Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside a building and how it affects the health and comfort of the people who breathe it. According to the U.S. EPA, indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, since modern homes are built to be airtight for energy efficiency — which also traps moisture, particulates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside.
What Affects Indoor Air Quality
- Moisture and humidity — conditions that allow mold and dust mites to thrive
- Ventilation — how effectively a home exchanges indoor air for fresh outdoor air
- Particulates — dust, pet dander, and pollen circulated by the HVAC system
- VOCs — off-gassing from paint, furniture, cleaning products, and building materials
- Combustion byproducts — from gas appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages
An IAQ inspection identifies which of these factors are present in your home and gives you a prioritized, practical plan to address them — separate from (though sometimes related to) a mold-specific inspection. See our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Inspection service for details.