Monitor Your Home's Air Quality: Simple Diy Checks

Poor air quality in your home can cause allergies, asthma, and other serious health issues. To check the air quality in your home, you can use an air quality monitor, which can detect particulate matter like dust and allergens, as well as chemical pollutants like volatile organic compounds. You can also install carbon monoxide detectors, which will alert you to any leaks. Additionally, you can perform an at-home radon test to check for radon contamination, and a mold test to check for mold. If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor air quality, such as allergies, dizziness, rashes, fever, or fatigue, it’s best to call a professional to test the air quality in your home.

Purchase an indoor air quality monitor

An indoor air quality monitor is a device that assesses the levels of pollutants and environmental conditions within indoor spaces. These devices are crucial for spaces where people spend a significant amount of time, such as homes, offices, and schools. They can help ensure a healthier indoor environment by identifying pollutants and potential health hazards.

When choosing an indoor air quality monitor, it is important to consider the specific pollutants and hazards you want to detect. For example, if you live in an area with high air pollution, you may want a monitor that detects particulate matter. If you live in an older home, you may want a model that detects radon and carbon monoxide. Some monitors also measure carbon dioxide levels, which can cause mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue if too much builds up.

• Airthings Wave Plus: This monitor can detect radon, VOCs, and carbon dioxide.
• UHoo Smart Air Monitor: This monitor has additional functionality when paired with a smart home system.
• AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor: This monitor provides both indoor and outdoor readings and has an easy-to-read 5-inch LCD display screen.
• PurpleAir Zen: An outdoor air quality monitor that can be linked to a crowdsourced Real-Time Air Quality Map.
• Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor: A budget-friendly option that can be paired with Govee air purifiers and has an easy-to-read screen.
• Ikea Vindstyrka: Another budget-friendly option that can be paired with Ikea's Starkvind air purifier and/or connected to the Ikea Home smart app.
• Awair Indoor Air Quality Monitor: This monitor uses a fan and laser sensor to detect PM 2.5, VOCs, CO2, temperature, and humidity, and provides a composite score based on an algorithm.
• QP Pro Air Quality Monitor: A small monitor that detects PM 2.5, VOCs, temperature, CO2, and humidity, with a bright 3-inch Retina display.

In addition to purchasing an indoor air quality monitor, it is also important to regularly test for mould and radon, and to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Evaluate health symptoms

Evaluating your health symptoms is an important step in understanding the air quality in your home. Here are some signs and symptoms that could indicate poor air quality:

Respiratory and Other Health Problems

If you or your family members develop respiratory issues or other health problems after moving into a new home, and these issues subside after spending time away, it could indicate an environmental issue with the indoor air quality. It is important to consult a doctor if you suspect that your health problems are related to your home environment. Doctors can help identify and treat health issues related to exposure to mould, radon, and carbon monoxide.

Unusual Odours

Unusual smells or musty-smelling air after a period of absence from home could indicate the presence of pollutants or mould in the indoor air.

Visible Mould or Mildew

The presence of visible mould or mildew in your home is a sign of poor air quality and inadequate ventilation. Mould often grows due to poor ventilation and can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

Water Damage and Humidity

Water-damaged ceilings, warped or buckled floors, and dampness indicate moisture problems, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. Maintaining relative humidity between 30% and 60% is essential for occupant comfort and controlling biological growth.

Health Symptoms

There are several health symptoms that may be indicative of poor indoor air quality, including:

• Sneezing
• Runny noses
• Headaches
• Dry skin and eyes
• Itchy throat
• Fatigue
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sinus congestion

These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to pay attention to when and where they occur. If the symptoms improve when you are away from home, it may indicate an indoor air quality issue.

Monitor carbon monoxide and radon levels

Radon and carbon monoxide are both odourless, colourless, and dangerous gases that can be present in your home. It is important to monitor their levels to ensure the air quality in your home is safe. Here are some ways to monitor carbon monoxide and radon levels:

Radon Detectors

Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation and walls, especially in areas like basements that are below ground level. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and can be addressed by testing and mitigation if high levels are detected.

There are two main types of radon testing devices: passive and active. Passive radon testing devices are generally less expensive and include long- and short-term detectors that do not require power. They use chemical or electromagnetic methods to sense radon in the air. Alpha-track detectors, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, and electret ion chamber detectors are some examples of passive radon testing tools.

On the other hand, active radon testing devices usually require power and provide hourly readings. Continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors are examples of active testing tools, and they tend to be more costly.

