Skip to main content

We detect what you suspect.

Why Air Quality Testing Is A Must Before Buying A Home

30 to 40% of the calls received by Indoor Environmental Testing Inc. are from people who just bought a house and discovered an air quality issue after moving in. Suddenly the whole family has the sniffles and it soon becomes obvious it’s the house.   

With low housing inventory, home buyers are often skipping inspections or buying a house sight unseen. If you have allergies or environmental sensitivities, air quality testing is a must when possible.

Here are some examples of air quality issues we find on a regular basis. Some are easy to fix while some have surprised new homeowners with huge repair bills!

Mouse infestation 

You might detect an “old house smell” upon entry into the house but your Realtor assures you that the house just needs” airing out” because it’s been closed up. Mouse and rat allergens can cause a myriad of symptoms including rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.  The allergens come from the urine, hair follicles and dander. These are often present in the house dust so occupants are exposed when touching surfaces and inhaling the dust in the air. 

If the infestation is in the walls or ceiling cavities, these must be opened and the insulation removed and replaced which can be a costly proposition. Rodent or bat infestations in attics can be so severe as to require a complete replacement of the insulation.

Volatile Organic Compound

Numerous products of off-gas chemicals called VOCs. Examples of chemicals found in homes are benzene and toluene from an attached garage, dichlorobenzene from moth balls or pesticides, acetic acid from frequent use of vinegar for cleaning and formaldehyde from laminate flooring, carpeting or new kitchen cabinets. Chronic headaches, nasal, eye and throat irritation and brain fog are common complaints when these are present.

Low-level carbon monoxide 

Most homes now have carbon monoxide detectors however, low-level carbon monoxide leaks will never trigger an alarm on standard detectors. Low-level leaks, which can cause lethargy, chronic fatigue, nausea, eye irritation and headaches, can go on for years unsuspected and undetected. The most common sources of carbon monoxide are gas water heaters and gas stoves.

Hidden Mold

This is the most common discovery among home buyers. Even with disclosures from the seller, there is no guarantee that previous water damage was handled adequately, even when remediated by professionals. 

A common example is a flooded basement where wall cavities were not dried sufficiently. Another example is frequent carpet shampooing which leaves carpets damp and subject to repeated mold growth. After frequent shampooing, carpet fibers can harbor huge quantities of mold. Mold testing can easily catch this during a mold inspection

Air quality testing is money well-spent as it can alert prospective buyers to potential defects and save the future homeowner some costly repairs.   

Conclusion

Air quality testing is a great way for new homeowners to measure the air quality in the house. The risk from environmental pollutants is greater indoors than outdoors, that is why it is a must to get air quality testing before buying a home. Air quality inspections will help your next home purchase a success with Indoor Environmental Testing Inc.

For more information about air quality testing, contact Indoor Environmental Testing Inc. at (800) MY-AIR-TEST

Related Posts

Critical Alert: Nashville Commercial Air Quality Issues Could Be Costing You More Than You Think

Nashville commercial air quality testing
Poor Nashville commercial air quality isn’t just uncomfortable—it can silently impact productivity, trigger chronic health problems, and expose businesses to liability risks. Whether you manage a cor…

Breathe Easier: Why a Nashville Air Quality Test Could Transform Your Health

Nashville air quality test
You might be surprised to learn that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air — even in a clean, modern home. If you’ve been struggling with allergies, fatigue, or unexplain…

Worried About Mold? Nashville Mold Testing Can Give You Peace of Complete Mind

Nashville mold testing
If you’ve been feeling unwell at home or noticing strange odors that won’t go away, it might be time to consider Nashville mold testing. Even if you can’t see mold, it could still be affecting your a…

Nashville Mold Inspection Guide: Discover the Alarming Signs You Can’t Ignore

Nashville Mold Inspection
Mold can be more than just a nuisance—it can seriously impact your home’s structure and your family’s health. Whether you’re noticing musty odors, unexplained allergy symptoms, or signs of water dama…

Hidden Dangers? Why Nashville EMF Testing Is Gaining Urgent Attention

Nashville EMF Testing
In today’s tech-saturated world, we’re surrounded by wireless signals, electronic devices, and high-voltage equipment—all of which emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While some exposure is unavoidab…