Indoor Air Quality Services


Blog

Here at Southern Valley Services, we strive to promote the green well-being as well as human safety in interior living and work spaces.

What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

IAQ covers several parts of an interior environment. As a result, there isn’t a simple or single test that can be used to properly calculate IAQ. A full and comprehensive air study would typically consist all of the testing and services that are described below, though we believe that is hardly ever necessary.

We will begin by understanding your complaint. Are there symptoms? Is there an odor, an illness, or possibly something else entirely? We will attempt to be aware of and fully understand the issue in the space prior to recommending a specific kind of testing or service.

IAQ Services Offered by Southern Valley Services

  • Indoor Environmental Assessment
  • Basic IAQ Testing
  • Mold Detection and Inspection
  • Airborne Mold Spore Testing
  • Allergen Screen Testing
  • Total VOC Testing
  • Ultrafine Particulate Testing
  • Airborne Biological Particulate Testing
  • Methane, Formaldehyde, or Other Chemical Compound Testing

Here at Southern Valley Services, we have the expertise and experience necessary to properly evaluate poor IAQ. If the issue is associated to mold, allergens, as well as other indoor air contaminants, then one of our specialists will work closely with you in order to settle on the subsequent steps to assess or fix a problem.

  • The pricing for IAQ testing will vary depending on the type and number of tests that need to be conducted. Generally, at least two samples for each kind of test are necessary, though three samples for each type are recommended. Clients should consider if they would like more than a single day of sampling to be gathered. Keep in mind that the more samples that are collected from the space, the better the data can be properly reviewed and represented.

Services and Testing Offered at Southern Valley Services

  • Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Humidity and Temperature Testing – These are all essential elements of IAQ. Because carbon dioxide is an ordinary aspect of human respiration, it is important to understand that it is only dangerous at considerably high levels. When levels of carbon dioxide rise rapidly, it means that insufficient fresh air is somehow coming into the space, and it often comes with an unpleasant staleness as well as mild symptoms like fatigue. Humidity and temperature are simply considered “comfort”. Humidity has the ability to affect the growth of mold, particularly with HVAC systems, as well as the presence of dust mites. Carbon monoxide is toxic and a creation of combustion. Some of the most common IAQ issues are inadequate ventilation, temperature, as well as humidity control.
  • Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) Testing – This is a sensitive and specialized test that has the ability to determine the total number of VOCs and recognizes specific VOCs that could be in the space. VOCs are often responsible for various odors in the space and are typically linked with industrial chemicals as well as cleaning products. Most are toxic and irritating. This type of test is particularly beneficial when there are chemical usages or industrial processes nearby that could be impacting IAQ.
  • Ultrafine Particulate Testing – Particulate matter can often be particularly irritating on the respiratory system. This test has the ability to indicate whether dust levels in the space are within satisfactory levels or not. The meter for ultrafine particles will indicate if particles within the ultrafine range are higher than average. Ultrafines can originate from various equipment and processes like water heaters, boilers, furnaces, dry toner printers and copiers, etc.
  • Formaldehyde Testing – A respiratory tract irritant, formaldehyde can come from flooring materials, or furniture, particularly those that are specifically made from particle board or plywood or when processing chemicals or special glues are utilized during the manufacturing process. It’s more commonly found with new furnishings and if the furnishings are manufactured in Mexico or Asia.
  • Airborne Mold Testing – This testing works to identify whether interior air has become subsequently tainted by mold spores, which are produced by reservoirs of interior mold growth. The growth of mold is considered one of the most widespread problems with IAQ.
  • Additional Airborne Biological Particles and Allergens Analysis – This testing shows whether specific allergens like dust, fibers, pollens, dust mites, or inspect parts are in the air. Airborne skin cell counts may even affect the cleanliness of a space. Additional particulates are recognized and measured like fiberglass fibers and synthetic fibers.

Keep in mind that these tests don’t eradicate every single possible cause of inadequate indoor air quality, though they will detect and classify the most common problems.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at Southern Valley Services.

Is your home a health issue?

Improve Health-Increase Comfort-Save Money

Address

Southern Valley Services
Serving North Alabama
(256) 444-0544

Home Owners

Home Inspections
Home Performance Audits
Diagnostics
Healthy Home Evaluations
Radon Services
Home Owner Resources
Southern Valley Services, LLC, Home Inspection, Athens, AL