How to Test the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

For Los Angeles homeowners, there’s always been a concern about the surrounding outside air. This naturally translates to concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ). While we often think of outdoor smog, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This comes directly from the EPA. This happens because modern homes are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, trapping pollutants indoors.

This trapped air can recirculate allergens and contaminants, making air testing and purification essential. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we offer advanced indoor air quality testing and tailored solutions to ensure your home’s air is clean and safe.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

When your air is filled with invisible contaminants, you might notice subtle symptoms that you attribute to other causes. These can include frequent headaches, persistent allergies, chronic fatigue, or the worsening of respiratory conditions like asthma.

Maintaining clean air is particularly critical for homes with young children, elderly residents, or pets. These groups can be more vulnerable to airborne irritants. Professional indoor air quality testing helps us identify these invisible issues before they significantly impact your well-being.

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

The pollutants in your home come from a variety of everyday sources. We often bring them in from outside, but many originate inside your living space. Identifying these contributors is the first step toward achieving cleaner air.

Common indoor air pollution sources include:

• Dust, pollen, and pet dander that enter through open doors or windows
• Mold spores and moisture buildup in damp areas like basements or bathrooms
• Fumes from cleaning chemicals, paint, and off-gassing from new home items
• Combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide, smoke from cooking, or heating appliances
• Buildup of dust and debris within your HVAC system or dirty ductwork

How to Tell If Your Air Quality Is Poor

While you can’t see the pollutants, there are several signs that homeowners can look for that may indicate poor air quality. Paying attention to these clues can tell you when it’s time to call in a professional for help.

Signs you might notice include:

• Persistent coughing, sneezing, or throat irritation that subsides when you leave the home
• Musty, damp, or stale smells that are always present
• Unusual or excessive dust buildup on surfaces, even after cleaning
• Inconsistent heating or cooling, leading to “hot” or “cold” spots in the house
• Environmental clues like condensation on windows or visible mold growth

DIY Ways to Test Indoor Air Quality

Before scheduling a professional test, you can take a few steps to assess your home’s air quality. These methods are not a substitute for a professional assessment, but they can give you a general idea of your home’s indoor air quality.

Simple methods for an initial check include:

• Purchasing an at-home air quality monitor to check for general levels of VOCs, carbon dioxide (CO2), and humidity
• Installing or checking a functioning carbon monoxide detector
• Observing the condition of your air filter and how quickly it becomes visibly dirty

Professional Indoor Air Quality Testing

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, our technicians use advanced, calibrated equipment to provide a comprehensive view of your home’s air. We don’t just measure. We conduct a thorough assessment that includes identifying hidden moisture sources, evaluating your ventilation, and collecting air samples.

Professional testing detects pollutants like mold spores, dust mites, bacteria, and particulate matter. This allows us to install solutions tailored to your LA home’s specific needs.

Solutions to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Once we identify your home’s specific air quality challenges, we can implement targeted strategies to clean and purify your air. We focus on whole-home solutions that integrate well with your existing HVAC system.

Key strategies we offer for cleaner air include:

• Air scrubbers: These cutting-edge devices are installed directly into your HVAC system’s ductwork. They use powerful UV light and ionization to scrub contaminants from the air and surfaces.
• High-Efficiency Air Filters: We can upgrade your standard air filter to one with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. These filters are designed to capture small particles, including fine dust, pet dander, pollen, and some bacteria.
• Air purifiers: We install whole-home air purifiers that work with your duct system to neutralize bacteria, allergens, and odors as air circulates. These are far more effective than small, standalone room units.

Combining these specialized systems provides the most comprehensive indoor air quality protection available.

The Role of HVAC Maintenance in Air Quality

Your HVAC system is the engine that moves air through your home, and its cleanliness directly impacts your IAQ. A neglected system can become a breeding ground for pollutants.

Dirty ductwork, dust-covered coils, and old, clogged filters can actively circulate contaminants. By scheduling a seasonal tune-up with Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we ensure your system is running at peak performance. Regular maintenance, including coil cleaning and prompt filter replacement, prevents your HVAC unit from polluting the air.

How Humidity Affects Air Quality

Moisture levels in your home are a crucial factor in achieving optimal indoor air quality. High moisture levels are a common cause of mold spore growth, dust mite activity, and bacterial growth, all of which are major indoor air pollutants. As part of a balanced indoor air quality solution, Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric recommends installing whole-home humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain the optimal humidity range. This is separate from air scrubbers and air purifiers.

Energy Efficiency and Air Quality Balance

While sealing your home for energy efficiency is great for saving money, it can inadvertently make your IAQ worse by trapping pollutants inside. Restricting outdoor air flow means contaminants generated indoors have nowhere to go.

The solution is not to compromise on energy savings. It’s to install ventilation systems. Systems such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and whole-house air scrubbers and purifiers are key. They allow you to maintain fresh air circulation and clean the existing air without losing efficiency. This approach ensures you get the benefits of an airtight home and the health benefits of clean air.

Why Choose Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric?

When it comes to the air you breathe, you want a contractor with a solid reputation. Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric boasts expertise, friendly service, and an unwavering commitment to creating healthier homes. As a trusted local contractor in the Los Angeles area, we have years of experience diagnosing and resolving a wide range of air quality issues.

We specialize in comprehensive services, including professional indoor air quality testing, whole-home air purifiers, and expert air scrubbers. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need and the best equipment to ensure your air is clean, safe, and comfortable.

Book Indoor Air Quality Testing

Cleaner indoor air is a direct path to healthier living, better comfort, and improved HVAC performance. Schedule professional indoor air quality testing with us today to accurately identify issues and recommend solutions for your home.

In addition to air quality services, Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric offers comprehensive HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation. Other services include plumbing and electrical solutions for homeowners in the Los Angeles area.

Contact Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric today to schedule air quality testing.