The air quality inside your home affects the health of everyone in it. When common pollutants get inside, they can cause problems ranging from headaches and allergies to cancer risks. Fortunately, an air quality inspection can provide valuable insight into what particles are circulating inside your home and any steps necessary to make the air clean again. Here’s what you can expect from an inspection.

What Materials Do Air Quality Inspections Test For?

The focus of a home inspection varies based on the location, type of home, and company performing the service. Typically, an inspector will look for common airborne contaminants such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens and harmful microorganisms.

They also check for household pollutants. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often released by modern products like carpet and furniture, but in high amounts, these can cause health issues such as central nervous system damage. Combustion pollutants like carbon dioxide and monoxide can be released by appliances and furnaces. 

Some concerns are limited to the age of the home. Before asbestos was discovered to be a cause of cancer in the late 1970s, it was a common material used in insulation, tiling, and piping. Lead is another dangerous material that was popular for use in pipes and paints in older homes. If these materials have begun to break down and release harmful particles into the air or water, your inspector will alert you so that any problems can be addressed.

What Does an Inspection Entail? 

The air quality inspection process most commonly involves a combination of sensors and air traps. . Air samples are collected and sent to a lab for a more thorough assessment. If there are issues that suggest the presence of mold, such as dark growth on a wall, these will likely be swabbed and sent off to the lab. 

The process is usually completed within a couple of hours, depending on the size of the home. The lab results should be available within a few days to a few weeks. Once received, the inspector will create a report of their findings and go over it with you to determine if any additional steps need to be taken to restore healthy air quality in your home.

If you need to evaluate your home’s air quality, contact Herrin Home Inspection LLC in Guyton, GA. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and valuable industry experience, these local home inspectors find answers for homeowners and buyers across Effingham County and the Greater Savannah Metro area. They also offer a Hometown Heroes Discount for military, veterans, first responders, and teachers. Visit them online or call (912) 286-0000 to book an appointment today.