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How to Test Indoor Air Quality

In our previous articles, we explained the importance of testing indoor air quality and the various airborne contaminants that building occupants are exposed to.

In this article, we’re going to discuss how to test indoor air quality.

Testing indoor air quality

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Air sampling is one of the simpler ways of testing the quality of indoor air in your building. Although it is advised to use air sampling to better understand the different contaminants your building is exposed to, it should not be the only method used to do so.

The reason for this is, there are various factors that influence the quality of air and therefore it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the building’s operations while performing the test.

Influencing factors include:

  • Building occupants
  • Quality and level of operation of HVAC system
  • Potential pollutant pathways
  • Contaminant sources

Therefore, in addition to air sampling tests, it’s important to:

  • Document building history
  • Note complaints
  • Monitor HVAC systems and inefficiencies
  • Visually inspect the building
  • Perform building air audits
  • Collect data on building temperature, relative humidity levels, CO2 levels, air flow and movement

Together with air sampling, the data on the above components will better support indoor air sampling readings obtained during the air sampling process.

What do to if your Air Sampling indicates Poor Indoor Air?

Portable air cleaners are an option when it comes to managing poor indoor air quality.

However, a better long-term solution would be to ensure your HVAC system is comprehensive enough to filter out pollutants. Testing your HVAC ducts using a handheld anemometer or wind meter is good method to do so.

Air Options – Quality Indoor Air HVAC Systems South Africa

We provide specialized HVAC and Air Handling Unit systems as well as other more standardised air conditioning products.

Our systems are developed to ensure that the industrial and commercial sectors, medical facilities, and other specialised spaces receive the ventilation and cooling they require.

Comments are closed for this post, but if you have spotted an error or have additional info that you think should be in this post, feel free to contact us.

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