Your home is bound to have some level of indoor air pollution. At a certain concentration, contaminants will trigger allergies and health complications. Pollution in the interior can also damage your appliances and furnishing. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of indoor air quality monitoring as well as its application and techniques.

Pollutants to Monitor in Your Home

Unlike outdoor air, indoor air is in an enclosed space and is recycled continuously. As a result, unhealthy levels of pollutants accumulate in the interior. Researchers suggest that the quantities of contaminants in your home could be three to four times compared to outdoor air.

The pollutants in your home will depend on several factors. In a household with multiple occupants, pet dander, dust, and pollen are the main culprits. These pollutants can be problematic for people with allergies or respiratory problems.

Another factor is the nature of the atmosphere around your home. If you live close to a highway, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter are pollutants to watch out for.

Why Monitor Indoor Air Quality?

Since we spend most of our time indoors, it is always beneficial to address signs of potential pollution. Pollution can aggravate a respiratory condition, and some pollutants can make you more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.

Indoor pollution is also known to negatively impact productivity. It can make you lethargic and without the energy to complete simple tasks. Contaminants like nitrogen dioxide can cause memory impairment and cognitive challenges.

Because of its mental and physiological effects, indoor pollution is responsible for high rates of absenteeism. Addressing indoor air quality restores comfort and motivates people.

Techniques for Evaluating Indoor Air Quality

Real-time sampling takes samples continuously over a specified period. The advantage is that it can give insights into how contaminants can fluctuate with time. For example, there may be a substantial quantity of nitrogen dioxide detected early in the day or in the evenings. An analysis may find that it is from traffic sources near your home.

Real-time sampling can be challenging because it requires a lot of resources in terms of equipment and manpower. The measurement tools must comply with regulation, and therefore, require frequent calibration.

Periodic or spot sampling involves taking samples over a pre-defined time. Unlike real-time sampling, it is cost-effective for large survey work. You can use samples from different monitors to ensure multiple pollutants can be detected simultaneously. However, without taking measurements periodically, the samples can be affected by factors such as changes in ventilation.

In many situations, integrated sampling has proven to be the most cost-effective and dependable method of monitoring IAQ. Samples are collected over a period that can range from hours to weeks and months. Sampling will depend on the contaminants and the potential sources of pollution, among other factors.

Types of Indoor Monitors

In-duct monitoring systems are devices that can monitor pollution within the ductwork. If your ductwork has leaks, it can pull pollutants into the interior. They can measure contaminants such as carbon dioxide, humidity, carbon monoxide, among other toxins.

Interior monitors measure the level of pollutants in a room or an enclosed space in your home. They are built to detect carbon monoxide, CO2, VOCs, humidity, and temperature primarily. Interior monitors can be in the form of fixed or portable devices.

Modern devices can monitor several pollutants simultaneously, even with their characteristic compact design. They can send the data to a computer application for analysis. The presentation of data simplifies the assessment of pollutants and speeds up the process of evaluation and remediation.

You cannot ignore temperature and humidity when monitoring indoor air quality. These two factors are present whenever there are complaints of air pollution. Furthermore, heat helps to energize molecules and carry them across spaces. Humidity is a catalyst for microbial growth and mold spore infestation.

Applications of IAQ Monitoring

The primary reason for IAQ monitoring is to detect pollutants, their source, and intensity. An indoor air quality expert will start by formulating a model for detecting and addressing the presence of these pollutants. As comfort specialists, Galbreath Air can provide indoor air quality solutions in Richmond Hill.

In recent years, state and local authorities have been reviewing the commercial and residential building codes for IAQ. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain high standards of indoor air quality to protect occupants.

You can depend on [company_name] for dehumidifiers, purifiers, UV lights, and trusted indoor air quality solutions in Richmond Hill. We offer also offer top-notch duct sealing and cleaning services as well as heating and cooling services.

For prompt services in Richmond Hill, don’t hesitate to call Galbreath Air’s team today. We look forward to serving your indoor home comfort needs.