home air testing

How to Have the Best Air Quality Over the Holidays

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

How to Have the Best Air Quality Over the Holidays

The Holiday Season is officially here. Not only are more families aware of their health during this time, but indoor air quality is also a top priority. During the wintertime, being indoors means cooking slow meals all day long, watching television with our loved ones while staying cozy on the couch, and lighting up fall scented candles. But a foul-smelling basement is definitely not on the list. How can you achieve the best air quality over the holidays?

Have you ever walked into someone else’s home, only to notice the smell of a damp carpet or mildew? Perhaps it is slightly covered by candle or fabric spray, but the scent lingers. Well, it affects the air quality of your home. The good news is – if you know where the musty smell is coming from (like from an old mop), then you can solve the problem. The bad news – if the smell has been lingering around for weeks, months or even years, you need to call a professional. Your home could be dealing with a radon or mold problem, past due duct cleaning, sump pumps, backup systems, or in need of crawl space liners and air cleaners.

How to have the best air quality over the holidays

Not only could a damp smell be bad for your air quality and overall health of you and your loved ones, but it can also be the source of a larger issue. Over the years, our company has performed successful indoor quality tests to get the answers you need. Our team at Environmental Doctor does it all, from basement waterproofing to mold removal and water intrusion problems. Staying comfortable indoors is a top priority while it’s snowing outside.

Don’t delay your inspection; the holidays deserve to smell nice and clean for you and your guests. We are located in Dayton, Ohio and serve all of the areas surrounding Dayton. From Springfield to the East, Piqua to the North and Eaton to the West.

Photo by Annie Spratt

Happy Independence Day, America! Outdoor Safety Tips:

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer
independence day

We can all agree, this has been a challenging year for all Americans. Although it’s been a stressful year, we should focus on the strength of our country. There’s no better way than to celebrate the birth of America with a festivity of unity on a nice summer day, Independence Day! While staying social but keeping a distance, an outdoor grill surrounded by friends and family is a nice way to share this national holiday. Now, grab your folding chairs and let’s head out to the local fireworks show in Dayton, Ohio!

Although, before we head out in full force on July 4th 2020, here are some safety tips for the outdoors festivities:

– Keep your pets safe and sound. Lots of pets run away from home during this time of year. This is the worst day for our furry friends in terms of loud noises. Make sure they are safe indoors and keep the air conditioner on for them as you enjoy your outdoor festivities.

– Always apply and reapply sunscreen during this summer holiday. Feeling that sunburn for the next few days in the summer is not pleasant.

– Keep your distance from fireworks. Even if you are practicing social distancing and staying in your own car or camping zone, too much inhalation from fireworks can be detrimental. Let’s not forget to mention, there’s fire involved. Stay safe and keep your distance.

– Think of the children. Watch for unattended children who may be carrying sparklers or matches. Help your community by preventing any type of accident that may easily occur without proper adult supervision.

– Make sure there’s a lifeguard present at any lake or pool facility.

– Do not operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of alcohol. Be safe and keep others safe by staying home or arranging a safe ride with a friend or family member.

– Home air quality/ Home Air Tester. With so much smoke coming from grills and fireworks due to Independence Day, make sure you have an updated HVAC unit with a fresh air filter. You can call us today for a home air quality test and home air testing. 

Photo Kindly by: Vishwas Bangar

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

Do you know the quality of your indoor air using home air testing? Whether it’s your home or office, air quality can make all the difference for you and your family. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can pose as a higher health risk than outside air pollution. Prior tests have shown that pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors in comparison to outdoor levels. You may be asking yourself, why or how is this possible?

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

home air testingThere are lots of variables as to why your indoor air may be lacking in quality. Mold, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon and lead found in dust are some of the key factors that lead to poor air quality. Other factors include pollutants found in furniture, bed mattresses included, new or old paint, pet dander and carpet cleaning products. Can your house make you sick? It definitely can. Side effects of poor air quality in your home include: coughing and sneezing, dry or irritated eyes, nose, throat and skin, headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to allergies, sinus congestion, etc. It crucial to keep track of these symptoms but also be mindful of seasonal changes which can help guide you through minimal steps such as reducing humidity or increasing ventilation to sustain good air quality in your home.

Home air testing is the quickest way to answer any questions in regards to your home or office air quality. After having an air test done and having resolved any issues, there are plenty of other ways to sustain great home air quality. Some of these include: door mats since people bring in all sorts of dirt and pollutants under their shoes, mopping with just water can help pick up dust left behind from sweeping, using a HEPA filter with your vacuum ensures the dust gets trapped, dusting with microfiber cloths captures more dust than traditional ones, dehumidifiers and air conditioners helps reduce moisture and reduce allergens.

What can we do to lessen air pollutants in our home? We suggest you find the cause of the irritant in your home first. Whether it’s mold, radon, carbon monoxide, lead paint, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or a blocked air filtration system, you may be able to eliminate the irritant or dilute the pollutant to less hazardous levels. Common VOC’s found in homes includes: acetone, benzene, butanol, carbon disulfide, dichlorobenzene, ethanol, formaldehyde, terpenes, toluene, and xylene. Home air testing kits are super popular in this day and age and are available for purchase online. But buyers beware as they may not accurately produce results and cost about $100 each.