Basic professional indoor air quality testing for homes can cost an average of $400+ and usually ranges between $250+ and $550+. But, it can also be as low as $100+ and as high as $1,000+ for comprehensive tests depending on various factors. These include your home’s size and the specific types of pollutants being tested like mold, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, radon, and carbon monoxide.
Having your home tested for air quality helps prevent the development of health problems like respiratory diseases and even chronic diseases. So if you want to know what to expect on air quality inspection costs, keep reading!
RPF Environmental offers indoor air quality testing services in the New England area including New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. We have certified professionals who can test for asbestos, mold, lead, and others in your home or business. Contact us now!
4 Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality Test Prices
The cost of air quality testing will depend on the following factors:
1. Specific Type of Air Pollutants to Be Tested
The average cost of basic indoor air quality testing is $400. This typically includes testing for common allergens, mold, VOCs, and carbon monoxide. But, expect to pay more if you want to check for specific types of allergens or pollutants that are not covered in the basic service. Also, this might be needed if you have found alarming levels of contaminants using a DIY home air testing kit.
Specific tests can range from $100 to $1,000+ with an average of $300, depending on the type of pollutant. More extensive analyses will cost more due to more samples that need to be taken and analyzed.
Below is a summary of the testing cost per type of air pollutant (not including removal costs):
| Type of Pollutant | Average Professional Testing Cost |
|---|---|
| Mold | $300 – $1,000+ |
| Radon | $150 – $800+ |
| VOCs | $200 – $300+ (per sample) |
| Asbestos | $200 – $1,000+ |
| Home Allergens | $100 – $200+ |
| Carbon Monoxide | $100 – $200+ |
Mold
Basic home inspections can only identify the presence of mold, not its type and location in your home. A more in-depth mold inspection can range from $300 to $1,000+ but most homeowners pay around $700. Not all types of mold are toxic, but certain varieties like Stachybotrys and Aspergillus can cause serious health complications.
So if you smell something musty or are experiencing mold allergy symptoms but can’t find where the source is, have your home inspected for mold. Once the presence of mold has been confirmed, you need to hire a mold remediation company for complete removal. This can cost around $5,000 for average-sized homes.
Also Read: Top 5 Causes of a Musty Attic Smell & How to Get Rid of Them
Radon
Radon is rarely found inside homes but can cause even death due to lung cancer when found. Natural radium and uranium decay in soils and rocks can release radon gas and enter your house through cracks, wall cavities, water supplies, and others. Thus, multiple air samples in different areas need to be taken and tested to locate it which can range from $150 to $800+. The average cost is around $500. As for radon mitigation, you need to pay an additional cost of $700 to $1,200+.
VOCs
VOCs, like formaldehyde which is common in homes, can be found in various household items including paint, cleansers, air fresheners, and others. They can evaporate over time and lead to high concentrations in the air in your home which can cause adverse health effects. Testing for VOCs ranges from $200 to $300+ per sample depending on the type of compound being tested.
Asbestos
Asbestos is common in building materials and don’t usually pose a threat when in good condition. Testing is usually done only when suspected materials are damaged or if you are planning to do anything that would disturb the materials like remodeling.
You can’t see or smell asbestos so you may be unaware that you’re already being exposed to it which can lead to various types of cancer diseases. Thus, asbestos testing is necessary which can cost between $200 and $1,000+ (average of $400+). Once asbestos is found in your home, immediate removal is recommended which typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,000+.
Home Allergens
If you or your family is experiencing specific sensitivities, you need to find out what allergen is causing it through a detailed examination. It can be pollen, dust mites, pet dander, vermin waste, and others. Expect to pay around $100 to $200+.
Carbon Monoxide
Professional carbon monoxide testing can cost from $100 to $200+. But, most homeowners usually have carbon monoxide detectors which can range from $20 to $150+, according to Home Advisor, depending on the detector type.
2. Home Air Quality Inspection Costs Based on Home Size
Another major factor affecting indoor air quality testing prices is the size of your home. Larger houses will obviously cost more because of the larger area to be covered and more samples to be collected. Below are the average air quality inspection costs by home size:
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| < 1,000 | $200 – $300+ |
| 1,000 – 2,500 | $300 – $500+ |
| > 2,500 | $500 – $1,000+ |
| Commercial property | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
3. Cost of DIY Home Air Quality Testing Kits
DIY test kits are inexpensive ways for inspecting the air quality in your home initially and can range from $15 to $200+. This depends on what pollutant you are testing:
| Type of Pollutant | Average DIY Testing Cost |
|---|---|
| Mold | $30 – $50+ |
| Radon | $15 – $30+ |
| VOCs | $100 – $150+ |
| Asbestos | $100 – $130+ |
| Home Allergens | $75 – $100+ |
| Carbon Monoxide | $40 – $50+ |
| Formaldehyde | $100 – $130+ |
As for full-analysis kits, they can range from $150 to $500.
