Unknown Odor Detection
Do you have an unknown odor & can’t find the source?
At Professional Building Inspectors, our indoor air quality specialists always follow a step by step approach to determine the cause of indoor air quality problems, including elusive odors.
How to handle odors of unknown origin
Clients often ask for help with an unknown odor coming from part of their home or workplace. This can be a particularly frustrating problem because the cause is not obvious, the smell may be intermittent and the client has usually tried many ways to find the source, but remained unsuccessful.
What is the inspection process?
Phase 1 consists of a site visit to thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the building, including the HVAC system (air conditioning system). Next we measure indoor air quality parameters such as:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Ozone
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Total volatile organic compounds
- Air borne particulate
- Bacteria
- Mold
In our experience phase 1 is successful in either identifying the source of the odor or ruling out common contaminants over 85% of the time. This typically saves our clients time and money and avoids unnecessary testing. If phase 1 fails to identify a source of the odor, Phase 2 testing will be performed.
Phase 2
Phase 2 involves more comprehensive testing of the building and a search of government databases for known environmental records. A "low level" EPA T.O.-15 test is used to identify chemical compounds in the air. Additionally, a FLIR thermal imaging camera and calibrated handheld meters may be used to check for signs of water intrusion or other building defects.
Memberships
