It's also important to understand that the EPA does not evaluate home air quality monitors. So some monitors may not even accurately detect the pollutants they're designed to test for. Ultimately, it's reasonable to check for indoor pollutants if you're concerned about the air quality in your home.
At-home air quality tests are affordable and easy to use. Primarily tests that are designed with innovative home technology. Because they include smart technology, you can also easily connect them to your devices and some home appliances. However, some tests, like mold tests, are notoriously inaccurate.
The answer to this question depends on your personal health and situation. For many homes, there's no need to have a monitor checking your air quality 24/7. However, if you are someone who has respiratory issues or you have a family member who does, it may be a good investment.
Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea.
Testing the air quality in your home will cost between $292 and $586, on average. It's largely dependent on location or which type of test is required, with some tests costing as low as $150 or, for more complicated testing, as much as $1,072.
The good news is that modern technology has evolved enough for air quality monitors to be readily available to most people. They can even monitor for mold spores in the air.
You can use a 3M LeadCheck Swab (found at most hardware stores) to do this; be sure you swab any children's products and imported goods. Conduct a lead risk assessment by a certified inspector before any home remodel.
Using a portable air cleaner and/or upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality. Portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room or area.
Low and high temperatures, as well as high humidity levels, may cause inaccurate readings. Air sensors may be inaccurate and therefore may require field calibration to give more accurate data.
Change your furnace filter regularly. Avoid burning in your home, including fireplaces, wood stoves, gas appliances, and candles. Avoid chemicals such as air fresheners, sprays and cleaning products or use a healthier option. Vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly.
According to Li, air purifiers are most important for people who are sensitive to particles because they have asthma, allergies to pollen or dust, or cardiovascular issues, as well as children, pregnant people and the elderly.
Home IAQ monitors are not the calibrated pieces of equipment used by professionals to measure indoor pollutants. That said, the home monitors are pretty darn good, and they can spur you to take immediate and long-term action to reduce elevated pollutant levels.
Best Budget Option for PM 2.5
At under $40, the Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor is one of the cheapest models I've tested. Govee has an easy-to-use and -pair app that can be further paired with Govee air purifiers, and an easy-to-read screen displaying the PM 2.5 along with temperature and humidity.
The smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes is one of the most common – and most dangerous – indoor air pollutants. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that are carcinogenic.
Indoor Air and Your Health
These include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to high levels of some VOCs can cause blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, burning eyes, respiratory irritation, skin rashes, respiratory illness, concentration difficulties, and other symptoms.
Persistent Odors: Homes should refresh and clear out odors naturally through proper ventilation. If cooking smells, smoke, or other odors last longer than they should, it's likely your home isn't circulating air properly.
Air purifiers with a true HEPA filter (H-13) and activated carbon filter are likely to be the most effective, but it's important to use them in conjunction with other strategies such as UVC and PCO technology to improve air quality.
Essentially Toxic Building Syndrome is where the air quality in your home or office is so bad that it can affect the health of those inside. You see you might think you're breathing clean air, but in fact the air inside your home can have more than 900 harmful chemicals and organisms in it, which you simply cannot see.
Average indoor air quality testing costs around $400, but can range from $250 to $550+. Testing specific pollutants can cost you $100 to $1,000+.