1. Pay attention to your allergies
Pollen, dust and other irritants can be more concentrated in enclosed locations than they are in outdoor spaces, thus causing some to have allergic reactions. Potential symptoms of allergic reactions include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and headaches.
If you experience any of these issues after you walk into your home or office, and those exact symptoms disappear shortly after you leave, then you are likely dealing with poor air quality within that particular space.
2. Notice new or unusual symptoms
Many health symptoms attributed to allergies will likely be mild. However, some contaminants like toxic mold spores, hazardous materials, and asbestos may be extremely detrimental to your health, especially in the long run. If you begin to notice nausea, dizziness, chills, rashes, fevers, muscle pain, vomiting, or even shortness of breath and hearing loss, then it’s very likely that you may be dealing with a much more extreme issue than allergies.
If you find yourself in this scenario, it is imperative that you call a professional to identify and rectify these issues as soon as possible. It would also be wise to consult with your physician about these symptoms as quickly as possible, and attempt to locate and identify what was causing these issues in that particular space.
3. Note your surrounding environment
Consider the factors in the environment surrounding your home or office:
If there are renovations and construction going on around you, they may very well be the cause. Manufacturing, construction, and renovations may release a number of harmful or irritating particles and chemicals into the air, which may enter via ducts, windows, doors, and most open spaces.
Additionally, if you live in a suburban or a neighborhood that has units in close proximity to one another, it may be wise to see what your neighbours have been doing. If they have recently sprayed their lawn with insecticides, painted their house or somehow used any other chemicals, they may be entering your home and affecting the quality of your indoor air.
4. Note home improvements or repairs
While your neighbors might be the cause, you also want to look at improvements, renovations or other changes within your own home. If you have recently replaced the flooring, painted or made other major updates, the purity of your air may be suffering as a result.
To prevent this, be sure to thoroughly clean up after the project has been completed, as well as change your air filters immediately. It would also be wise to buy an air purifier to help improve your air quality by removing potentially harmful particles that were recently kicked up.
5. Look for inconsistencies in air distribution
Whether you are experiencing health symptoms or not, you can identify issues by noticing inconsistencies throughout a building. If one spot is colder or warmer than another, you likely have an issue in the system that could potentially be affecting the purity of airflow. This not only plays a role in the overall air quality, but also the temperature in each area.
In addition, you want to pay attention to the humidity levels of different areas. Mugginess or dryness at particular times throughout the year can be a sign that you have poor indoor air quality. Depending on the scenario that you find yourself in, a humidifier or dehumidifier can help you get the humidity back to a level that is beneficial to everyone within the environment.
6. Contact a professional
If you have noted any of the above issues, then it is likely time to contact an expert. They will be able to inspect your home and conduct tests to discover the root of the problem. Not only will they they be able to tell you the source of the problem, but also offer some suggestions on what you can do to improve your indoor air quality.
While you may be able to accomplish this easily by purchasing an air purifier or humidifier, there are other issues that may require more time and money. Ultimately, an expert will be able to troubleshoot the causes, and can help you find the best possible solution.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
