How do You Test Indoor Air Quality

Testing your indoor air quality can help you identify any sources of pollution and adjust your plans to minimize risk if there's something in your home that needs fixing.

If there's an issue with your heating system, for example a leaky water heater, you may be exposed to dangerous chemicals or combustion byproducts. If your office space is large enough to accommodate all members of your team, then consider splitting it into separate areas according to gender so each person can avoid inhaling one another's fumes.

There are many ways to test your indoor air quality, but here's what one option is:

This is called an IAQ scan. A professional engineer can perform this scan or anyone with some knowledge of their equipment and software can. To conduct an IAQ scan, you'll need the right tools specifically a high-quality thermal imager for detecting heat sources inside your home and a thermometer capable of measuring temperature at various heights in your house.

Choose a testing kit.

There are many types of test kits for indoor air quality, so choose what's best for you and your family. Kits vary in how easily they can be completed and interpreted as well as their accuracy, so take into consideration any factors that influence your choice.

Follow the instructions for your testing kit.

Before you start your indoor air quality test, make sure to read all of the included materials. These include directions about how to prepare your home for the audit and what items to collect and analyze, as well as guidelines to help you determine which pollutants matter most to your health. If youre planning to take an official survey, be sure to also look at any questionnaires that were provided by your testing lab.

Have someone with you in your home.

Its best to have another person with you when testing indoor air quality. This can be a friend, family member or even your dog. Having a pal along helps ensure that you get accurate results and will help reassure any concerns you may have about what you find during your inspection.

Stay calm.

If you feel anxious, speak to your doctor before taking any test that requires you to sit still. This is especially important if you have an undiagnosed medical condition that could make you feel nervous or ill.

Breathe easy.

Your indoor air quality (IAQ) is important, whether you're testing it yourself or have a professional perform an assessment. If your space isn't properly ventilated, you run the risk of breathing in potentially hazardous compounds that can damage your lungs and organs.