Whether you’re home buying or selling, check the air quality first inside that property should be a top priority. In the hustle of real estate transactions, many details are scrutinized, from the foundation to the roof. However, one critical aspect that often gets overlooked is the air quality, particularly in homes with crawlspaces. In Upstate, SC, where crawlspaces are a common feature, ensuring the air you breathe is clean and free from contaminants is vital.
Array of Solutions, a trusted name in mold removal in Greenville South Carolina since 2007, stands ready to tackle your mold woes. With our expert mold inspection Greenville services and EPA-Registered credentials, we’re equipped to detect, remove, and prevent mold growth in your home or business.
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The Importance of Air Quality Testing
Performing an air quality test before buying or selling a home is more than just a precaution; it’s a necessary step to protect both the buyer and the seller. An air quality test can reveal hidden dangers like mold, mildew, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be lurking in the home’s HVAC system or crawlspace. These contaminants can have serious health implications and could potentially derail a real estate transaction if discovered too late.
The standard home inspection process, including the CL-100, often required in real estate transactions, does not always catch these air quality issues. This is especially true in homes with crawlspaces, where much of the ventilation and ductwork is located. Crawlspaces, by their very nature, are dark, damp, and can easily become breeding grounds for mold and other pollutants. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think about their crawlspace, operating under the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. But neglecting this area can lead to significant air quality problems that affect the entire home.
Crawlspaces: A Hidden Source of Air Contamination
In homes built in the Upstate over the last century, crawlspaces are a common construction feature. These spaces, typically located beneath the home, house important systems like vents and ducts that are integral to the home’s overall air circulation. However, the conditions in crawlspaces—dark, wet, and often poorly ventilated—make them notorious contributors to poor air quality.
If you’ve never taken a look under your home, now might be the time. Crawlspaces are often out of sight, but the conditions there can directly affect the air inside your living spaces. If moisture gets into your crawlspace, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can spread throughout your home via the HVAC system. When the HVAC system is turned on, these contaminants can be dispersed into every room, affecting the air quality and potentially leading to health issues for the home’s occupants.
HVAC Systems and Air Quality: A Hidden Risk
Many homeowners rely on HVAC service contracts to keep their systems running smoothly, but these contracts rarely address the real threat of mold and air quality issues. HVAC companies often overlook organic activity within the system—activity that can seriously compromise air quality. In fact, my experience in the Greenville County Court System has shown that HVAC companies can inadvertently play a role in spreading air contaminants throughout a home. Their frequent work in crawlspaces, often without informing homeowners of potential issues, can turn a small mold problem into a major health hazard.
When an HVAC system is properly maintained, it efficiently disperses temperature-controlled air throughout the home, ensuring comfort during every season. But when the system is compromised by water damage, mold, or other contaminants, it can quickly become a conduit for poor air quality. The air handler or plenum—a critical component of the HVAC system—often contains a drain pan designed to manage condensation. However, if this pan fails to drain properly, it can create an ideal environment for mold to flourish. Once mold takes hold, the HVAC system can distribute spores throughout the home, leading to widespread contamination.
Home Buying or Selling, Check the Air Quality First!
If you’re involved in a real estate transaction in Upstate, SC, whether as a buyer or a seller, ensuring the air quality is up to standard should be a top priority. By performing a comprehensive air quality test, you can identify potential issues before they become deal-breakers. Not only does this protect the health and well-being of those living in the home, but it also safeguards the investment being made.
For sellers, addressing air quality issues before listing the property can prevent unexpected surprises during the inspection process, ensuring a smoother transaction. For buyers, knowing the air quality status of a potential home allows you to make informed decisions and avoid inheriting problems that could affect your family’s health.
Conclusion
In the real estate world, details matter. Air quality is one of those details that can significantly impact the value and livability of a home, especially in areas like Upstate, SC, where crawlspaces are prevalent. Don’t let poor air quality catch you off guard—whether you’re buying or selling, make sure to check the air quality first.
For questions or concerns about your air quality, contact Array of Solutions at 864-710-6413. Your safety is our future!