HOW TO MEASURE INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

Published: September 28, 2026

You spend most of your life breathing indoor air. The EPA estimates that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where air may carry fine particles, gases, allergens, combustion byproducts, moisture, and pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources.

For Memphis homeowners, local conditions can also affect what builds up indoors. Hot, humid summers increase the need for moisture control, while outdoor particle pollution and ozone can enter through windows, doors, cracks, and ventilation. Tennessee homes should also be tested for radon.

Knowing how to measure indoor air quality is the first step to breathing better in your home. Conway Services created this guide to help you identify common pollutants, understand how indoor air quality affects your health, compare testing methods, and learn how your HVAC system can support cleaner indoor air.

WHAT DOES INDOOR AIR QUALITY MEAN?

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air in and around your home and how it may affect health and comfort. Common concerns include:

• Fine particulate matter

• High humidity and mold-supporting moisture

• Carbon monoxide

• Radon

• Smoke

• Pet dander and dust

• VOCs from paints, cleaners, furnishings, and other products

All of these pollutants can contribute to air that’s less healthy and comfortable to breathe.

HOW TO MEASURE INDOOR AIR QUALITY AT HOME

Measuring indoor pollutants effectively requires a combination of sensors, dedicated safety tests, visual inspections, and household observations, as no single consumer device detects everything.

USE AN INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITOR

An indoor air quality monitor measures pollutants or conditions in your home’s air. Many track:

• PM2.5

• Carbon dioxide

• Relative humidity

• Temperature

• Estimated VOCs

Accuracy and coverage vary, especially with lower-cost monitors. It’s best to track patterns over several days and place the monitor at breathing height in a frequently occupied room, away from vents, windows, sunlight, kitchens, and bathrooms.

INSTALL AND TEST SAFETY DEVICES

Carbon monoxide and radon need their own safety checks. Keep carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas, test them regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A general air quality monitor cannot replace a certified CO alarm. You should also test your home for radon with an approved short- or long-term kit.

INSPECT THE HOME FOR MOISTURE AND POLLUTION SOURCES

Check your home for noticeable signs of excess moisture and pollution, including:

• Water stains or leaks

• Condensation

• Musty odors

• Visible mold

• Combustion odors

• Heavy dust near vents

Mold exposure can affect respiratory health, so address leaks, damp areas, and other moisture sources as soon as possible.

WHAT EACH TOOL CAN—AND CANNOT—TELL YOU

HOW INDOOR AIR QUALITY AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

Health effects from poor indoor air quality depend on the pollutant, its concentration, exposure duration, and individual sensitivity. Possible effects include:

• Short-term: Eye, nose, or throat irritation; headaches, dizziness, and fatigue

• Repeated or long-term exposure: Respiratory or cardiovascular effects; some pollutants may increase cancer risk

Fine particles can affect the lungs and heart, while dampness and mold may worsen coughing, wheezing, or asthma. Children, older adults, and people with existing conditions may be more vulnerable. Enhanced indoor air quality strategies can reduce exposure, but you should always discuss persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional.

WHY INDOOR AIR QUALITY MATTERS IN MEMPHIS AND TENNESSEE

Memphis homeowners need to consider indoor pollution as well as changing outdoor conditions. Shelby County’s air monitoring network provides useful data on local air quality, and AirNow can help you decide when opening windows may bring in ozone, smoke, or particle pollution instead of fresh, clean air.

The area’s humidity also makes it essential to monitor moisture and address any leaks, condensation, or drainage quickly.

Tennessee also has significant radon risk: Elevated levels have been found in every county, and one in four homes tested through the Tennessee Radon Program exceeded EPA’s 4 pCi/L action level.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Here’s how you can improve your indoor air quality with four key strategies.

CONTROL POLLUTION AT THE SOURCE

• Smoke and vape outdoors.

• Run exhaust fans when cooking or showering.

• Fix roof, plumbing, and foundation leaks quickly.

• Keep fuels, paints, and harsh chemicals away from living areas.

• Choose lower-emission products when possible.

• Never idle vehicles or run fuel-burning equipment in an attached garage.

MANAGE MOISTURE

• Track indoor relative humidity.

• Address condensation and musty areas quickly.

• Keep gutters, drains, and HVAC condensate lines clear.

• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.

• Focus on preventing sustained high humidity and condensation rather than treating one humidity reading as ideal for every home.

VENTILATE WHEN OUTDOOR CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE

• Use AirNow and Shelby County readings to check outdoor conditions before opening windows.

• Ventilate when pollution levels are lower and outdoor humidity is manageable.

• For tightly sealed homes or limited natural airflow, mechanical ventilation can provide more controlled air exchange.

IMPROVE FILTRATION AND HOUSEKEEPING

• Change HVAC filters on the schedule recommended for your equipment and filter type.

• Use a sealed or HEPA vacuum when possible.

• Wash bedding regularly and reduce dust buildup.

• Choose portable or whole-home air purifiers and filtration based on pollutants and space size.

HOW YOUR HVAC SYSTEM CAN SUPPORT CLEANER INDOOR AIR

Your HVAC system can help improve indoor air through filtration, circulation, moisture control, and ventilation. Depending on your home and system, improvement options may include:

• Compatible HVAC filters

• Media filtration or a whole-house air purifier

• UV treatment

• Dehumidification

• Controlled fresh-air ventilation

• Duct inspection when needed

Note that higher-rated filters are not automatically better—too much airflow resistance can affect performance. Understanding why HVAC maintenance is important also helps: Regular maintenance gives technicians a chance to check filters, coils, condensate drainage, blower performance, airflow, and overall operation to help ensure your system is working efficiently and supporting clean, comfortable air.

If you’re looking to enhance your HVAC system, Conway Services provides indoor air quality services and whole-home solutions for Memphis-area homeowners.

WHEN TO REQUEST A PROFESSIONAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

If indoor air concerns keep coming back despite good moisture and pollution control practices, it may be time for a closer look at your HVAC system. An HVAC professional can help identify system-related issues and recommend whole-home options when:

• Moisture or odors return

• Humidity stays high

• Dust builds up near vents

• Airflow is weak or uneven

• Readings spike without explanation

• You want filtration or ventilation upgrades

Conway Services can evaluate HVAC-related air quality concerns and provide HVAC services throughout the Memphis area. For medical, radon, or hazardous material concerns, we recommend contacting the appropriate specialists.

Ready to explore our indoor air quality services? Call 901-248-1961 or book online now.