10 Symptoms of Poor Air Quality in Your Home

You and your family should feel safe and comfortable in your own home. Yet, unfortunately, unseen dangers may be lurking in the air. Whether it’s mold, dust, smoke, or other airborne contaminants, poor indoor air quality can be hazardous to your health.

To ensure the safety of your home, it’s important to look out for signs that might be indicative of poor air quality. Here are ten signs that you should watch out for:

1. Allergies, Irritations, or Respiratory Problems

One of the first (and most alarming) signs that your home has poor air quality is if you or your family experience an increase in allergies, irritations, or respiratory problems.

These sudden changes can be caused by a variety of air contaminants, such as:

• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Secondhand smoke
• Formaldehyde
• Pollen

If you or someone else in your home notices an increase in coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, it’s time to investigate the air quality of your home. In some cases, poor air quality can cause asthma symptoms to worsen and even trigger new allergies in people who have never had them before. 

2. Headaches

Frequent headaches are another commonly voiced complaint in homes with poor air quality. This can be caused by a variety of pollutants (volatile organic compounds) and poor air circulation.

These irritants can cause your sinuses to become inflamed, leading to increased pressure in your head and a general feeling of discomfort. This can lead to frequent headaches or migraines that are difficult to shake off. These headaches often appear after a few hours of staying indoors and can be accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

3. Insomnia and Fatigue

Poor air quality makes it pretty hard to get a good night’s sleep. The combination of airborne irritants, such as dust and pollen, can make breathing difficult at night. This can lead to restlessness and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.

Poor air quality symptoms also contribute to fatigue during the day since you can’t get a good enough night’s rest. This can cause difficulty focusing or feeling alert at school or work, leading to an overall decrease in productivity.

4. Excessive Dust Accumulation

Sure, everyone’s house gets dusty over time. But if you feel you’re constantly wiping down furniture with a layer of dust, you could be dealing with high numbers of airborne particles. 

Poor ventilation, dirty air filters, and other factors can cause more dust particles to accumulate in your home. This can be an early sign that your air quality is not as good as it should be. Therefore, checking ventilation systems and clean or change filters regularly is important to keep dust accumulation at bay.

5. High Energy Bills

Not sure why your energy bills have gotten so hefty lately? Poor air quality could be the culprit. This is because your heating and cooling system has to work harder than usual to compensate for the poor air quality.

If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual and you haven’t made any major changes in how you use your heating and cooling system, it could be time to invest in air quality testing. This will give you a better idea of the levels of airborne contaminants within your home’s air quality and how to improve it.

6. Unpleasant Odors

Another sure sign that your home is dealing with poor air quality is persistent odors. This could be anything from musty smells to a chemical odor. These odors can indicate problems such as mold, mildew, and other pollutants in the air.

Anytime you notice an unpleasant odor in your home, it’s best to investigate further. There may be easy fixes, such as opening the windows or cleaning air filters, but it’s always best to get to the root of the problem. Air quality testing can help you pinpoint and address any underlying issues quickly.

7. High Humidity Levels

Is your food feeling soggy in the pantry? Are you noticing that things feel sticky and 

damp? High humidity levels can indicate poor air quality in your home. This is because high humidity creates a warm and moist environment that allows pollutants to thrive and grow. 

When it comes to indoor air quality, you’ll want to keep relative humidity levels between 30-50%. Anything above that is too high and can lead to microbial growth in your home. If you’re noticing high humidity levels, it’s best to get air quality testing done. That way, you can identify the source of the concern and fix it quickly.

8. Condensation on Glass Surfaces

Are you noticing that there’s often condensation on your windows or mirrors? This could be due to poor ventilation and high humidity levels, both of which contribute to poor air quality, so don’t ignore pervasive condensation.

To avoid poor air quality symptoms and the health risks associated with it, be sure to get your home tested for air quality. This will help ensure your home’s air is as healthy and safe as possible.

9. Mold or Mildew Growth

If you’re seeing mold or mildew growth in your home, chances are, your air quality could be better. These fungi can be dangerous to your health and compromise the integrity of your home.

To prevent further growth and improve air quality, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. A professional mold inspection can help you pinpoint the source of the growth and take steps to eliminate it.

10. Unusually Stale Air

If your home smells musty and the air feels old or stiff, you probably aren’t getting enough ventilation – and that can negatively impact indoor air quality. 

Poor ventilation often leads to high concentrations of pollutants, so if you notice this in your home, it could be time for an upgrade. Investing in better ventilation can help prevent poor air quality symptoms and improve your home’s overall comfort and safety. 

Are You Worried About Your Home’s Air Quality?

At GP Inspect, we understand how important it is to keep your home’s air quality safe and healthy. So, if you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, contact our team today for a comprehensive inspection. We’ll help you identify any potential problems and provide solutions to get your indoor air quality back on track.

Take the first step towards a healthier home, and contact us today!