How do you test the air quality in your home?

Author: Maia Huels  |  Last update: Friday, March 27, 2026

There are many indoor air monitors available on the market, including the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor. Alternatively, you can buy another type of smart device that has air quality monitoring functionality, such as a tech-enabled air purifier, smart thermostat or indoor home security camera.

How can I test my indoor air quality at home?

Install an Indoor Air Monitor

An indoor air quality monitor checks and analyses the air quality in your home. This is also one of the easiest approaches to employ when learning how to test home air quality. Just be sure to choose a monitor that best suits your needs.

What are the symptoms of poor air quality in a house?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

Are home air quality tests worth it?

Improving Health and Well-being

By identifying and addressing any indoor air quality issues, regular testing can significantly improve our health and well-being. It allows us to take proactive measures to reduce exposure to pollutants and create a healthier indoor environment for ourselves and our loved ones.

How to test if your house is making you sick at home?

You can order air quality tests which will show such things as mold spores and asbestos. You can also see an allergy doctor who can do tests to see if you are allergic to any common substances that one finds either in a house or in the building materials in a house.

How to Test the Air Quality in Your Home

How to tell if your house is unhealthy?

Does your place have one of the 7 symptoms of an unhealthy home?
  1. Stuffy rooms. Does every room in your home have plenty of clean, fresh air? ...
  2. Too hot or too cold. This isn't just about comfort, it's about health! ...
  3. Mould and mildew. ...
  4. Dampness and condensation. ...
  5. Dust mites. ...
  6. Pollen and other allergens. ...
  7. High humidity.

Is it possible my house is making me sick?

Causes of Sick Building Syndrome

The presence of pests can aggravate asthma and [+] allergies. There are plenty of possible causes for Sick Building Syndrome. Rubino says some of the most common causes are as follows: Chemical contaminants, such as VOCs, radon, formaldehyde, asbestos, dust, and lead paint.

How much does a home air quality inspection cost?

You may expect prices around: $200-$300 for a home under 1,000 square feet. $300-$500 for a home with 1,000-2,500 square feet. $500-$1,000 for a home above 2,5000 square feet.

How to check air quality for mold?

The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.

How to detect toxins in your home?

You can use a 3M LeadCheck Swab (found at most hardware stores) to do this; be sure you swab any children's products and imported goods. Conduct a lead risk assessment by a certified inspector before any home remodel.

How can I tell if the air in my house is bad?

Allergies, Irritations, or Respiratory Problems

One of the first (and most alarming) signs that your home has poor air quality is if you or your family experience an increase in allergies, irritations, or respiratory problems. These sudden changes can be caused by a variety of air contaminants, such as: Mold spores.

What is the biggest cause of poor air quality?

Sources of air pollution are multiple and context specific. The major outdoor pollution sources include residential energy for cooking and heating, vehicles, power generation, agriculture/waste incineration, and industry.

How to fix poor air quality in house?

Change your furnace filter regularly. Avoid burning in your home, including fireplaces, wood stoves, gas appliances, and candles. Avoid chemicals such as air fresheners, sprays and cleaning products or use a healthier option. Vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly.

Do air purifiers work?

Yes. However, no air cleaning device or filter can eliminate all of the air pollutants in your home. Position it well: If you just have one unit, put it in the room where you spend the most time. Place your air purifier in an open area.

Is there an app to test air quality?

EPA's AirNow mobile app provides a simple interface for quickly checking current and forecast air quality information for planning daily activities and protecting your health.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How to get air quality tested in your home?

Using an indoor air quality monitor is the easiest way to test the air in your home. These smart devices detect and measure pollutants in the air. They work around the clock and consistently monitor air for contaminants.

How to tell if mold is behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Who do you call to check the air quality in your home?

For questions or comments regarding indoor air quality such as mold, radon, asthma, second-hand smoke and air cleaning devices, please contact the U.S. EPA Office of Indoor Air Quality.

Are HVAC inspections free?

The cost of an HVAC inspection is $300 on average, but can cost between $70 and $500 or more depending on the size of your home, type of HVAC system, and location of your HVAC unit in your home. The average HVAC inspection cost is $300, though homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $70 and $500 per inspection.

Do air quality tests work?

These tests can show whether the quality of your indoor air is either safe or dangerous. A good test will measure and tell you accurately what is in the air inside your home or office. Air quality is important for yourself, your pets, your friends, and your family.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

How can I test to see if my house is making me sick?

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

What are the symptoms of sick house syndrome?

Indicators of SBS include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

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