Detecting and Addressing Poor Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Tyler Reynolds
May 2
6 min read

A Homeowner’s Guide for Atlanta and Surrounding Suburbs

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become one of the most critical health concerns in modern homes. As we spend more time inside—especially during Georgia’s hot summers and pollen-heavy springs—the air we breathe in our homes can affect everything from respiratory health to sleep quality and even long-term wellness.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia, we’ve performed countless home inspections across Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna, Alpharetta, and beyond, and one thing is clear: many homeowners are unaware of just how poor their indoor air quality really is.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:

What causes poor indoor air quality
How to detect and test for indoor air pollutants
Specific air quality challenges faced by Atlanta-area homes
How HVAC, humidity, and ventilation affect air quality
What you can do to improve and maintain healthier indoor air

Let’s explore how to protect your home—and your health.

What is Indoor Air Quality and Why It Matters
Why Indoor Air Quality Is a Growing Concern in Georgia
Common Pollutants in Metro Atlanta Homes
Symptoms and Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
The Role of HVAC Systems and Filters
Mold, Mildew, and Humidity Control
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Household Chemicals
Dust, Pollen, and Particulates
Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Pollutants
How to Test Your Indoor Air Quality
How Home Inspections Can Detect Air Quality Risks
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality (Step-by-Step)
Smart IAQ Monitoring Tools and Technology
Seasonal Air Quality Tips for Atlanta Homeowners
When to Call a Professional Indoor Air Quality Inspector
Why Choose Reynolds Home and Property Solutions
Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Inspection Today

1. What is Indoor Air Quality and Why It Matters

Indoor air quality refers to the cleanliness and health of the air within and around your home. It is determined by:

The presence of pollutants like mold, allergens, or VOCs
Proper ventilation and airflow
Temperature and humidity control
Source control (e.g., avoiding chemical emissions)

Poor air quality can cause health problems including:

Asthma and allergy flare-ups
Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
Respiratory infections
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

The EPA has stated that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air—a fact that surprises most Atlanta homeowners.

2. Why Indoor Air Quality Is a Growing Concern in Georgia

In the Atlanta area, specific factors contribute to IAQ problems:

High humidity levels foster mold and dust mites
Clay-rich soil leads to crawlspace dampness
Allergens and pollen from Georgia’s dense vegetation
Older homes in Decatur, East Point, and College Park may lack ventilation
Energy-efficient homes trap stale air due to airtight construction

If you live in Marietta, Sandy Springs, or Fayetteville, it’s especially important to monitor air quality due to a combination of dense foliage, moisture-prone crawlspaces, and HVAC overuse in humid months.

3. Common Pollutants in Metro Atlanta Homes

The most common sources of poor IAQ in Atlanta-area homes include:

Mold spores from damp crawlspaces or basements
Pet dander and biological allergens
Dust mites, particularly in carpeted areas
Formaldehyde and VOCs from furniture, cleaners, or paints
Radon gas, depending on soil composition (not as common in Georgia, but possible)
Carbon monoxide from gas appliances
Pollen that enters through windows or HVAC intakes

Each pollutant carries different risks and needs different solutions.

4. Symptoms and Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The signs of poor IAQ can be subtle or severe, and they often mimic other health issues:

Sneezing, coughing, or sinus congestion
Dry skin, itchy eyes, or throat irritation
Frequent headaches or lightheadedness
Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms
Musty odors or visible mold
Condensation on windows or walls

If multiple people in your home experience these symptoms, especially during certain seasons or times of day, poor air quality may be to blame.

5. The Role of HVAC Systems and Filters

Your HVAC system plays a major role in air circulation and filtration. Common HVAC-related IAQ issues include:

Clogged filters restricting airflow and trapping dust
Duct leaks pulling in contaminants from crawlspaces or attics
Poor maintenance of AC coils and vents
Over-reliance on air conditioning without fresh air exchange

Make sure your filters are MERV 8 or higher and replaced every 1-3 months. Homes in Roswell, Johns Creek, and Buckhead, which often have larger HVAC systems, benefit from whole-house filtration upgrades.

6. Mold, Mildew, and Humidity Control

Atlanta’s climate—hot, humid, and wet—makes mold a constant threat.

Where Mold Hides:

Behind drywall
Under carpet or vinyl flooring
In ductwork
In crawlspaces or attics
Around leaking plumbing

Even mold you can’t see can cause respiratory issues. A musty smell is one of the most common indicators.

Maintain Humidity Between 30–50%

Use dehumidifiers, especially in:

Crawlspaces in Marietta or Kennesaw
Basements in Decatur or Smyrna
Older homes with poor ventilation

7. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Household Chemicals

VOCs are gases released from certain solids or liquids—often undetectable by smell. Common sources include:

Paints, varnishes, and caulks
Air fresheners and candles
Cleaning agents
New carpets and furniture
Hobby materials (glue, solvents, etc.)

