Basement Air Quality

So if you want to improve your home s indoor air quality as a whole it s important to address the air quality in your basement.

Basement air quality.

Poor indoor air quality iaq can turn your basement into a health hazard. Basement ventilation improves air quality reduces pollutants 40 of the air that we breathe in our homes comes up from the basement yes everyone in the house is breathing air that was once in the basement that s not good air. Mold comes in all shapes and sizes there is no single species that can infect a home. A lot of people have air quality issues with their basements.

As far as basements are concerned mold is the largest contributor to poor indoor air quality so the rest of the post will focus on the mold. Let s take a look at some of the pollutants most commonly found in basements and methods to reduce or eliminate them. The most common problems include high levels of dust dampness and musty odors. Once you have discovered and fixed the source of the stinky basement add some fresh air.

The most common basement problem is dampness and humidity. This is because basements often have high levels of dust mold and dampness which can lead to unclean air and musty or unpleasant odors. You can install an air system that will improve indoor air quality dilute indoor pollutants and push stale indoor air out of your home. While carpeting manufacturers claim the carpeting is resistant to mold dusts dirt and skin cells in the fibers are not.

Finished basements with carpeting and gypsum based wallboard may accentuate the basement smell and degrade the overall air quality because carpeting absorbs moisture through the foundation in a process called capillary action. One of the first steps necessary to improve the quality of basement air is to install some type of vent system that will help expel stale air from the space while allowing fresh air into the basement. A simple heating and cooling system with an air return will help accomplish this goal. Additionally install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor to alert you to high levels of carbon monoxide.

To test the air quality in your home purchase an air quality monitor to check the levels of dust allergens chemical pollutants and humidity in your home. This capillary action in turn creates excess humidity putting more moisture into the air and wetting the insulation. Water often seeps into basements through the concrete walls and floor. It thrives in moisture and settled organic material which makes the basement perfect for its growth.

Symptoms can include headaches dry cough allergies fatigue eye irritation and more. In addition your basement may not have good air circulation and this can make the air feel stuffy and stale. If you ve ever noticed that unpleasant basement smell or felt like that area of your home can never stay clean you re not alone. Air quality is affected by the presence of mold radon and other toxins.