NOTE: You still need to seek professional help once your DIY test kit comes up positive for proper remediation or removal of the pollutant.
4. Cost of Air Quality Testing in New Homes or Home Purchases
Testing for indoor air in new homes or new purchases typically ranges from $200 to $1,000+. Construction materials in homes, especially when you’re buying an old house, can release toxic contaminants like asbestos. So before you occupy the house, be sure to have it tested first.
What Is Indoor Air Quality Testing? What Should You Expect During a Home Air Quality Inspection?
Air quality testing involves testing for indoor pollutants where multiple air, surface, dust, paint, and other samples will be taken from areas of concern. This test aims to determine if the pollutants are at safe levels or not, and if further actions are needed for remediation.
Visual inspection will also be done including the use of testing equipment like sensors and moisture meters to measure ventilation levels, humidity, and temperature. Home systems like vents, ducts, and exhaust fans may also be checked.
After sample collection, the samples will be analyzed in an accredited laboratory in which recommendations can be made based on the findings.
How Long Does Home Air Quality Testing Take?
Indoor air quality inspections can take around one to three hours or more, depending on the size of your home and the number of samples needed. However, you can only get a written report of the results after two to 10 days.
DIY vs. Professional Air Quality Testing: Why Should You Hire an Air Quality Professional?
Below is an overview of the difference between DIY test kits and professional air quality inspection:
| DIY Air Quality Test Kits | Professional Air Quality Testing |
|---|---|
| DIY kits are cheaper compared to professional testing, but some can only detect specific types of air pollutants and are not guaranteed to provide accurate results. Some can also only detect the presence of contaminants but not their levels. Kits that can provide more detailed assessments are more expensive. | Professional testing can provide accurate results as well as recommendations regarding an effective course of action once alarming pollutant levels have been discovered. DIY kits can only detect pollutants and not give recommendations. Also, you will still need professional help once your kit comes up positive. |
Can You Test Indoor Air Quality Yourself?
You can test the air quality in your home yourself through DIY test kits, but professional testing will still be needed to verify the results of the kit.
A Few Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Indoor Air Quality Testing Company
- Ask about what type of tests they do
- Inform them about your home’s size and the type of pollutants you want to get checked to confirm if they have the capability to handle the project
- Confirm their level of expertise through their years of experience, number of projects they’ve handled, and also by contacting references provided by them
Who Should You Hire to Inspect Indoor Air Quality?
- Indoor air quality consultants or inspectors who are certified to perform the assessment
- HVAC technicians
- Home inspectors
Other Important Things You Need to Know About Indoor Air Quality Inspection
When Is Air Quality Testing Necessary?
Below are some signs that may indicate the need for air quality testing:
- If you’re experiencing allergic reactions
- If you will be doing demolition, renovation, or remodeling activities
- If you suspect the release of air pollutants after doing some home construction
Air Quality Testing Benefits: Should You Have an Air Quality Test Done?
Indoor air pollutants can cause lung cancer, infections, and chronic lung diseases. Thus, it is important to have your air tested and fix any problem before it gets worse to keep your family safe.
Do Home Inspectors Test for Indoor Air Quality?
If the home inspector has the right certifications and is qualified to perform indoor air quality inspection, they can do it themselves. But in some cases, they will hire professional air quality inspectors for the job.
Is There an Inexpensive Way to Test Indoor Air Quality?
Buying an indoor air quality monitor is one of the most affordable ways to determine what’s causing the problem, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms.
What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?
Below are the common sources of indoor pollutants according to EPA:
- Combustion sources (fireplaces, cooking appliances, tobacco, etc.)
- Commonly used home products like paints, cleaning supplies, and insecticides
- Contaminated building materials
- Outdoor air pollutants that can enter your house through cracks, open doors and windows, and ventilation systems
Tips on How to Improve Air Quality at Home
EPA stated that eliminating the source of the pollution or reducing emissions are the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Improving ventilation and using air cleaners are other ways.
FAQs
Average indoor air quality testing costs around $400, but can range from $250 to $550+. Testing specific pollutants can cost you $100 to $1,000+.
They are more affordable, but they can’t guarantee accurate results and can’t give you expert recommendations that professional testing can.
You can use DIY test kits or install an indoor air quality monitor. But if you want a more extensive and reliable analysis, you better hire a professional.
Hire a Pro for Indoor Air Quality Testing to Keep Your Home Safe
Professional indoor air quality testing may cost higher than DIY testing, but the benefits you get will outweigh the costs. If you’re starting to experience health problems, contact a professional before the condition gets worse.
You can rely on RPF Environmental for affordable indoor air quality testing services in the New England region and beyond. We cater to the needs of various industries including homeowners and help in developing cost-effective strategies. Book an appointment now!
