• Keep humidity levels low enough to prevent mold and mildew growth, but high enough to promote health. Most humans thrive in environments with 30–50% humidity levels.
  
• Use a radon test kit and follow up with professional testing if radon levels exceed the EPA's recommended action level.
  
• If you live in an area with poor outdoor air quality, use indoor air filters and add weatherstripping to seal up your home.

Common Questions About Testing The Air Quality In Your Home

Q. What are the key signs that your home may need professional air quality testing?

A. You may need professional air quality testing if you experience any of the following:

• Your air quality monitor consistently indicates poor air quality levels.
  
• Your carbon monoxide alarm keeps alerting you of high CO levels.
  
• Results from your mold test kit reveal elevated mold concentrations.
  
• Your radon test kit shows radon levels exceeding 4 pCi/L.
  
• You’re purchasing a new home, or your current residence has never been tested for air quality.
  
• You’re preparing to sell your home.
  
• You’re moving into a newly built property.
  
• You experience health issues such as chronic coughing, wheezing, headaches, severe allergies, sneezing, or difficulty sleeping, which may be linked to poor air quality.
  
• You reside in an area known for high levels of radon or other airborne contaminants.
  
• Nearby businesses or neighbors have reported air contamination issues.
  
• There are sources of indoor pollution in your home, such as specific building materials or extensive use of chemicals.
  
• You are uncertain about the correct placement or use of home air quality testing kits.
  
• Your home has undergone radon mitigation or similar treatments, and post-treatment professional testing is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of these measures.
  
• Your home has been affected by a significant natural disaster, like flooding.

These situations suggest that professional air quality testing can help detect and address potential health hazards related to indoor air pollution.

Q. How can regular cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system improve air quality?

A. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system are essential for ensuring it operates efficiently and filters air effectively. A well-maintained HVAC system prevents the spread of dust, allergens, and other pollutants, maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Neglecting this maintenance can result in the distribution of contaminated air throughout your home, reducing air quality and potentially causing health issues. Additionally, it's crucial to change your HVAC filters every 90 days, or every 30 days if you have pets, to ensure optimal air filtration and system performance.

Q. What are some beneficial indoor plants that can help purify the air?

A. The following plants not only improve air quality but also add aesthetic value to your home. However, if you have pets, it's important to choose non-toxic options to ensure their safety.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Non-toxic to pets.
• Easy to care for.
• Effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene.
  

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Extremely toxic to pets.
• Thrives in low light and requires minimal maintenance.
• Removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
  

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Toxic to pets.
• Very resilient and requires little water.
• Filters out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene.
  

1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• Toxic to pets.
• Known for removing formaldehyde and benzene.
• Also useful for its medicinal properties.
  

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Toxic to pets.
• Prefers cooler temperatures and moist soil.
• Reduces airborne mold and filters out formaldehyde.
  

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Non-toxic to pets.
• Requires high humidity and indirect light.
• Effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene.
  

1. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

• Non-toxic to pets.
• Prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
• Filters out benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
  

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

• Non-toxic to pets.
• Needs bright, indirect light and regular watering.
• Removes toluene and xylene.

Talk to someone at your local garden center or plant store for advice on what indoor plants are best for your home.

Q. How can maintaining humidity levels prevent mold and mildew growth?

A. If your home is too humid, small particles of water will settle onto your surfaces and in your walls. This can cause mold and mildew, drastically decreasing the quality of the air in your home.

Purchasing a dehumidifier if you experience high humidity can help protect your home from experiencing mold or mildew. Improving and testing the air quality in your home is a crucial step toward ensuring the health and well-being of your family.

With a variety of affordable and effective methods available, from using indoor air quality monitors to regular HVAC maintenance, you can easily take control of your home’s air quality.

Additionally, incorporating air-purifying plants and using DIY mold and radon test kits can further enhance your efforts. If you’re an EPB customer, you can schedule a free consultation with the EPB Energy ProsSM to get expert advice on improving and testing your air quality. Schedule your consultation today to breathe easier tomorrow!