Air quality testing professionals near you

Yes, getting your indoor air quality tested is often worth it, especially if you're dealing with unexplained health issues like allergies or asthma or notice persistent odors. A professional test can help identify hidden pollutants such as mold, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Knowing the specific cause helps you address the problem and ensure your home's air is healthy.

You can use a DIY home testing kit for a basic reading or hire a professional for a more comprehensive analysis. While DIY kits can detect common pollutants like mold and radon, a professional service uses specialized equipment to identify a wider range of contaminants and offer detailed solutions.

Here's why you might want to hire a pro instead of using a kit:

• Professionals rely on specialized equipment and expertise to accurately identify specific pollutants that DIY kits might miss.

• Pros understand how to collect air samples from various parts of your home to get more thorough, accurate results.

• Your samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis, which provides much more detailed and reliable data than an at-home test.

• A pro won't just give you data — they'll help you interpret the lab results to pinpoint the root cause of any air quality issues.

• Based on the findings, pros can recommend a clear and effective plan to resolve the issue.

When looking for a professional air quality tester, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Look for professionals with certifications like Council-Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) from the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), and make sure they have general liability insurance. Specific requirements vary by region.

• Get several estimates: A proper estimate should detail the scope of the testing, which contaminants they’ll screen for, the methods used, and a full breakdown of costs, including any lab fees.

• Read their reviews: Good signs include mentions of thoroughness, clear communication, and detailed, actionable reports. Beware of red flags such as upselling expensive remediation services or providing vague results.

• Look at their portfolios: For this service, a portfolio is a sample report. It should be easy to understand, show the lab analysis, and offer clear recommendations.

• Ask important questions: Before you hire, ask, “Do you perform both testing and remediation?” to check for a conflict of interest, and, “What accredited lab do you use for analysis?”

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Property size and type: A larger home or a commercial building typically requires more samples and a longer inspection time, which can increase the cost.

• Types of tests performed: The price will vary depending on what contaminants are being tested for. A simple mold test, for example, costs less than a comprehensive panel to screen for asbestos, radon, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Number of samples: The more air or surface samples needed to accurately assess your space, the more expensive testing will be.

• Laboratory fees: Having samples professionally analyzed by a third-party lab can raise the cost significantly. Rush processing will bump the price even further.

• Scope of the report: A basic report with lab results will cost less than a full analysis with photos and a recommended remediation plan.

Typically, it will take a professional a few hours to test your air quality, but the total time depends on a few factors. For example:

• Size of the property: Testing a large, multi-story house will naturally take more time than a small apartment.

• Number of samples: The more air or surface samples your pro needs to collect, the longer the on-site visit will be.

• Types of tests performed: Specific tests for things like mold, radon, or asbestos may require different procedures and time commitments.

• Accessibility of testing areas: It can take extra time for a pro to access difficult-to-reach areas like attics or crawl spaces.

• Lab turnaround time: While on-site collection is relatively quick, it can take several days to receive the final lab results and report.

Remember: The timeline for your project can vary significantly. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.