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Indoor Air Quality

Did you know we spend about 90% of our time indoors, or that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air, often up to 5 times more. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) affects health, wellbeing and productivity at home and at work and can lead to dangerous consequences.

We are recognised for our award winning expertise in indoor air quality (IAQ). Our IAQ testing services identify pollutants and root causes and our cutting-edge IAQ solutions permanently address IAQ problems, creating healthier, safer indoor environments.

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0333 014 7669

A Brief Explanation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) tends to be poorer in naturally ventilated buildings with good insulation characteristics. Poor IAQ is characterised by musty, stale odours and common problems like damp and mould, condensation, radon, allergens, pollens, dander and VOCs.

The Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to a range of health and well-being problems, including respiratory issues like asthma and lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairment. Short-term effects can include headaches and dizziness, while long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic conditions, and can even lead to premature death from illnesses linked to indoor pollutants. Certain populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are more vulnerable. Workplace productivity is also negatively affected by poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

Is My Home or Workplace Affected?

If your building is naturally ventilated there is a risk of poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Common visual symptoms of the root causes that are most evident during the colder months include:

  • lingering stale/musty odours
  • clothing taking a long time to dry indoors
  • doors expanding and becoming more difficult to close
  • mould on clothing/furniture/belongings and inside cupboards/drawers
  • mould on food and kitchen utensils/cutlery
  • peeling wallpaper
  • flaking/burring/bubbling paint coming away from wall/window sill surfaces
  • shadowing on walls following painting/plastering
  • damaged/buckled chipboard behind cupboards facing external walls

Dust mites are a stealth problem in poor indoor air quality (IAQ) environments that can cause asthma conditions to develop in young lungs and their faecal matter is a known asthma trigger. 

How We Solve IAQ Problems

We offer 3 IAQ Testing services:

  1. General IAQ Assessment using our trend monitoring equipment
  2. Microbial air and surface swabbings using scientific instruments
  3. Chemical absorption analysis of airborne VOCs
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Our award winning IAQ Solutions create an “extra layer of continuous protection” throughout the indoor environment, protecting you and your family or your workforce against pollutants from all three major pollutant categories – microbials, particulates and gases.

Active PIV with integrated Photohydroionisation™

Active PIV with integrated Photohydroionisation™

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Active MVHR with integrated Photohydroionisation™

Active MVHR with integrated Photohydroionisation™

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Patented Active Air Purification products

Patented Active Air Purification products

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Why Choose Better Indoors?

There are many reasons to choose Better Indoors to help with your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concerns including:

  • Peerless knowledge and experience in root cause diagnosis and solution design/installation
  • PCA/ABBE Certificated Surveyor for Dampness in Buildings qualified
  • NICEIC Domestic Ventilation certified
  • Member Institute of Envirionmental Sciences, IAQ
  • Management Association, UK Indoor Environments Group
  • Member Radon Council and UK Radon Association
  • Over 24,000 IAQ surveys across UK domestic, commercial and industrial buildings
  • 15,000 successful IAQ problem solving designs and retrofits
  • Award winning services (H&V News Awards Building a Safer Future Award 2024)

Relevant
IAQ Knowledge Resources

FAQs

What are common IAQ pollutants?

Moisture, VOCs, Biologicals, CO2, CO, Particulates, Allergens, Dander, Radon, Smoke

What are the health effects of poor IAQ?

Short term: Headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, fatigue, dizziness, and worsening of allergies or asthma

Long term: Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to serious conditions, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer

How can I improve my home or office IAQ?

Increase ventilation: Open windows for a few minutes daily to bring in fresh air, or use extractor fans and trickle vents.

Control humidity: Aim for a relative humidity of 40%–60% to prevent mould growth and reduce the spread of infections. Use dehumidifiers if needed.

Reduce pollutant sources:

  • Avoid using products with high VOCs, such as aerosol sprays and conventional paints.
  • Use the extractor fan when cooking and consider using electric stoves.
  • Avoid using candles, incense, and indoor smoking or vaping.

Manage moisture: Fix leaks promptly and ensure water-damaged materials are dried or removed within 24–48 hours.

Clean regularly:

  • Use a damp cloth to clean dusty surfaces to prevent dust from becoming airborne.
  • Wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Service appliances: Have fireplaces, furnaces and other combustion appliances inspected and serviced annually to prevent carbon monoxide and smoke leaks.

Test for radon: Measure radon levels in your home and take action to reduce them if necessary. 

Who is most at risk from poor IAQ?

While poor air quality can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable. 

  • Children and older adults: These individuals are often more sensitive to pollutants.
  • People with existing health conditions: Those with asthma, allergies, heart disease, or other respiratory issues can experience worse symptoms.
  • Households with low socioeconomic status: These households may have older housing with inadequate ventilation or have to use more polluting heat or cooking sources
What about air purifiers and filters?
  • Standalone air purifiers with HEPA filters can help capture many airborne particles like dust, pollen, and dander. These are sometimes necessary even with good ventilation.
  • HVAC systems should be fitted with HEPA grade filters. Clean and replace regularly.
 

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Book Your Consultation

Call us today on 0333 014 7669 and take the first step towards a healthier home.

Book Your Survey Today
0333 014 7669