These chemicals can build up quickly, especially in energy-efficient homes with limited fresh air ventilation.

Avoid storing chemicals in attached garages, and consider air purifiers with activated carbon filters to neutralize VOCs.

8. Dust, Pollen, and Particulates

Dust and pollen levels spike in the Atlanta suburbs, especially in spring. Georgia is home to oak, pine, grass, and ragweed pollen—all notorious allergens.

Keep dust and particulates in check by:

Vacuuming with a HEPA filter
Removing shoes indoors
Using air purifiers in bedrooms
Installing quality HVAC filters
Keeping windows closed during high pollen days

If you suffer from seasonal allergies in Gwinnett or Cobb County, IAQ control can drastically improve your comfort at home.

9. Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Pollutants

Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless—but deadly. It’s produced by:

Gas stoves and ovens
Fireplaces
Furnaces
Water heaters
Generators

Homes in older areas like Kirkwood or East Atlanta Village may still use outdated or unvented gas appliances.

Install CO detectors on every floor, especially near bedrooms. Have all gas appliances checked annually by a professional.

10. How to Test Your Indoor Air Quality

You can test your home’s air quality in several ways:

DIY Test Kits

These test for radon, mold spores, or VOCs. Results take a few days to return.

IAQ Monitors

Devices like Airthings, uHoo, or Awair track:

VOC levels
CO2
Temperature & humidity
Particulate matter (PM2.5)

Professional IAQ Testing

Reynolds Home and Property Solutions provides:

Moisture meter assessments
Mold spore testing
Air sampling for allergens
VOC and formaldehyde detection
Crawlspace and attic evaluations

Professional testing gives you a complete picture—ideal if you suspect long-term exposure.

11. How Home Inspections Can Detect Air Quality Risks

During a standard or specialized inspection, we look for:

Mold growth or signs of past water intrusion
Leaks under sinks, behind walls, and in basements
Poor ventilation or airflow
Inadequate HVAC maintenance
Humid crawlspaces
Signs of pet dander or dust buildup

In metro Atlanta, many homes—especially those built before 1990—lack proper moisture and air control systems.

12. How to Improve Indoor Air Quality (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Address Moisture and Ventilation

Fix leaks and seal crawlspaces
Install bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans
Use dehumidifiers as needed

Step 2: Upgrade HVAC and Filtration

Replace filters (MERV 8–13 recommended)
Clean ducts and vents
Consider whole-home air purifiers

Step 3: Remove or Reduce Pollutants

Use low-VOC paint and materials
Store chemicals outside or in sealed containers
Choose natural cleaning products

Step 4: Clean Regularly and Strategically

HEPA vacuum floors and furniture
Wash bedding in hot water weekly
Minimize carpets, especially in humid zones

13. Smart IAQ Monitoring Tools and Technology

Top devices for Atlanta homeowners:

Airthings View Plus – excellent for radon, VOCs, and CO2
Awair Element – tracks humidity, chemicals, and PM2.5
Foobot – affordable, smart-home-compatible IAQ tracker
IQAir AirVisual Pro – high accuracy, app-based monitoring

Use these tools to track trends and receive alerts—perfect for busy households in Suwanee, Milton, or Peachtree Corners.

14. Seasonal Air Quality Tips for Atlanta Homeowners

Spring: Pollen control—keep windows closed and clean filters weeklySummer: Control humidity—dehumidify and ventilate properlyFall: Prepare HVAC for heating season—change filters, inspect ventsWinter: Test for carbon monoxide and seal drafts

15. When to Call a Professional Indoor Air Quality Inspector

Call Reynolds Home and Property Solutions if:

You experience ongoing allergy or asthma symptoms indoors
You detect a musty or chemical smell in the house
You’ve had water leaks, mold, or past flooding
Your home is older and hasn’t been inspected for air quality
You’re buying or selling a home and want peace of mind

We inspect homes across Atlanta, Marietta, Vinings, Sandy Springs, and all surrounding suburbs.

16. Why Choose Reynolds Home and Property Solutions

✅ Local expertise with Georgia homes and climate✅ Advanced air quality and moisture testing tools✅ Honest, detailed reports with actionable recommendations✅ Proudly serving the greater Atlanta area with prompt, professional service

From Roswell to Riverdale, we help homeowners breathe easier.

17. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Inspection Today

Protect your home and your family with a professional indoor air quality inspection from Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia.

📍 Serving Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Smyrna, and more🔍 Full-service home inspections and IAQ evaluations📅 Book online or contact us today

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