An indoor air quality test costs an average of $437
On average, indoor air quality testing costs fall between $292 and $585, with most homeowners spending $437. However, some tests can cost as low as $150 or as high as $1,072, depending on your location and the type of test needed.
The total price of indoor air quality testing depends on your home size and the type of testing you require.
Regular air quality testing can prevent health issues like allergies, respiratory illnesses, and even cancer.
Professional indoor air quality testing is recommended to ensure accurate results and expert recommendations for dealing with potential pollutants.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Indoor air quality testing costs an average of $437, with most testing costing between $292 and $585.
Experts recommend that homeowners consider indoor air quality testing every few years or whenever they notice health issues or changes in air quality. The frequency of testing can impact your overall costs over time, but regular assessments by an air quality professional can help identify and address issues before they become serious.
Several factors affect the cost of indoor air quality testing, including the size and condition of your home and local labor rates.
The size of your home plays a big role in determining the cost of your indoor air quality test. The inspector will take air samples and identify any issues affecting your air quality. The larger your space, the more area they need to inspect, which can increase the price. They'll likely take an air sample from each designated area in your house.
Home Size in Sq. Ft. | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
<1,000 | $200–$300 |
1,000–2,500 | $300–$500 |
2,500+ | $500–$1,000 |
Commercial property | $1,000–$3,000+ |
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.
Depending on the home size and your concerns, analyzing a new or newly purchased property for contaminants could cost from $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.
A basic whole-home test for pollutants costs an average of $400, but the price can vary depending on your home's size and how detailed you want the analysis to be. Some companies charge up to $1,000 for thorough services. If you're concerned about a specific pollutant that's not included in the basic service, you'll need to factor in the additional cost for that test.
Pollutant Type | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Abestos | $200–$800 |
Mold | $300–$1,000 |
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | $200–$300 per sample |
Radon | $150–$800 |
Carbon monoxide | $100–$200 |
Allergens | $100–$200 |
The more extensive your analysis, the higher the price, since it requires taking and analyzing more samples and 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
Combustible 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 $340. 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 expenses 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 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 $1,190 to $3,260.
Testing for mold costs an average of $300 to $1,000, with many people spending $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 an average of $1,200 to $3,800.
Sampling and assessing 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 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 find adequate solutions to your issue, such as improving your ventilation system or changing some of the products you use inside.
Professional radon testing costs an average of $150 to $800. 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. On average, radon removal costs $800 to $1,300.
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 an average of $15 to $150.
Testing for specific allergens costs an average of $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
Testing your indoor air comes with several benefits that can improve your comfort, health, and overall quality of life for you and your family (including your pets). These benefits include:
A fresher, cleaner-smelling home
Lower energy costs
Fewer health issues like headaches, sneezing, and skin sensitivities
Increased comfort in your living space
Indoor air quality testing can boost your home's value, especially if you're planning to sell. Homes with good air quality may sell faster and attract health-conscious buyers. Having proof of a recent air quality test offers peace of mind that there are no harmful chemicals or pollutants in the home, and potential buyers won't have to worry about the costly removal of these hazards.
Indoor air quality testing is a smart investment in your family's health and safety, but costs can add up if you need an extensive inspection. To keep your testing budget-friendly, consider these tips:
If you suspect specific contaminants based on symptoms, opt for targeted tests instead of a comprehensive one.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to prevent buildup and reduce the chance of pollutants entering your home.
Look for discounts or seasonal promotions offered by local air quality testing companies.
Improve ventilation by opening windows, using fans, and maintaining your HVAC system.
Professional indoor air quality testing is advised to ensure accurate and comprehensive results. If pollutants are found during a professional test, your technician can provide expert advice on the next steps for remediation so you can restore your air quality to safe, healthy levels.
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.
You should test your home's air quality if you or your family experience health problems like allergies or respiratory issues, as these could be linked to indoor contaminants. Also, consider testing if you're concerned about mold, radon, carbon monoxide, or if you've recently had home construction, demolition, excavation, or remodeling that could have released chemicals into your indoor air.
An indoor air quality test typically takes one to three hours to complete. After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed written report within two to 10 days. The evaluation includes comprehensive air sampling from all designated areas in your home. Your specialist will review the findings with you and provide clear guidance on steps to take if any issues are found, helping ensure your indoor environment meets health and safety standards.
A certified indoor air quality consultant or inspector is the right professional to perform your indoor air test. While some home inspectors have certifications, they often subcontract this specialized work to trained professionals with advanced tools. This expert will thoroughly evaluate air samples from every area in your home and clearly explain the findings to you. Be sure to confirm your tester's credentials before scheduling your service.