Home Air Quality Mini-Audit (Quick Guide)

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🌬️ Indoor Air • PM2.5 • VOC • CO₂ • Humidity

On this page

1. 3-Line Summary
2. Hero
3. Why This Matters
4. Science
5. Mini-Audit Table
6. 7-Day Quick Wins
7. Self-Check Quiz (10Q)
8. FAQ
9. Your Next Step

Summary 1: A fast home air quality mini-audit reduces headaches, fatigue, and allergies while protecting long-term health.

Summary 2: Learn the science behind PM2.5, VOCs, CO₂, humidity, and dust—then apply simple apartment/house fixes.

Summary 3: Use the 10-question quiz to get actions, medical guidance, cautions, and a weekly checklist.

Alt position note: window (left) • purifier (center) • plants (right)

🌬️ Why This Matters: A 10-Minute Story

Mina woke with headaches and a tight throat. A quick check found cooking PM spikes, a musty closet (high RH), and a clogged filter. Fixes: window-on while cooking, clean filter, dehumidifier at 45% RH. Results: clearer mornings—no renovation, just a mini-audit.

🔬 The Science in Plain English

PM2.5 (Fine particles)

From cooking, candles, outdoor pollution, and dust. Keep low: ventilate while cooking, run a HEPA purifier, and damp-wipe surfaces.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Off-gas from paints, cleaners, fragrance, new furniture. Choose low/no-VOC products, ventilate after use, avoid ozone-generating devices.

CO₂ (Ventilation proxy)

Higher indoor CO₂ = stale air. Use window time or mechanical ventilation; portable CO₂ meters visualize patterns.

Humidity & Mold

Keep RH in the ~40–50% sweet spot. Fans for bath/kitchen, dehumidify damp rooms, fix leaks quickly.

Dust & Allergens

Upgrade HVAC to MERV 11–13 if compatible; HEPA vacuum weekly; declutter to cut dust load.

Educational content. For persistent respiratory symptoms or known exposures, consult a clinician.

🧭 Mini-Audit: What to Check & How to Fix

Room-by-room checks with targets

Area	Quick Check	Target / Fix
Kitchen PM2.5	Smoke/haze?	Lid/air-fry/oven; window + fan on; HEPA nearby; wipe oil.
Cleaning & Fragrance	Sprays/scents?	Fragrance-free, low-VOC; ventilate; avoid ozone/ionizers.
Humidity	Damp/dry?	RH 40–50%; run fans; dehumidify; fix leaks.
Filters	Dusty vents? Purifier warning?	HVAC MERV 11–13 if compatible; HEPA purifier; replace on schedule.
Ventilation	Stuffy/sleepy?	Daily window time; check fan flow; optional CO₂ meter.
Dust & Clutter	Dust layers?	HEPA vacuum 1–2×/wk; declutter; damp dust high shelves.
Combustion Safety	Gas stove/heater? Candles?	Use exhaust; consider induction plate; CO alarm; limit candles/incense.

⚡ 7-Day Quick Wins (Apartment & House-Friendly)

One win per day—compounding benefits

Day	Action	Why it helps
1	Deep-clean range hood; cook with lid; window-on.	Cuts cooking smoke (PM2.5) fast.
2	Swap to fragrance-free, low-VOC cleaner.	Reduces VOC load and odors.
3	HEPA vacuum + damp dust high surfaces.	Removes dust/allergens (not redistributes).
4	Set dehumidifier to 45% RH in damp room.	Blocks mold growth/musty smells.
5	Replace HVAC/HEPA filter; note next date.	Maintains capture efficiency.
6	10-min morning & evening window time.	Refreshes air; lowers CO₂ proxy.
7	Declutter one zone (bedside/shelf).	Fewer dust surfaces; easier upkeep.

Alt position note: purifier (left) • clean vent (right)

📋 Home Air Quality Mini-Audit: 10-Question Self-Check

Answer all 10. A brief 2-second analysis (with an ad) appears before your tailored plan.

1. Ventilate when cooking (window or exhaust)?
   Always Sometimes Rarely
2. Use fragrance-free, low-VOC cleaners/products?
   Yes Partly No
3. HEPA purifier running in main living/sleep area?
   Yes Sometimes No
4. Indoor humidity around 40–50%?
   Usually Not sure Rarely
5. Replace HVAC/HEPA filters on schedule?
   Yes Sometimes No
6. Any musty odors, leaks, or visible mold?
   No Occasional Yes
7. Keep candles/incense minimal & ventilate afterward?
   Yes Sometimes No
8. CO alarm if using gas appliances/heaters?
   Yes Not sure No
9. Bedrooms feel fresh in the morning (not stuffy)?
   Yes Sometimes No
10. Weekly HEPA vacuum + damp dust routine?
    Yes Sometimes No

Please answer all 10 questions.

⏳ Calculating your personalized plan…

Educational only. If you have asthma/COPD, pregnancy, or severe symptoms, consult a clinician.

❓ FAQs

1) Do I need expensive sensors?

No. Start with a hygrometer (humidity), your senses (mold/odors), and optionally a CO₂ meter. Focus on ventilation, filtration, humidity.

2) Can plants clean indoor air?

Nice for mood, modest for pollutants. Treat as décor—prioritize ventilation and HEPA.

3) Are ionizers/ozone devices okay?

Avoid ozone-generating “purifiers.” Choose verified low-ozone HEPA units.

4) I rent—what can I change?

Window time, fan use, portable HEPA, dehumidifier, fragrance-free cleaners, draft stoppers, weekly HEPA vacuum.

5) How fast will I notice a difference?

Often within days: less smoke/odors, fewer morning headaches, better sleep. Track a 2-week symptom checklist.

← Mindful Eating Readiness Quiz     All Quizzes     Next: Sleep Environment Audit →

🌟 Breathe Easier—Starting This Week

Action plan: (1) Ventilate every cook, (2) Set RH to ~45%, (3) Run a HEPA purifier where you spend most time, (4) Replace filters on schedule, (5) Re-take the quiz in 7 days and compare your score.

Summary Science Mini-Audit Quick Wins Quiz Next Step ↑ Top