IAQ Testing
Healthy Home offers indoor air quality (IAQ) testing to help homeowners in Oregon and SW Washington identify and resolve air quality issues that may be affecting their health.
What you should know about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how much can be hiding in the air they breathe every day. Indoor air contamination often goes unnoticed, but it can still affect your family’s well-being.
That’s why indoor air quality testing is such a powerful first step. It helps uncover what you can’t see—chemical irritants, allergens, and environmental toxins that may be contributing to chronic symptoms or general discomfort.
Our testing can detect over 65 indoor air contaminants and provide a clear direction for improving your home’s air quality and your family’s well-being. With clear data and expert guidance, you can take meaningful action to create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
What is IAQ Testing?
Indoor air quality is a measure of how clean or contaminated the air in your home is.
When people think of air contamination, they often imagine factories or vehicle exhaust, but the air inside your home can be up to three times more contaminated than outdoor air. You might notice musty, stale, or chemical odors—or you may not see or smell anything unusual at all. In many cases, people experience unexplained symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, or sinus issues without realizing their indoor air could be the cause. This condition is sometimes referred to as “sick building syndrome.” The most susceptible individuals to the adverse effects of contaminants are children, older adults, and people with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
Common Sourses of Air Contaminants in Homes
Biological Contaminants and Allergens
The presence or overgrowth of biological contaminants and allergens can aggravate indoor air quality. These types of indoor air contaminants include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Bacteria and viruses
- Pollen from plants and trees
- Insect or rodent droppings and urine
Chemical & Organic Compounds
The widespread use of organic chemicals as ingredients in household products are sources of many potential chemical indoor air contaminants. The EPA includes paints, varnishes, waxes and many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products contain organic solvents as common items that can release harmful organic compounds into your home’s air. The indoor air quality testing Health Home performs measures the presence of over 65 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, styrene and other solvents that may be contaminating your home.
Did You Know?
People may develop cancer from exposure to radon gas, an invisible, tasteless, odorless, naturally occurring chemical that is commonly found throughout the U.S. and seeps indoors from under the house.
Why Test Your Home's Air Quality?
At certain levels, some air contamination is normal and to be expected. But issues such as poor ventilation, high humidity, malfunctioning appliances, and lack of maintenance can increase the concentration of indoor air contamination to dangerous levels.
People react in different ways to various contaminants. One person may not be affected at all while someone in the same home suffers debilitating symptoms.
Factors that affect a person’s reactions to poor indoor air quality issues include:
- Age (children and the elderly are at increased risk)
- Pre-existing medical conditions (the immunosuppressed are at increased risk)
- Those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease
- Individual sensitivities
- Increased sensitivity from repeated high exposure
Pollutants and Particulates We Identify
An indoor air quality test we perform measures the presence of over 65 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, styrene and other solvents that may be contaminating your home.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) from gas appliances or cigarette smoke
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from poorly ventilated fuel-burning appliances
- Formaldehyde from plywood, insulation, carpets, and glues
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning products, cosmetics, and cigarette smoke
- Particulates from smoke, deteriorating building materials, dust, and fibers
- Radon, a radioactive gas from natural geological sources that can enter through the foundation
When Should You Test for Indoor Air Quality?
Think of IAQ testing as a wide safety net that can detect many indoor air problems at once. Testing is appropriate if you are experiencing persistent health symptoms — especially those that don’t improve with medical treatment — or if your home has undergone recent changes that may affect air quality.
- You should consider professional indoor air quality testing if:
- You’ve moved into a new home
- You’ve recently remodeled or refurnished
- You’ve treated the home with pesticides
- There has been water intrusion or moisture problems
You are experiencing upper respiratory irritation, frequent illness, sinus problems, or other unexplained symptoms
IAQ testing helps identify multiple sources of contamination, determine if further testing is needed, and guide you toward mitigation strategies that protect your health.
IAQ Testing Process
Our Indoor Air Quality testing process is designed to deliver fast, clear, and accurate results. Here’s what to expect.
1. Discovery
We begin by learning more about your environment, such as recent odors, complaints of discomfort, renovations, or known chemical sources? We also gather relevant details about your home’s construction and usage to help narrow the scope of potential concerns.
2. Visual Inspection
Our technician conducts a limited inspection of your space, including a visual survey and baseline measurements of temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). These indicators help identify ventilation issues or areas of concern. We also evaluate occupant density, airflow, and source control strategies.
