Find top rated indoor air quality testers in your area

You need to test your home’s air quality if you experience health problems, allergic reactions, or strain on your lungs, as these could be linked to indoor contaminants. You should also test if you’re concerned about mold, radon, carbon monoxide, or potential chemicals released by recent work, such as home construction, demolition, excavation, or remodeling.

A home air sample inspection takes approximately one to three hours, depending on the size of the house and the number of samples needed. You’ll likely receive a written report with your results in two to 10 days.

Tests to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards include those for VOCs, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde. They may also sample for biological factors like mold and allergens, particulates, and other gases like radon.

If you test high for a pollutant, contact a relevant professional immediately. Each contaminant, such as radon, mold, and lead, requires a specific mediation specialist.

Your new home inspector may have a certification to sample for contaminants, but you’ll have to request the service and check their qualifications. They may or may not include this service in your total home inspection cost, typically from $300 to $400.

The best person to inspect for pollutants in the home is an indoor air quality consultant or inspector. These individuals have an official certification in the service and the proper tools for performing an assessment. There are many certification options available through various associations. Many HVAC pros in your area have this certification.