How Much Does Indoor Air Quality Testing Cost in 2025?

Indoor Air Quality Testing Cost Factors

Several factors affect the cost of indoor air quality testing, including the size and condition of your home and local labor rates.

Home Size

The size of your house is a major factor in determining your rate. The inspector not only takes air samples but also determines the causes. The more area the contractor has to search and inspect, the higher the price. They’ll likely take an air sample from each designated space in your house.

Labor

Labor often makes up the majority—if not all—of an indoor air quality inspection. Rates depend on the type and complexity of the inspection. Local indoor air quality contractors can assess your home and provide a detailed quote before the appointment. 

New Builds vs. Existing Construction

Depending on the home size and your concerns, analyzing a new or newly purchased property for contaminants could cost around $200 to $1,000. Getting these services for newly built houses is especially important, as new construction materials could release harmful fumes and chemicals.

The cost of testing is often higher in existing construction because these buildings require a more thorough inspection. Contractors often have to use more invasive measures to inspect for hidden contaminants and test outdated systems.

Indoor Air Quality Testing by Pollutant Type

A basic whole-home test for all pollutants costs an average of $400. The price varies depending on the size of your house and the extent of your analysis. Some companies charge up to $1,000 for thorough services. If you’re concerned about testing for something that isn't included in the basic service, you’ll need to factor in the additional cost of testing for that specific pollutant or allergen.

The more extensive your analysis, the higher the price, as it requires taking and analyzing more samples. More extensive analysis also adds to the consultation time when the results come back. A whole-home service might include sampling for or detecting:

• Mold and bacteria

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Allergens

• Asbestos

• Radon

• Combustive elements

Testing for a specific pollutant costs anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the average price is $300. Specific analyses are useful when checking for a particular allergen or chemical, like lead inspections, which cost an average of $300. Homeowners often request such services after finding high levels of one contaminant or another with a DIY kit or if they’ve noticed something like mold.

If you’re doing a specified analysis, your expense might be lower. An indoor air quality testing service will only sample for the pollutant you’re concerned about. They’ll also be able to diagnose the problem quickly if the results clearly indicate the presence of the pollutant.

Asbestos 

Asbestos testing costs an average of $500 and ranges from $200 to $800, depending on the size of your space and the extent of sampling required. Asbestos is a fiber used in building materials until it was discovered to be harmful. If disturbed, it can contaminate the air.

Even if you’re already aware of asbestos in your home and planning to remove it, it helps to check the levels before your removal services. Then, after removal, check again to ensure the contamination is gone. Asbestos removal costs approximately $1,000 to $2,600.

Mold 

Testing for mold costs an average of $300 to $1,000, with many people spending around $700 for the service.

Mold and bacteria grow in humid environments, and many of them are harmless. However, if it turns out that you have toxic mold in your house, have it removed right away. Three of the most dangerous molds are Aspergillus, Acremonium, and Stachybotrys. Mold removal costs about $1,000 to $3,300.

VOC

Sampling and assessing for VOCs costs an average of $200 to $300 per sample but varies depending on the type of compound you’re looking for. Formaldehyde is a common VOC found in residences.

VOCs are compounds used to make things like paint. They evaporate into the air over time, but there are safe and unsafe levels for VOCs. Your professional can help you to find adequate solutions to your issue, such as improving your ventilation system or changing some of the products you use inside.

Radon 

Professional radon testing costs around $150 to $800, with most homeowners spending around $500.

Radon is a gas released by uranium decay in soil, which can enter the house through cracks and openings in the foundation. The inspector will likely take samples at multiple points to find the source, then propose solutions like adding ventilation and installing a suction system to remove the radon. Typically, radon removal costs about $800 to $1,200.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide detection services could cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Many homeowners have home carbon monoxide detectors that can perform this service. Depending on the style, carbon monoxide detectors cost around $15 to $150.

Home Allergens 

Testing for specific allergens costs around $100 to $200. There are many allergens an expert can check for, and you may need to request these services for your specific sensitivities. Common allergens include:

• Dust mites 

• Pollen 

• Pest particles and waste 

• Pet dander 

Benefits of Testing Your Air

There are several advantages to testing your indoor air, all of which can improve your comfort, quality of life, and health for you, your family, and your pets. These include the following:

• Cleaner-smelling home

• Lower energy costs 

• Positive health effects, such as reduced headaches, sneezing, and skin sensitivities

• Increased comfort

Does Indoor Air Quality Testing Increase Home Value?

Indoor air quality testing can increase your home value, depending on buyer preferences. Homes with improved air quality may sell faster than those without and are more attractive to health-conscious buyers. Air quality testing offers peace of mind that there are no harmful chemicals or pollutants in the home, and potential buyers won’t have to pay for the costly abatement of harmful chemicals. 

Budgeting for Air Quality Testing

Indoor air quality testing helps protect the health and safety of your household. While costs vary depending on the type and scope of testing, they can add up if you require thorough inspection. To keep your inspection budget-friendly, consider the following tips:

• Instead of doing a comprehensive test, choose specific contaminants you suspect are in your home based on your symptoms.

• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to clear your system of buildup and reduce the chance of pollutants entering your living space.

• Check for discounts or seasonal promotions offered by local air quality testing companies.

• Open windows, use fans, and maintain HVAC systems to ensure proper ventilation throughout your home.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.