It may seem like these inspections are pretty much the same thing; while they technically are related in essence, they are in fact two different inspections with their own individual procedures and purposes.
MOLD AND AIR QUALITY ISSUES – RELATED?
When it comes to indoor air quality, there are many sources that can be detrimental to indoor air quality.
Sources that can affect indoor air quality include, but are not limited to:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Poor ventilation
- Allergens
- Pesticides
- Cleaning supplies
- VOCs
- Mildew
- And yes, mold
So mold is definitely related to air quality and can affect the air quality in a home in Sedgwick, Kansas. However, that is not to say that a mold inspection is the same as an indoor air quality inspection.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE, THEN?
An indoor air quality inspection consists of testing for multiple pollutants that could be affecting the indoor air quality of a home in Sedgwick, Kansas. As mentioned above, allergens, pesticides, VOCs, and mold can be tested for during an indoor air quality test.
Generally an indoor air quality can consist of:
- Visual inspection
- Humidity readings taken
- Air samples taken
- Surface samples taken
No single device can measure every air pollutant because each air pollutant is different. Because each air pollutant is different, scientists have had to develop a wide range of equipment to measure air pollution. So it will be essential to provide the air quality inspector with as much information about what you are experiencing and what you suspect could be contributing to the air quality issue in your home in Sedgwick, Kansas, so that they can tailor the air quality inspection to your needs.
Mold, as stated above, can impact air quality, but during a mold inspection the focus is on locating mold, determining what kind of mold is present, and finding out the extent of any mold issues that may be present in a home in Sedgwick, Kansas.
Generally a mold inspection consists of:
- Visual inspection
- Humidity/moisture readings
- Checking for leaks or water sources that could be contributing or have contributed to mold growth
- Mold samples taken (if necessary)
- Determining the extent of a mold issue
The purpose of these inspections may be related and are aimed at discovering issues that are occurring in a home in Sedgwick, Kansas. An indoor air quality inspection covers a broad spectrum of pollutants, while a mold inspection is focused on discovering if mold growth has occurred.
IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHICH TYPE OF INSPECTION YOU NEED, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
In a situation where you are unsure if you need an air quality inspection or a mold inspection in Sedgwick, Kansas, the best course of action is to ask a professional. They will be able to help determine from what you are experiencing and what your concerns are, which of the two would be more helpful.
In either case, it can go without saying that most of us spend a lot of time indoors nowadays in Sedgwick, Kansas. It becomes ever more important to keep our indoor air quality in check and determining any pollutants is vital. Whether it be one of the many air quality pollutants or mold in particular, if you are experiencing indoor air quality issues, please give us here at FreshCo Cleaning and Restoration a call. We provide both indoor air quality and mold inspections, and we will have you speak to our indoor air quality technician and determine which inspection would be the best for you.
>
“I was very concerned I might have had mold issues in my furnace vents. Thankfully none was found. A total inspection was performed.”
— Carolyn W. in Wichita, Kansas
