How To Measure Indoor Air Quality

You can’t always see or smell poor indoor air quality, but it can affect your comfort, health, and even your home. From allergens to carbon monoxide, there are many invisible factors that impact the air you breathe every day. If you’re considering a DIY approach to test your home’s air, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of how to measure indoor air quality. But as you’ll see, for true peace of mind and accurate results, it’s smart to call in the indoor air quality professionals at Oliver.

Why Measure Indoor Air Quality?

Measuring your home’s indoor air quality helps you understand what’s floating in the air you breathe every day. Poor IAQ can lead to a variety of issues, including allergy flare-ups, asthma symptoms, headaches, fatigue, and long-term respiratory problems. Learning how to measure indoor air quality gives you a clear picture of what’s really going on, so you can take steps to make your home healthier and more comfortable.

Step 1: Start With A Baseline IAQ Monitor

Place a digital indoor air quality monitor in a central room of your home. Let it run for at least 24–48 hours to get accurate averages for the following.

• PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter)
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• CO2 levels
• Temperature and humidity

Step 2: Check for Carbon Monoxide

Use a standalone CO detector or one integrated into your HVAC system. Test near gas appliances or heating systems. Professional-grade detectors used by Oliver’s technicians offer more sensitive and reliable readings than most retail models.

Step 3: Test for Radon (If Applicable)

Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep in from the ground. Use a charcoal-based radon test kit or an electronic radon detector. DIY tests may give a general idea, but professional radon testing ensures accurate results and actionable next steps.

Step 4: Check Humidity Levels

Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to avoid mold and dust mite problems. A digital hygrometer is a simple way to track this.

Step 5: Look for Mold or Musty Odors

DIY mold test kits can detect spores in the air, but they’re often unreliable. If you notice a persistent musty smell or visible growth, it’s time to call the pros at Oliver.

Why Professional IAQ Testing Beats DIY Every Time

While consumer-grade tools may give you a rough idea of your air quality, they often lack the precision, reliability, and depth of insight that professional testing provides. Oliver’s indoor air quality experts use high-grade diagnostic equipment to detect a wide range of airborne pollutants, including those that typical home monitors can’t pick up. We’re also trained to interpret the results accurately, which is something a standard report from a store-bought test kit can’t do. Our pros will also recommend the best solutions tailored to your home’s needs, from advanced air purifiers and HEPA filters to whole-home humidity control systems.