How Do I Know if My Air at Home Is Clean to Breathe?

In the bustling communities of Chicagoland, where the city’s vibrant energy meets the idyllic lakeside, the quality of the air you breathe indoors often goes unnoticed. 

We diligently clean surfaces, manage clutter, and ensure our spaces look inviting. But what about the air itself? Invisible threats can compromise your indoor air quality, even if you haven’t experienced a property-damaging event like a fire, flood, or severe storm.

The expert team at PuroClean of Evanston is here to help homeowners address these issues and ensure your loved ones enjoy a healthy and safe environment. So, how can you tell if your indoor air is clean and safe to breathe? Here’s what to look for — and what to do if something seems off.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters After Property Damage

After a disaster, dangerous contaminants can linger in the air for days or even weeks. 

Smoke particles, mold spores, bacteria, chemical residues, and other contaminants can all impact your health and comfort. Even after visible cleanup, these airborne hazards can persist, making professional assessment and remediation critical for a safe environment.

The Silent Culprits: Understanding Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Before we delve into the signs of clean air, it’s important to understand what can contaminate it. In a region like the Upper Midwest, our homes can be exposed to a range of pollutants, including:

• Particulate matter and allergens: These microscopic particles, originating from dust, pollen, pet dander, vehicle emissions, and even cooking, can lodge deep in your lungs and cause respiratory issues.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Released from everyday products like paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and air fresheners, VOCs can have serious short- and long-term health effects.
• Mold spores: A significant concern, especially after water damage, mold releases spores into the air that can trigger allergies, asthma, and other health problems.
• Combustion byproducts: Furnaces, fireplaces, and even gas stoves can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other harmful gases.
• Radon: This invisible, odorless radioactive gas can seep into homes from the ground and is a leading cause of lung cancer in the state of Illinois.

Chicagoland’s unique location, weather, and environment introduce additional concerns. Traffic pollution can enter through open windows or leaky building envelopes. 

Emissions from nearby industrial facilities and manufacturing concerns mix with abundant green spaces that produce high quantities of seasonal allergens. Winter heating or cooking pollutants from densely populated residential buildings can accumulate — all of which can contribute to hazardous indoor air. 

Signs Your Home’s Air May Not Be Clean

While some air quality issues are invisible, several warning signs suggest your air may be compromised:

• Emergencies like sewage spills or gas leaks
• Increased allergies, eye irritation, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, or trouble breathing among your household members
• Frequent headaches, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping
• Unpleasant or lingering odors, especially after cleaning
• Excessive dust buildup 
• Visible mold or mildew
• High humidity, condensation on windows, or persistent dampness
• Discoloration around air vents
• Stale or stuffy air that doesn’t improve with ventilation
• Indoor smoking or vaping

These symptoms may be particularly pronounced for vulnerable household members such as children, elderly individuals, or those with chronic conditions. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to investigate your home’s air quality further and consider DIY or professional testing.

Proactive Steps for Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

While professional testing provides the most comprehensive analysis, several do-it-yourself approaches can offer initial insights.

Modern consumer-grade air quality monitors measure various pollutants, and particulate matter sensors can detect dust and allergens that may be invisible to the naked eye. 

These devices range from basic single-pollutant monitors to sophisticated systems that track multiple parameters and provide smartphone notifications.

Regular home inspections can also reveal developing problems, and be sure to check your HVAC filters monthly. Inspect visible ductwork for dust accumulation or moisture, and look for dust patterns around vents that might indicate filtration issues. If you see excess moisture or can’t get rid of musty odors, it’s time to take further action.

Enhance ventilation:

• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Open windows when weather permits (avoiding high pollen or pollution days)
• Consider mechanical ventilation options for older Chicago homes with limited natural airflow
• Ensure attic and crawlspace vents remain unobstructed

Control moisture sources:

• Fix leaking pipes and fixtures promptly
• Address foundation cracks that allow water infiltration
• Use dehumidifiers in damp basements
• Ensure proper drainage around your home’s exterior

Maintenance practices:

• Replace HVAC filters according to manufacturer recommendations
• Schedule professional duct cleaning if systems show contamination
• Clean high-dust areas regularly using HEPA-filtered vacuums
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce allergens

Call in the Paramedics of Property Damage™

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality requires awareness, preventive measures, and sometimes professional assistance, especially if you live in one of the region’s many historic properties.

When concerns arise that exceed DIY solutions, PuroClean of Evanston’s compassionate remediation experts possess the skills and equipment necessary to restore your home’s air quality and protect your family’s health. 

Your Chicagoland home can be a true sanctuary of comfort and well-being. Call our 24/7 hotline today!