When most people think about their HVAC system, the focus is on heating and cooling. And, while those are key elements of the HVAC systems, what's often overlooked is the role it plays in air quality. Furnaces and air conditioning units are built with filters to control the spread of pollutants as air is forcefully circulated around your space. When in good condition, your HVAC not only makes being indoors more comfortable, but it also makes indoor spaces more livable and healthy. When air quality testing is conducted, higher levels of contaminants could point to an issue with your HVAC system. Recognizing the signs of poor air quality can help you book prompt air quality testing in Toronto or a designated substance survey with experts in the field, like Inch By Inch Inspections. The sooner you are aware, the sooner you can take action for safer, cost-effective, and more comfortable living.
Here are some of the ways air quality testing can provide insight into the state of your HVAC system
Elevated Dust, Allergens, and Particulates
If testing reveals high concentrations of dust, dander, pollen, or other airborne particles, it may be due to dirty filters or delayed ductwork. HVAC systems that aren't cleaned or maintained regularly will recirculate allergens and pollutants, irritating your lungs and worsening allergies or asthma. At Inch By Inch Inspections, we often discover these issues during standard air quality testing in Toronto and recommend solutions to target the source.
Hidden Mold Growth
One of the most overlooked problems in HVAC systems is mold. Moisture in ducts, especially from condensation or blocked drainage, can promote mold growth. When we conduct air testing, elevated spore counts are a sign that the HVAC system could be contaminated. That's when our mold removal services become essential. Mold removal services are not only about surface treatment; they should also address the mechanical systems that distribute contaminated air throughout the building.
VOCs and Chemical Pollutants
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde or chemical fumes from cleaning products or building materials can build up indoors when ventilation is poor. Air quality testing in Toronto with Inch By Inch Inspections can detect these pollutants and identify whether your HVAC is properly circulating fresh air. If you've recently renovated or purchased new furniture, or if the system lacks fresh air intake, your indoor air could be more harmful than you think.
Signs It's Time for a Designated Substance Survey
If your HVAC system is in an older building or hasn't been upgraded in decades, it's worth combining your air testing with a designated substance survey. This assessment identifies hazardous materials like asbestos or lead that can become airborne through aging infrastructure or during renovations. We conduct thorough, designated substance surveys to make sure your space is safe before any work begins.
Take Control of Your Indoor Environment with Inch By Inch Inspections
At Inch By Inch Inspections, we support property owners in keeping their property contaminant-free for healthier and safer living. From air quality testing in Toronto to mold removal services and designated substance survey reporting, our job is to help you breathe easier. If you suspect that your indoor air quality is not where it should be or if you're planning a construction project, a designated substance survey is necessary to ensure your HVAC system is not working against you.
