Done can perform or arrange a range of indoor air quality assessments for Denver-area homes, covering airborne particle counts, carbon monoxide levels, humidity and moisture conditions, air exchange rates, and VOC (volatile organic compound) screening. The right tests for your home depend on what symptoms or concerns prompted the question — whether that’s allergy flare-ups, musty odors, headaches, or general concern about wildfire smoke season on the Front Range.

Why Indoor Air Quality Testing Matters in Colorado

Colorado’s climate creates a distinctive set of indoor air challenges. Our extremely low relative humidity — especially in winter, when a furnace running constantly dries already-dry mountain air even further — means irritated mucous membranes, dry skin, and respiratory discomfort are common even without any biological contaminants present. At the same time, tightly sealed modern homes trap pollutants that older, leakier construction allowed to escape naturally. Add wildfire smoke events that deposit fine PM2.5 particulate into homes through every crack, and Front Range homeowners have legitimate reasons to take indoor air quality seriously.

Particle Counts and Airborne Contaminants

Particle count testing measures the concentration of airborne particles by size in your home’s air. Fine particles — those at 2.5 microns and smaller — are the most concerning from a health standpoint because they penetrate deep into the lungs. During wildfire smoke season, PM2.5 levels inside poorly filtered Denver homes can spike dramatically even with windows closed. A particle count assessment gives you a baseline and can identify whether your current filtration is adequate or needs upgrading.

Biological particle assessments — sometimes called mold or allergen screenings — can identify elevated levels of mold spores, pollen, dust mite particles, or pet dander in the air. These are particularly useful when household members experience allergy or asthma symptoms that are worse indoors than outdoors, or that seem worse in certain rooms.

Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Safety Checks

Carbon monoxide testing is one of the most important IAQ assessments for homes with gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, or fireplaces — and that describes the vast majority of Denver-metro homes. CO is colorless and odorless, and exposure at even moderate concentrations causes symptoms (headache, nausea, confusion) that are easily mistaken for the flu. During a furnace maintenance visit, Done technicians test for CO at the flue and in the living space, check the heat exchanger for cracks or failures that could introduce combustion gases into conditioned air, and verify that ventilation is working as designed.

Humidity and Moisture Assessment

Both low humidity and high humidity create problems. Denver homes in winter often fall below 20% relative humidity — levels that increase static electricity, cause wood floors and furniture to crack, and dry out respiratory membranes in ways that make people more susceptible to airborne pathogens. High humidity (above 60%) promotes mold and dust mite growth. A humidity assessment measures actual conditions throughout the home and identifies whether a whole-home humidifier, dehumidifier, or improved ventilation would address the issue.

  • Ideal indoor relative humidity: 30–50% year-round
  • Denver winter baseline without humidification: often 15–25%
  • Basement and crawl space moisture: assessed separately, as these areas often run higher than living spaces

What Happens After Testing

Testing without action doesn’t improve anything. After an assessment, Done’s technicians will explain what the readings mean in plain terms and recommend specific solutions matched to your findings — whether that’s a filter upgrade, a whole-home humidifier, a UV air purifier, duct sealing, or improved ventilation. Solutions are scaled to your budget and your home’s specific setup. For a full picture of what’s available, visit our indoor air quality services page, or learn about professional duct cleaning if your ductwork is contributing to air quality concerns in your home.