Have you found yourself wondering about the quality of the air in your home recently? A news report about the low air quality in your neighborhood may have sparked your curiosity. Or maybe a slow leak has led to mold growth in your home. It could be that you've just realized you're supposed to change your HVAC and furnace filters regularly and haven't ever done so. Or perhaps you've found yourself coughing or sneezing a bit more than usual. 

Whatever the case, it's essential to understand and recognize common signs of poor air quality in your home.

Your body will often tell you when there's an air quality issue. You may experience dry eyes, itchy skin, sinus infections, and rashes, among other health symptoms. While these can also be symptoms of other medical conditions if you find these symptoms particularly acute when at home, you'll want to check your household's air quality.

Inconsistent Air Distribution

If you have areas that are hot or cold in your home, no matter the temperature at which you've set your thermostat, duct issues, pollutant buildup, or improperly installed equipment could be the cause. And depending on the cause, your home's air quality may be diminished. Highly humid areas not only can have harmful health effects but can also cause structural damage to your home as well.

Dust Buildup

Dust buildup on your vents and surfaces around your home is another common sign of air quality issues. An accumulation of dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or other particulates can also trigger allergic reactions, which can be quite severe for those with pre-existing respiratory issues or other conditions.

Mold and Mildew

Damp areas are the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. The microorganisms that comprise each are a sure sign of compromised air quality and should be remediated immediately.

Bad Odors

Often, changes in air quality are accompanied by foul-smelling odors. If you have mold/mildew, pet dander buildup, leaking water, chemical spills, or pest infestation, you very well may notice distinctly unpleasant odors. If you do or see any of these other common signs of poor air quality, you should have your air quality tested immediately. 

When to Call in a Professional

Most air quality issues require professional remediation. For example, you may be able to eliminate small patches of mold growth depending on its size and type. But even the least toxic mold may trigger allergy attacks or other respiratory conditions. Unless you have experience repairing HVAC and furnace systems, you'll want to call in certified technicians to help you identify and correct the problems. And you don't want to wait too long. The cause of your issue might be relatively benign, like a clogged vent. Or it could be potentially deadly if you have a carbon monoxide or radon leak.

Breathe Deeper with BioClean

Don't worry about whether your household air may be making you sick any longer. At BioClean, we'll have your air professionally tested to help us determine what may be affecting its quality. We offer a range of remediation services that can help you improve your home's air quality and keep you and your family healthy. If you live in the Connecticut or Westchester, NY area, and have even the smallest concern about your household's air quality, contact us today.