How to ensure a home has clean air

A home's air quality is one of the most important aspects of safe living. Most people spend the majority of their time indoors, which means that this safety concern is especially critical.

Therefore, a property inspection is a great step for many homeowners to double check if everything inside - and outside - their house is in working order. Air quality can be polluted in a variety of ways, and some may be obvious. However, others might be a little bit harder to spot. If this is the case, vigilant residents could take a few precautions in order to ensure the home is safe and secure.

Typical air quality concerns

Many different items could pollute a house, but some are more common than others. The easiest way for homeowners to make their property's air clean is by keeping out contaminants, according to The Daily Green. Some major factors of air pollution include cigarette smoke, moisture buildup and other chemicals.

Three of the most dangerous air hazards are carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke and radon gas, the new source noted. A home inspection can help spot many problems such as this, which may be a major boost to the resident's health and their wallets. Radon is especially dangerous, as it is both silent and odorless. Besides cigarettes, this gas is the second leading reason for lung cancer.

A home inspection professional can look for air quality concerns like radon. This gas is commonly found in soil and rock, and the only valid method of checking for it is with a test. This strategy is a lot more cost effective for homeowners than ignoring a potential problem, which might result in health and home issues.

In addition, leaks can cause a lot of damage in a home. While common problems include structural damage, leaks could also jeopardize the air quality, The Daily Green noted. Rain can lead to a higher humidity within a property, and wet areas can result in mold and mildew. All of these issues are bad for air quality, which makes a home inspection a crucial tool for spotting any leaks. 

Water can frequently enter a home from the roof, foundation and basement. The earlier homeowners catch on to any leaks, the better. This way, water buildup can be stopped soon and repairs won't cost too much.

Tips to check air quality

A homeowner has several tools at his or her disposal for ensuring safe, breathable air. One is a property inspection, which can identify a number of potentially dangerous locations. Others include several convenient home safety devices.

For starters, carbon monoxide is a serious threat inside a home. This gas can enter the air from faulty stoves, furnaces and propane heaters, according to Consumer Reports. In fact, very few people consider air quality a major home safety hazard. A carbon monoxide detector is a great way for resident to be extra cautious, just in case.

Moreover, home systems should be regularly inspected, the news source noted. The house's heating components could give off dangerous gases, as could other fuel-burning appliances. If there is a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home, including the basement, that could help homeowners get one step closer to good, clean air.

When it comes to mold, any humidity levels above 50 percent could let it grow, Consumer Reports explained. Therefore, residents should be careful when using humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Each one should be cleaned frequently, because mold can also form inside the machines, then get into the air. 

Overall, vigilant homeowners have many methods that they could take to ensure great air quality. If anyone has lingering concerns, a home inspection might be a valuable solution.