An Important Lesson from The Sofa In My Garage

What My Office Taught Me About Indoor Air Quality

Sometimes we don't realize there may be an issue with our indoor environment until we start noticing that something doesn't feel right.

That happened to me recently.

I bought a loveseat for my office. It looked great, and I was excited to have a comfortable place to sit while I worked. But after spending time in my office, I started noticing something strange. I would develop a headache. I felt like I couldn't think clearly. My throat would become irritated, and I would get congested.

And there was a smell. It was difficult to describe, but I noticed a distinct, sweet, chemical-like odor when I was sitting in the room.

At first, I didn't immediately connect the dots.

My husband certainly didn't. He could sit in the room and had no idea what I was talking about. In fact, he thought it was odd when I told him I was getting a headache, feeling foggy, and experiencing congestion and a sore throat when I was sitting in my office.

But I kept noticing the pattern.

Eventually, I moved the loveseat out of my office and into the garage to air out.

I don't know for certain what caused my symptoms, but the experience reminded me of an important lesson: our indoor environments deserve attention, even when we don't immediately understand what's happening.

Looking at the Home as a Whole

My experience with the loveseat brought me back to something I've learned through my training as a Wellness Within Your Walls Certified Professional.

Wellness Within Your Walls focuses on the relationship between our homes and our well-being. One thing I appreciate about this approach is that it encourages us to look at the home as a whole.

It's not just about whether a house is beautiful. It's about the environment we create inside it.

That includes indoor air quality, building materials and furnishings, ventilation, moisture, cleaning products, and the many everyday choices that can influence our indoor environment- and people don't all respond to their environments in the same way.

Individual sensitivities, allergies, existing health conditions, the nature and concentration of an exposure, and the length of time someone spends in a space can all influence their experience. Just because one person isn't bothered by something doesn't mean another person's experience should be dismissed.

My training has taught me to think beyond the obvious. When I walk into a home, I'm not only looking at the countertops, flooring, and paint colors. I'm also thinking about how the home functions and what the people living there may be experiencing.

And now, sitting in my own office, I found myself applying those same principles to my own home. I couldn't identify the source of the odor or determine whether it was responsible for my symptoms. But I could take a practical first step by removing the new item from the space and paying attention to what happened next.

When something about our indoor environment doesn't seem right, it's worth paying attention and asking better questions.

What Is Off-Gassing?

One possibility worth understanding when bringing new furnishings or products into a home is a process called off-gassing.

Some products release chemicals into the air after they're manufactured. These emissions can come from materials, adhesives, finishes, foams, and other components used in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and building products. This is what I believe is happening with my loveseat.

I suspect the loveseat may be releasing chemicals that are contributing to the odor. Moving it to the garage to air out is my first step toward allowing those emissions to dissipate. I'm hoping that, with time, the odor will fade and I'll be able to use it without experiencing the same symptoms.

The amount and type of emissions can vary considerably from one product to another. Temperature, ventilation, the product's age, and the materials used can also influence indoor concentrations. Sometimes emissions produce a noticeable odor. Other times, they may not be detectable by smell.

It's important to remember that smell alone cannot tell us which chemicals are present, how much is in the air, or whether an exposure is harmful. An unusual odor is a reason to ask questions, not a way to diagnose an indoor air quality problem.

A Few Things to Consider When Bringing New Products Into Your Home

You don't have to become an expert in building science or know every ingredient in every product to make more informed choices. Here are a few things I now think about when bringing new products into my home:

1. Pay attention to unusual odors.

Notice whether a new product has a strong or unusual smell. An odor doesn't necessarily indicate danger, but if it's persistent or concerning, consider what might be causing it.

2. Ask about materials and finishes.

Look for information about the materials, adhesives, finishes, and other components used in a product. When available, manufacturer disclosures and emissions certifications can help you compare options.

3. Consider lower-emission alternatives.

Some products are specifically designed or tested to meet emissions standards. When shopping, look for credible third-party certifications or product information that supports lower-emission claims.

4. Think about ventilation.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for unpacking, installation, and airing out new products. Provide appropriate ventilation when practical, especially during renovations or when introducing new materials. Remember that ventilation should be suitable for the conditions and climate.

5. Consider where a product will be used.

A new item placed in a small office or bedroom may be experienced differently than one in a large, well-ventilated space. Think about how much time you spend in the room and whether there are practical ways to reduce exposure while a new product airs out.

6. Pay attention to patterns.

If you consistently notice an odor or experience symptoms in a particular space, consider what has recently changed. Removing a suspected source, when practical, may be a reasonable first step. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are concerning, seek appropriate medical advice and consider whether a qualified indoor environmental professional can help evaluate the space.

A Healthy Home Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

My experience with the loveseat was a reminder that healthy homes aren't just about the big things, such as moisture management, ventilation systems, or building materials.

They're also about the everyday choices we make: the furniture we buy, the products we use, the materials we bring into our homes and the way we maintain and ventilate our spaces.

We may not always know exactly what's happening in our indoor environment, and we can't eliminate every potential source of exposure. But we can pay attention, ask questions, and make thoughtful decisions. That's one of the reasons I'm passionate about helping people understand their homes beyond what they see on the surface.

As a Colorado Realtor with a background in health, wellness, and building performance, I believe buying a home is about more than finding a beautiful property. It's also about understanding how a home functions and asking questions that help you make informed decisions about the place where you'll live.

Would you like to discuss how I can help you understand your next home so you can buy with confidence?

Let's talk!

📞 Call or text: 970-460-6841

✉️ Email: pennyshousetohome@gmail.com

I'd love to help you look beyond the surface and find a home that's right for you.