How To Test Indoor Air Quality For Mold

Most homeowners in Fort Collins, WY, are shocked to learn that the air in their houses is two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. There are many types of indoor air pollutants, including dust, bacteria, viruses, spores, vapors from cooking, and volatile organic compounds that off-gas from products. Mold spores are of particular concern because they may trigger allergy or asthma attacks or breathing problems. Here’s what you should do if you think there are mold spores in your home’s air.

Use Your Senses

You can informally test for mold with your nose and eyes. If you detect a musty or earthy odor anywhere in your house, it’s probably caused by mold. You may also see discolored areas. Mold can appear black, brown, green, white, or a rusty color.

Use an At-Home Test Kit

Many companies offer at-home mold testing kits that you can use yourself. To use one, you’ll collect samples from strategic areas of your house. For example, if you have a discolored area in the corner of your bathroom, you would swab that area to collect a sample. Most of these kits are done through the mail. Once the company receives and tests your samples, it will post your results online or send them to you through the mail.

Professional Air Quality Testing

For reliable results, consider professional indoor air quality testing. This type of testing usually involves setting up a trap or filter in your home for a specified period of time. The technician then returns to collect the material. The material is sent to a lab, where any spores will be counted and identified by the biological species.

At Advanced Comfort Solutions, we’re a trusted provider of indoor air quality solutions in Fort Collins. Homeowners also count on us for heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Our duct cleaning services, whole-house fans, and tankless water heaters can keep your house safe, comfortable, and clean. To learn more about testing your home’s air quality for mold, get in touch with us at Advanced Comfort Solutions today.