How Much Is the Cost of Air Quality Testing?

Air Quality Inspection Cost by Home Size

The size of your house will be a major factor in determining your rate. The inspector will not only take samples of the air but will also determine the causes, which means more area to search and inspect. They’ll likely take an air sample from each designated space.

Cost of Air Quality Testing for Specific Pollutants

A basic whole-home test for all pollutants costs an average of $400. The price can vary depending on the size of your house and the extent of your analysis. Some companies will 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 will be, as it’ll require taking and analyzing more samples. More extensive analysis will also add 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 will cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the average price is $300. Specific analyses are useful when you want to check for a certain allergen or chemical, like radon. 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. A local 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 that the pollutant is present.

Asbestos 

Asbestos testing costs an average of $500 and will range from $200 to $800, depending on the size of your space and extent of sampling required. Asbestos is a fiber that was 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 you’re planning to remove it, it helps to check the levels before your removal services. Then, after removal, you’ll want to check again to ensure the contamination is gone. Asbestos removal costs approximately $1,000 to $2,600.

Mold 

Testing for mold costs $300 to $1,000 on average. Many spend 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, you’ll want to 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

A sampling and assessment for VOCs costs an average of $200 to $300 per sample, but it varies depending on the type of compound you’re looking for. Formaldehyde is a common VOC 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, and they’ll likely 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

Detection services for carbon monoxide could be anywhere from $100 to $200. Many homeowners have carbon monoxide detectors in their houses that can perform this service for them. Carbon monoxide detectors cost around $15 to $150, depending on the style.

Home Allergens 

It could cost around $100 to $200 to check for specific allergens you suspect are in your house. There are many allergens that 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 

Air Test Costs for New Builds or Home Purchases

It could cost around $200 to $1,000 to analyze for contaminants in a new or newly purchased property, depending on the size and your concerns. It's especially important to get these services for newly built houses, as new construction materials could be letting off harmful fumes and chemicals.

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 some or all of the following:

• Cleaner-smelling home

• Lower energy costs 

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

• Increased comfort

At-Home Air Inspection Kits

You can buy your own at-home testing kit for anywhere from $15 to $200, depending on the kit you need and the size of your space. A DIY kit will keep your overall price at a minimum.

Keep in mind that if anything comes up positive, you’ll need to bring in a professional to help you take care of the problem. Inspectors can diagnose problems from the results with more information and will help you figure out a course of action—something an at-home kit can’t do.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Air Quality Testing Company

Overall, though you may not look forward to paying for a professional assessment, it can be a lifesaver in more ways than one. If you have radon in your house, it’s crucial to figure that out and fix it. Finding out you have mold before it becomes too big of a problem can also save you money in the end.

You can’t put a price on ensuring that you’re not making yourself sick by sitting in your house. If you hire a local home inspector, they’re more likely to catch all potential environmental hazards, so you can rest assured that the results are accurate. 

For more information, read about the links between the indoor environment and health.