Indoor Air Quality: Headaches? Sinus Issues? Coughing? Dizziness?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) matters more than most homeowners realize. We spend about 90% of our time indoors — at home, at work, in schools — and the air inside these spaces can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality can affect comfort, productivity, health, and even the value of your home. Here’s a clear look at how indoor air quality affects people and why scheduling an air quality check for your home is a smart, proactive step.
What indoor air quality means Indoor air quality refers to the levels of pollutants, allergens, moisture, and chemical compounds in the air inside your home. Common indoor contaminants include dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building products and household cleaners, combustion byproducts (like carbon monoxide), radon, and bacteria or viruses. Humidity and ventilation also play a major role in IAQ.
How poor indoor air quality affects health and well‑being
Short‑term effects: Headaches, dizziness, eye, nose, or throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath are common responses to elevated pollutant levels. These symptoms are often mistaken for seasonal allergies or a mild illness.
Long‑term effects: Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air can worsen chronic respiratory conditions (such as asthma and COPD), contribute to cardiovascular problems, and increase the risk of certain infections. Long-term exposure to specific pollutants — like radon or certain VOCs — has been linked to more serious health outcomes.
Vulnerable populations: Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are especially vulnerable to poor IAQ. For infants and children, whose lungs and immune systems are still developing, contaminated indoor air can have lasting consequences.
Sleep and cognitive effects: Poor air quality can disturb sleep and reduce cognitive performance. Even modest rises in CO2 and VOCs in poorly ventilated homes can affect concentration, decision making, and overall mental sharpness.
Common sources of indoor air problems
Moisture and leaks: Hidden leaks, poor drainage, and inadequate ventilation can lead to damp conditions that encourage mold growth.
Household chemicals and building materials: Paints, adhesives, carpeting, and household cleaners emit VOCs that accumulate indoors.
Heating and cooling systems: Dirty filters, mold in ductwork, and poorly maintained HVAC units can circulate contaminants throughout your home.
Combustion appliances: Stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, and gas dryers can produce carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide when not vented or maintained properly.
Radon and other soil gases: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into basements and living spaces from the ground and is a known lung cancer risk.
Occupant activities: Cooking, smoking, burning candles, and use of certain hobbies or chemicals can temporarily spike pollutant levels.
Why you should have an air quality check
Identify hidden problems: Many IAQ issues aren’t obvious. Mold can hide behind walls, radon is invisible and odorless, and VOCs aren’t detectable by smell at low but harmful concentrations. A professional IAQ check uses instruments and sampling to find problems you can’t see or smell.
Protect health: Testing identifies contaminants and exposure levels so you can take targeted action—whether that’s improving ventilation, addressing a mold source, sealing a radon entry point, or removing specific chemical sources.
Peace of mind for buyers and sellers: If you’re selling or buying a home, an IAQ report provides valuable documentation and can be a selling point or negotiation item. For current homeowners, it’s reassurance that your family breathes safely.
Save money and prevent damage: Early detection of moisture problems, HVAC issues, or indoor pollutants prevents costly repairs and mitigates long‑term damage to building materials and belongings.
Improve comfort and indoor environment: Solving IAQ problems often improves overall comfort—less dust, fewer odors, reduced humidity, and better airflow make your home more enjoyable.
What an air quality check typically includes
Visual inspection: A qualified inspector checks for visible signs of moisture, mold, ventilation problems, and conditions that contribute to poor IAQ.
Air and surface sampling: Tests for mold spores, particulates, VOCs, and other contaminants give a snapshot of what’s present and at what concentration.
Carbon monoxide and CO2 testing: Measurements ensure combustion appliances and ventilation are functioning safely.
Radon testing: Continuous or long‑term radon monitors measure levels over days or weeks to identify risk.
HVAC inspection: Filters, ductwork, and equipment are evaluated for cleanliness and function.
Indoor humidity and temperature readings: These help determine the risk for mold and discomfort.
A clear report with recommendations: A professional report will summarize findings, explain health implications, and recommend corrective actions and next steps.
Ensuring your home's air quality is healthy and safe is essential for protecting your family's health, preserving your property, and maintaining the value of your investment. An indoor air quality check detects hidden hazards like mold, volatile organic compounds, excess humidity, and airborne particulates before they escalate into costly repairs or chronic health problems. With Sanders Home Inspection’s practical experience as builders and licensed, insured inspectors, we provide accurate testing, clear explanations of results, and actionable recommendations you can trust. Scheduling an air quality assessment gives you peace of mind and the information needed to create a safer, more comfortable home. Contact us today to arrange testing and take a proactive step toward protecting your home and loved ones.