3. Targeted IAQ Sampling
If the initial findings suggest possible contamination—or if you’re pursuing proactive screening—we collect air and/or surface samples for laboratory analysis. Common testing panels include:
- VOC testing (EPA TO-15 panel) for chemicals off-gassed from building materials, adhesives, furnishings, or cleaners.
- Formaldehyde and other aldehydes, especially relevant after remodeling or new furniture installation.
- Particulate and fiber analysis, which may be important for identifying soot, dust, fiberglass, or airborne or settled allergens.
All samples are submitted to an accredited environmental lab, and testing protocols align with current EPA and industry standards.
4. Report & Consultation
You’ll receive a detailed report that includes lab results and a plain-language explanation of findings. We clarify whether lead was detected, at what levels, and whether any regulatory thresholds were exceeded. We also advise on next steps for risk reduction, abatement, or clearance testing, and are available to answer follow-up questions.
Why Choose Healthy Home
Fast Lab Results
Accredited laboratory analysis in just 3-5 business days.
Easy-to-Read Reports
Receive detailed report with recommendations in just 2–3 business days
Trusted Local Team
Serving Portland, Bend, Medford, and beyond with deep knowledge of Oregon homes
At Healthy Home, we specialize in one thing: environmental testing. We don’t sell remediation services so our results are unbiased, accurate, and focused on helping you to make informed decisions about your home and family.
No Upsells
We only test. We have no conflict of interest with remdiation companies, and we won’t try and give you a sales pitch for more services.
Experienced Inspectors
We utilize colaibrated, state-of-the-art equipment, and all work is performed by experienced professionals.
Fast Turnaround & Upfront Pricing
We offer transparent rates with no surprise fees, and our relationships with accredited laboratories allow us to deliver reports within 5-7 business days.
Local & Responsive
We are based in Oregon and have proudly served homeowners since 2008.
Pricing & Scheduling
Our local teams in Portland, Bend, and Medford, make scheduling easy and transparent. You’ll get fast turnaround, clear communication, and no surprise fees—just reliable service from experts who know Oregon homes.
Pricing
Our pricing includes the on-site inspection, accredited lab analysis, and a clear written report with findings and guidance. IAQ projects are more variable than other services, as they depend heavily on how many samples are needed and the complexity of the property. On average, most IAQ testing projects can range from $500-$1,500, though the final cost may be higher or lower depending on scope. Every project begins with a conversation so we can understand your specific situation and provide a tailored, detailed quote.
VariesCall for Pricing
Scheduling
We can typically schedule IAQ testing within 2-3 business days.
2-3 days
Turnaround
Most reports delivered within 5-7 business days. Rush lab analysis services are avilable for an additional fee.
5-7 days
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the answer.
Do I need indoor air quality testing if I don’t smell anything unusual?
Many air quality issues—like elevated carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, or mold spores—are odorless. Testing can uncover invisible problems that may be affecting your comfort or health, especially if you’ve recently renovated or noticed increased allergy symptoms.
Is indoor air testing only for mold?
While mold is a common concern, IAQ testing can also check for VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and airborne particles. We tailor testing based on your concerns, the home’s history, and what we find during the initial inspection. Healthy Home also offers complete Mold Testing services
How long does testing take?
The on-site visit typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on the size of the home and the number of samples. You’ll receive your report, including lab-certified results and written recommendations, in 5-7 business days.
Do I need to leave the house during testing?
Our testing is non-invasive and can be completed while you’re home. If we’re collecting samples for VOCs or other gases, we may recommend avoiding certain activities (like cooking or cleaning) just before the appointment to avoid skewing the results.
What does the report include?
Each report includes photos, baseline readings, lab results, and plain-language explanations. We highlight any areas of concern and provide actionable next steps if further remediation is recommended.
Is IAQ testing covered by insurance?
Air quality testing is typically considered a homeowner expense unless linked to a covered loss, such as fire or water damage. If this is related to a recent event, let us know—we can coordinate with your restoration team or insurer if needed.
Where can I learn more about indoor air quality standards?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers excellent resources for homeowners, property managers, and businesses looking to improve indoor air quality (IAQ):
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A broad overview of indoor pollutants, their sources, and the potential health effects of poor IAQ.
Protect Indoor Air Quality in Homes: Practical tips for homeowners, including ventilation strategies, moisture control, and HVAC considerations.
Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality: Overview of common household sources of VOCs, their health impacts, and why indoor levels are often significantly higher than outdoors.
