What can a home air quality test tell you that your nose hasn’t already noticed? A great deal, actually. Certain airborne irritants may have an odor, yet it’s hard to identify it and even harder to track it back to the source. Moreover, other contaminants produce no odors at all, yet they still pose issues ranging from simple discomfort to allergic responses and even more serious threats.
Here’s a representative sample of air quality test options to detect issues that could impact the health of your indoor environment:
- Mold growth releases millions of airborne reproductive spores. Indoors, spore concentration may rise to levels that produce allergic reactions and other illness. Professional air sampling to detect mold contamination includes a pump device that extracts spores from indoor air and the placement of “spore traps” that capture spores settling out of the air. Both methods require laboratory analysis of test samples.
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that may seep into houses through basements and foundations. When inhaled over an extended period, radon increases the risk of lung cancer. Consumer radon test kits are available, though on-site testing by a professional trained to do an air quality test provides more concise measurement of radon’s extent and concentration.
- Volatile organic compounds — also known as VOCs — are vapors emitted by substances like paint and solvents, aerosol sprays, pesticides, and even carpet and drape materials. VOCs may trigger a variety of physical symptoms. Because VOC levels may be very low, home test kits are not adequate. For greater accuracy, professional testing utilizes detectors temporarily installed in the home and then analyzed by a laboratory.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly byproduct of combustion from sources including gas-fired appliances and heaters and vehicle exhaust fumes. Colorless and odorless, CO gas accumulates without warning signs. Effective household carbon monoxide detectors are widely available at the consumer level. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends at least one CO detector on each level of the home and one in the basement.
To learn more about the benefits of an air quality test in your home, contact Paitson Bros., now celebrating a century of service to Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922