Buying a new house in Toronto or the GTA? When buying a new house most people opt in for a structural home inspection to make sure there are no surprises when it comes to the structural integrity and mechanical perspective. But what about an air quality test? What kind of information can this test offer you as a prospective home buyer? Wouldn’t you want to know about the indoor air quality you and your family will be breathing?
A home, even new homes, could have sustained water damage which has resulted in mold growing in areas that are not visible on the eye. Also, new materials can have chemical off gassing issues, the ventilation system might not be working efficiently and a host of other problems when it comes to air purification.
In the case of purchasing an older house, there could have been pets living in the space which results in the accumulation of pet dander, rodent allergens and dust mites might be present and a host of other allergens that can worsen asthma and respiratory issues or can be harmful to children and babies.
Top 10 Indoor Air Quality Allergens In A Home:
- Airborne Fine Dust
- Poor Ventilation
- Airborne Mould Spores
- Formaldehyde
- TVOC’s
- Airborne Pet Dander
- Airborne Rodent Allergens
- Airborne Dust Mite Allergen
- Pollen issues
- Bacterial issues (E.coli).
Finished basements can have an array of problems affecting your indoor air quality. HVAC systems may be poorly installed, not have the right capacity or have blocked air ducts.
When buying a home, it is important to look for some tell tale signs of a potential problem. Should any of the following issues be found, then a professional indoor air quality assessment or air quality test is highly recommended.
- Swelling or water damage in the basement on baseboards or door jams. This can indicate a past flood and hidden mould growth.
- Water damage in corners on wall surfaces. This also can indicate a flood or foundation issue.
- Visible mould growth.
- Excessive accumulated dust. This can indicate a lack of cleaning as well as possible poor air purification systems.
- Condensation or mould on window frames. This can indicate a ventilation issue leading to elevated RH% or humidity leading to allergies and mould.
- Mould in the attic on the underside of the roof system. This could mean that bathrooms vent into the attic. This can lead to a mould issue in the attic, rarely inside the home.
- Furnace filters that don’t properly and fully fit the casing they are in. This can lead to airborne fine dust and allergen issues.
- Past evidence of rodent damage or odours.
- Past evidence of pets which for allergy sufferers could be an issue.
The best way to make sure that the home you just bough has good indoor air quality is to call us and book a professional air quality test. We can show you what is in the air that you are breathing and if it needs anything to improve the indoor air quality. Call today 905-882-3141