Indoor Air Quality Standards: Guide For Homeowners (2023)

Our homes are meant to be our sanctuaries, where we find comfort, safety, and relaxation. However, there is one aspect that is often overlooked but significantly impacts our well-being: indoor air quality. The air we breathe within the confines of our homes can have a direct effect on our health and overall quality of life. In this blog post, we will delve into:

• The importance of indoor air quality in your home
• How to recognize signs of poor air quality
• Solutions for your home
• Preventative tips

Ready to get started? Keep reading to become an expert on indoor air quality standards!

Understanding Air Quality Standards

Air quality standards are guidelines set by environmental agencies and health organizations (Such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization) that are designed to regulate pollutants and maintain acceptable levels of indoor air quality. These standards aim to safeguard the health of occupants, preventing respiratory issues and other health complications caused by poor air quality. Common indoor pollutants include:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in household products like paints, cleaning agents, and air fresheners, VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, or throat irritation.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke, can worsen respiratory conditions and allergies.
• Radon: A colorless and odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
• Mold and Mildew: Thriving in damp and humid conditions, mold can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma attacks.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless and odorless gas produced by faulty combustion appliances, which can be fatal if not detected promptly.

These pollutants may or may not be detectable to the untrained eye, but all should be taken seriously if your goal is to have fresh, clean air in your home.

What Causes Poor Air Quality?

Poor air quality in your home can be influenced by a variety of factors. One of the primary contributors is inadequate ventilation, which traps indoor pollutants and hinders the entry of fresh outdoor air. Household activities such as cooking without proper exhaust ventilation, smoking indoors, and using chemical-based cleaning agents can release harmful particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Excessive humidity and moisture can foster the growth of mold and mildew, further compromising indoor air quality. Dust and pet dander accumulate over time, particularly in poorly cleaned or seldom-used areas, exacerbating respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Moreover, the presence of household appliances or systems that are not adequately maintained, like HVAC systems or combustion appliances, can produce carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and other harmful gases.

Identifying potential sources of contaminants is a great first step in helping your home to reach its optimal air quality level. 

5 Signs Your Home Has Poor Air Quality

Identifying poor air quality in your home is crucial to addressing the issue promptly. But it isn’t always as simple to spot as you might think. Look out for these common signs:

1) Frequent Allergy or Asthma Symptoms

If you or your family members experience recurrent sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or skin irritation, it may be due to allergens or pollutants in the air. Pay attention to whether your allergies are occurring on a seasonal basis or whether they seem to not go away.

2) Lingering Unpleasant Odors

Persistent foul smells may indicate the presence of VOCs or mold. This is usually characterized by a musty smell that some people compare to a “wet dog.” These smells are more common in spaces like basements or attics.

3) Condensation and Excess Humidity

Dampness can encourage mold growth, releasing spores that degrade indoor air quality. You may notice condensation forming on your windowpanes or mirrors or sliding glass doors. All of these things are clear signs that your home is very humid.

4) Stale or Stuffy Air

Inadequate ventilation can lead to stagnant air, trapping pollutants inside your home. This can just be a seasonal issue, but if you are noticing it year-round, it is a good idea to talk to a professional.

5) Increased Dust Accumulation

Excessive dust on surfaces may indicate poor air filtration. We recommend paying attention to how many times a week you find yourself dusting certain areas of your home.

Solution Ideas for Improved Air Quality

Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to improve air quality in your home. Depending on the specific issues, consider implementing some of the following ideas:

• Air Purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to remove particles, allergens, and pollutants from the air.
• Ventilation Systems: Ensure proper ventilation by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and opening windows regularly to allow fresh air circulation.
• Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera are excellent choices.
• HVAC Maintenance: Regularly clean and change the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to prevent dust and debris from recirculating.
• Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers in humid areas of your home to reduce mold growth, and consider using a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels.
• Green Cleaning: Opt for natural and eco-friendly cleaning products to minimize VOC exposure.
• Radon Testing: Conduct radon testing in your home and install a mitigation system if levels are elevated.

When to Call on a Professional

If you notice persistent or severe air quality issues in your home, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a professional to address the problem effectively and ensure the health and safety of your household. Here are some instances when contacting a professional is warranted:

• Unexplained Health Symptoms: If you or your family members experience unexplained or worsening respiratory symptoms, allergies, or other health issues that seem to be connected to your home’s indoor air quality, it’s time to consult a professional.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: If you detect mold or mildew in your home, especially in hidden or hard-to-reach areas, it is essential to enlist a professional mold remediation service to identify the extent of the problem and safely remove the infestation.
• Lingering Odors: Persistent and unpleasant odors, even after a thorough cleaning, may indicate hidden sources of pollution or indoor air quality problems. A professional can help identify and eliminate the root cause of these odors.
• Radon Testing: If you live in an area prone to high radon levels or suspect radon gas may be present in your home, contacting a professional for radon testing and potential mitigation is crucial, as radon is a silent and dangerous indoor pollutant.
• HVAC and Ventilation Issues: If your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is malfunctioning or not adequately circulating air, a professional HVAC technician can diagnose and rectify the problem to improve indoor air quality.
• Air Quality Assessments: Professional air quality assessments can help identify specific pollutants, their sources, and their concentrations in your home, guiding you toward targeted solutions.
• New Home or Renovations: If you have recently moved into a new home or completed renovations, consulting an indoor air quality expert can ensure that construction materials, paints, and adhesives do not pose health risks.

Remember, indoor air quality issues can vary significantly, and addressing them effectively often requires the knowledge and tools of a trained professional. Seeking assistance from an experienced expert ensures that the root causes are properly identified and resolved, leading to an acceptable indoor air quality level for you and your family.

7 Preventative Tips for Air Quality Maintenance

Maintaining good air quality in your home is an ongoing process that requires attention and care. But how can you make sure? Here are some preventative tips to ensure your home remains a healthy environment:

1) Regular Cleaning 🧹

Dust and vacuum your home regularly to reduce the accumulation of allergens and pollutants.

2) No Smoking Indoors 🚭

Designate smoking areas outside the house to prevent the infiltration of harmful tobacco smoke.

3) Store Chemicals Properly 🧪

Keep paints, solvents, and other chemical products in sealed containers and in well-ventilated areas.

4) Remove Shoes at the Door 👟

Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes upon entering the house to minimize the tracking of outdoor pollutants inside.

5) Control Cooking Emissions 🍳

Use exhaust fans while cooking to minimize the release of cooking-related pollutants and gases.

6) Test for Carbon Monoxide ☠️

Regularly check and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure they are working correctly.

7) Educate Family Members 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Inform everyone in your household about the importance of air quality and the steps they can take to contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Work With the Best Team in Town!

When it comes to protecting your home against toxins in the air, you don’t want just any Joe Schmoe helping you. You want an expert team who knows what they are talking about. That’s exactly what you will get when you work with Aquarius Home Services. We can help you with all of your home’s air filtration needs and get you breathing clean, fresh air all year long. Contact us today to set up your appointment.