Common Causes of Unhealthy Homes

The causes of unhealthy homes are many and varied. They come from sources both inside and outside the home and can sometimes be the result of good intentions, like making your home more energy efficient which causes your home to have less ventilation! Most of the time, it isn’t any one thing that is makes a house sick, but the accumulation of small things that add up to bigger problems for occupants.

Some of the most common causes are:

Plumbing leak inside a wall
Roof leak into the attic
Foundation leak into the basement
Leaking ice machine or sink
Unsealed or partially sealed air ducts
Damp or wet crawlspace
Improper ventilation (too much or too little air circulation)
Chemical off-gassing from new construction materials or paint
Air leaks in wall cavities
Sprinklers that hit the side of the house
Chemicals in cleaning products and pesticides stored in the house
Chemicals in new furniture, carpeting, or bedding
Garden chemicals, pesticides, and paint stored under the house or in the garage (adjacent to the
house)
Dirty air ducts
Old carpet
Recent flooding or sewage backup
Routine indoor or outdoor pesticide treatment
Deferred home maintenance
Excess indoor moisture
Construction dust from renovations or remodeling

Learn More

How People Experience an Unhealthy Home

Recognize indicators that your home has an indoor air problem that could be degrading your health

Is Your Home Making You Sick?

The quality of air we breathe inside our home is critical to a good health, but it isn’t so easy to distinguish healthy and unhealthy air

5 Principles of a Healthy Home

The answer ultimately comes down to some simple things all of which you can start doing today

Symptoms of a Sick Home

Don't simply dismiss conditions not worthy of investigation because their presence is considered "normal"

What People Are Saying

Joan H. from Atlantic Beach, FL

“Good, solid education included in the survey, and the score is a very needed measure for people to reduce and address health issues in their home. Thank You!”
What People Are Saying

Bella R. from Durham, NC

“Very enlightening! I learned a great deal about how to improve my own health by improving the “health of my house.”
What People Are Saying

Heidi P. from Lakeland, FL

“I hope others find out their score because I don’t want others to experience the health issues I have had from the mold in my home. It is not fun to constantly be sick!”
What People Are Saying

Melissa J. from South Carolina

“The scoring process and detailed report allows someone to see how their environment can positively or negatively affect the health of those they love and themselves.”