When choosing a radon detector, consider factors such as waiting time for the first reading, alert modes, and display options. For example, the Radon Eye RD200 provides a quick initial reading within 10 minutes and a more accurate reading after an hour. It also features an alarm and an app to notify you of dangerous radon levels.

The AirThings Corentium is another option that provides long and short-term readings for radon concentration. It is battery-operated, portable, and can be placed anywhere in the house for quick readings.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and poisonous gas that can cause confusion, dizziness, headaches, loss of consciousness, and even death. It is important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, just like smoke detectors.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside bedrooms and on every level of the home, including near sleeping areas. They should be installed about 5 feet off the ground, on walls or ceilings, and away from fireplaces or open flames.

Standalone carbon monoxide detectors are available in hardwired, battery, and plug-in models. Alternatively, some detectors can also detect smoke or natural gas in addition to carbon monoxide.

One recommended detector is the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, which is reliable and affordable. It sounds an alarm when CO levels become unhealthy and has a digital display with multiple power sources, including a battery backup.

Get an air purifier

Air purifiers are a great way to improve the air quality in your home. They are simple machines that consist of a fan and a filter, but they can capture virtually all airborne allergens, such as pollen and mould spores, as well as bacteria, viruses, and smoke.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an air purifier. Firstly, consider the size of the space you need to purify. Air purifiers come in different sizes and models, designed for small spaces such as bedrooms and offices, general living spaces, and large spaces. It's better to get an oversized purifier than one that's too small.

Another important factor is the type of filter. True HEPA filters are recommended as they can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles with a 0.3-micron diameter in a single pass. This includes common allergens like dust and pollen, as well as mould spores, pet dander, and dust mites.

You should also look for a purifier that is energy efficient and has a low long-term cost. Running an air purifier 24/7 can increase your electricity bill, so look for models with low energy consumption. Additionally, consider the cost of replacement filters, as these need to be replaced periodically, usually once a year.

• Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty: This purifier is perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, and living rooms. It delivers exceptional performance, durability, and affordability. It has a quiet operation, making it suitable for sleeping or watching TV near. The display light can be shut off, making it ideal for bedrooms. It also has low operating costs, with filters that need to be replaced annually and energy-efficient operation.
• Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max: This purifier is a great choice for those who want quiet operation, good colour options, and performance comparable to other standard-space picks. It is energy-efficient and has a display shut-off feature. However, the cost of filter replacements can be relatively high, as they need to be replaced every six to nine months.
• Levoit Vital 200S: The Levoit Vital 200S is similar in performance and livability to the Coway Mighty. It has excellent smoke test results and is energy-efficient and quiet, with a display shut-off feature. It also offers four fan speed options for added flexibility.
• Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max: If you need to purify a larger space of around 500 square feet, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is an excellent choice. It delivers powerful performance, energy efficiency, quiet operation, and user-friendly features. It has a child lock and an app that allows remote monitoring and control. However, consider whether you truly need a large-space purifier, as it may consume more energy than smaller models.
• Blueair Blue Pure 511: For small spaces such as bedrooms, dorm rooms, and offices, the Blueair Blue Pure 511 is an excellent choice. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and effective, with a small size and light weight that make it easy to place on a shelf or desk. It has an automatic display shut-off feature and is extremely energy-efficient, drawing just 1.2 to 13.6 watts on different speed settings.

Install carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is both odorless and colorless. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. It is generated as a byproduct of combustion from natural gas and propane appliances, gasoline and diesel engines, wood fireplaces, and gas inserts. Because it is invisible, the only way to know if you are being exposed to carbon monoxide is by installing a carbon monoxide detector.

• Industry experts recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home, ideally on any level with fuel-burning appliances and outside of sleeping areas.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of a home, outside sleeping areas.
• The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector in the basement, as laundry machines, water heaters, and furnaces are all potential sources of carbon monoxide.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in the room or space over an attached garage, as vehicles are a common source of carbon monoxide.
• Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on a wall roughly five feet from the floor, or on the ceiling about six inches from the wall, to measure air at a height that people in the house are breathing.
• Avoid installing carbon monoxide detectors near flame-producing appliances, such as stoves, grills, or fireplaces, to prevent false alarms. Install detectors at least five to twenty feet away from a fire source.
• Do not install carbon monoxide detectors in bathrooms or humid areas, as moisture can damage the unit's electronic and digital components.
• Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly by pressing the test button to check the battery level. Replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every five years.

Frequently asked questions