Ever wonder if the air inside your home is truly clean and safe? Indoor air quality affects your health more than you may think. From mold spores in the basement to invisible gases like radon or carbon monoxide, your home might be hiding pollutants. The only way to know is to test the air quality in your home. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate agent advising clients, this guide will walk you through how to spot problems and which tests matter most.
Why You Should Test the Air Quality in Your Home
We spend 90% of our time indoors—yet indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. If you’ve asked yourself, “How do I test the air quality in my home?” you’re already ahead of the game. Poor air quality can lead to frequent coughing, sneezing, fatigue, or headaches. Over time, it can even contribute to serious health issues.
Testing gives you a baseline. It tells you if you're breathing clean air—or if allergens, chemicals, or gases like radon are present. If you're planning to sell or buy a home, especially older properties, this step is essential. Do home inspectors check for mold or radon? Not always—so proactive testing matters.
1. How to Test for Mold in the Air
Let’s start with one of the most common questions: Do home inspections check for mold? Most standard home inspectors don’t perform mold testing unless specifically requested. That’s where home mold test kits come in. But are home mold test kits reliable?
Here’s the scoop:
- DIY kits can give a general idea if mold is present, but they’re not always precise.
- Professional mold testing involves air sampling and lab analysis—more accurate, especially when selling a home with mold.
If you’re seeing green or black mold on the outside of the house, that’s a sign to investigate further. And yes, mold on the exterior of a house can affect curb appeal and buyer perception—even if it’s not toxic.
Wondering “Can you sell a home with mold?” You can, but you’ll likely need to disclose it, remediate it, or negotiate it in the sale.
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2. Do Air Filters Affect Home Air Quality?
Absolutely. Many people ask: “Does home air filter quality matter?” or “What’s the best HVAC air filter for a home with pets?”
Air filters trap allergens like dust, pet dander, and even mold spores before they circulate. Choosing the right air filter for a mobile home or traditional home can drastically improve your air quality.
- Signs you need to change your home air filter include dust buildup, allergies, or a musty smell.
- Standard HVAC filters typically come in sizes like standard mobile home air filter size: 16x20x1 or 14x20x1.
- If you have pets, look for a MERV 11+ pleated filter for better filtration.
Changing filters every 1–3 months keeps your HVAC running efficiently and your air cleaner.
3. Radon: The Invisible Risk You Need to Test For
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground—and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
If you’re wondering “Is radon testing required to sell a home?”, the answer varies by state. But regardless of regulation, it’s smart to test.
- Use a home inspection radon test or a best home radon detector device.
- Real estate agents should recommend radon testing home inspections in older homes or high-risk areas.
- Buyers might ask “Should I buy a house with a radon mitigation system?” If it has one, that’s a good thing—it means the risk has been addressed.
For sellers: testing before listing can help you avoid delays or surprises.
Go beyond the basics and become your clients’ go-to resource for healthy living spaces! Empire Learning’s Healthy Homes (4-hour) and Healthy Home Fundamentals (3-hour) CE courses are designed to help real estate professionals like you understand the hidden health risks that can impact a home—and its value. From mold, lead, and radon to indoor air quality, asbestos, and pesticides, you’ll gain the knowledge to confidently address client concerns and highlight key features that matter in today’s market.
4. Carbon Monoxide and CO₂: More Than Just Buzzwords
Many homeowners don’t realize carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate even in all-electric homes. That’s right: Can you have carbon monoxide in an all electric home? Rarely, but it’s still possible from generators, vehicles in garages, or wood-burning fireplaces.
Questions like:
- “Does an all electric house need a carbon monoxide detector?”
- “Can carbon monoxide come through air vents in the house?”
All have one simple answer: Yes, it’s better to be safe and install detectors on every floor.
To go further, some people ask: “How can I test my CO2 levels at home?” or “How to lower CO2 in house?” CO₂ is different from carbon monoxide, but too much CO₂ can also make you tired and foggy. Solutions include:
- Improving ventilation
- Adding houseplants
- Using a CO2 filter for home or CO2 scrubber for home
5. Lead Paint, Asbestos & Other Hidden Dangers
Finally, for agents and owners of older homes: ask yourself—
- How to tell if my house has lead paint?
- Do home inspectors check for lead paint or asbestos?
- When did they stop using asbestos in homes?
These issues often show up in homes built before 1978 (lead) or before the year they quit using asbestos in homes (roughly 1986, depending on the material).
Do you have to disclose asbestos when selling a house? In most states—yes.
And for buyers: “Would a house built in 1976 have asbestos?” Very likely. It’s worth testing if you plan renovations.
Final Thoughts: A Healthy Home Starts with Awareness
From testing air quality in your home to understanding whether home inspections check for mold, you now know how to be proactive. If you’re helping clients or caring for your own household, testing is the first step toward peace of mind.
Want to go deeper? Our 4-hour Healthy Homes and 3-hour Healthy Home Fundamentals continuing education courses cover these topics in detail. Learn how to identify, test for, and resolve indoor air hazards to protect families—and your real estate deals.
🏡 Healthy homes sell better, feel better, and live better. Let’s breathe easier—starting today.
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For real estate professionals, understanding these concepts can be particularly valuable during discussions with clients about why REALTORS® and real estate agents are knowledgable professionals.
If you’re preparing for your Real Estate Continuing Education or looking to enhance your knowledge through a Real Estate Course, topics like Healthy Homes can help set you apart.
As part of your License Renewal Course or other Real Estate CE efforts, staying informed on foundational property concepts can make a big difference in your expertise and client relationships.