Home Air Quality Test Kits: Top 7 for Mold, VOCs & Radon

Your home smells musty after that water leak last month. Or you're waking up with headaches and wondering if something in the air is making you sick. Maybe you noticed condensation on the windows and suspect mold is growing somewhere you can't see. You've heard about radon and volatile organic compounds but don't know if they're actual problems in your house. You want real answers without spending hundreds of dollars on a professional inspection that might find nothing wrong.

Home air quality test kits solve this problem. We compared seven options that range from basic mold detection to comprehensive lab analysis covering dozens of pollutants. You'll see what each kit tests for, how it works in a real home, how accurate the results are, and what it costs. Some deliver results in 48 hours. Others take a week but provide detailed breakdowns of every contaminant present in your indoor air. By the end, you'll know exactly which test kit matches your specific concerns and budget.

1. Water Damage Repair Tech mold inspection

This option differs from typical home air quality test kits because you get professional mold inspectors who visit your property instead of testing samples yourself. Water Damage Repair Tech sends IICRC-certified technicians to Austin and surrounding Texas communities within 30 minutes of your call. The service works best when you've already experienced water damage or suspect mold growth but want expert confirmation before starting remediation.

What it is and what it tests for

Water Damage Repair Tech provides on-site mold inspection services that identify visible mold colonies, moisture levels in walls and floors, and potential hidden growth areas. Technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate water intrusion points that create mold-friendly conditions. The inspection focuses specifically on mold presence rather than testing for radon, VOCs, or other airborne contaminants. You receive a detailed assessment of mold types present and recommendations for remediation if the inspectors find active growth.

How it works in a real home

You call Water Damage Repair Tech and schedule an appointment. Certified inspectors arrive at your home with moisture detection equipment and conduct a room-by-room evaluation of areas you're concerned about. Technicians check common problem zones like bathrooms, basements, attics, and anywhere you've had recent water damage. The inspection typically takes one to two hours depending on your property size. Inspectors collect visual evidence, measure moisture content in building materials, and may take air or surface samples for lab analysis if needed.

Professional mold inspection gives you accurate results when DIY test kits show positive but you need confirmation before investing in expensive remediation.

Accuracy, pros and cons

Professional inspection delivers higher accuracy than DIY kits because trained eyes spot mold growth patterns and moisture problems that test kits miss. The service costs more than buying a test kit yourself but saves money if inspectors find no actionable mold growth. You avoid false positives common with petri dish tests that detect harmless outdoor spores. The downside is you must schedule an appointment and wait for technician availability rather than testing immediately.

Who should choose this option

Choose professional inspection if you've experienced significant water damage, smell persistent musty odors, or plan to buy or sell a home in the Austin area. This option suits homeowners who want expert guidance on whether remediation is necessary and how extensive the problem is. You benefit most if you need documentation for insurance claims or want someone to explain exactly where water is entering your home.

Price range and where to buy

Water Damage Repair Tech offers free estimates for mold inspection services. Contact them directly through their website at waterdamagerepair.tech or call their 24/7 emergency line. Pricing varies based on property size and inspection scope, but you'll know the cost before technicians begin work. The service operates exclusively in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and nearby Texas communities.

2. Home Air Check indoor air test kit

Home Air Check offers laboratory-analyzed air testing that detects a broader range of pollutants than most DIY petri dish kits. You collect air samples in your home using their provided equipment, then mail everything to their Michigan laboratory for professional analysis. The company specializes in identifying particles, chemicals, and biological contaminants that contribute to poor indoor air quality. This kit works well when you suspect multiple air quality issues beyond just mold.

What it is and what it tests for

Home Air Check provides comprehensive air sampling kits that test for mold spores, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other particulates floating in your indoor air. Some kits also measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde levels. The laboratory uses microscopy and chemical analysis to identify specific contaminants and their concentrations. You receive detailed results showing what pollutants are present and how they compare to outdoor air samples or industry standards.

How it works in a real home

You order a kit from their website and receive collection cassettes plus an air sampling pump. Place the cassettes in rooms where you spend the most time or notice air quality problems. The pump draws air through the cassettes for a specified duration, typically several hours. After collection, you package the samples and ship them back to Home Air Check using their prepaid label. Laboratory analysis takes five to ten business days after the lab receives your samples.

Accuracy, pros and cons

Laboratory analysis delivers high accuracy because trained technicians examine your samples under controlled conditions. You get specific counts of spore types and chemical concentrations rather than vague positive or negative results. The main disadvantage is the waiting period for results and the higher cost compared to instant-read monitors.

Laboratory testing eliminates guesswork by showing exactly which pollutants exist in your home and at what concentrations.

Who should choose this option

Choose Home Air Check if you want detailed information about multiple contaminants affecting your indoor air. This option suits homeowners dealing with unexplained allergies, respiratory issues, or persistent odors that suggest chemical off-gassing. You benefit most if you need documentation for landlord disputes or want comprehensive data before investing in air purification systems.

Price range and where to buy

Home Air Check kits start at $165 and increase based on which pollutants you want tested. Purchase directly from homeaircheck.com, where you can compare different test packages. The website explains what each kit includes and helps you select the appropriate test based on your specific concerns about your home's air quality.

3. Mold Armor DIY mold test kit

Mold Armor offers one of the most affordable entry points into testing for mold growth in your home. You can pick up this kit at Home Depot or order it online, making it accessible when you need answers quickly about suspicious spots or musty smells. The test uses petri dishes that capture airborne mold spores, providing results within 48 hours without sending samples to a laboratory.

What it is and what it tests for

Mold Armor DIY Mold Test Kit detects the presence of mold spores in your indoor air but does not identify specific mold species or measure concentration levels. The kit includes three petri dishes with growth medium that you expose to air in different rooms. Any mold spores floating in those spaces land on the dishes and grow visible colonies over two days. You then compare your results to outdoor samples and reference photos to determine if indoor mold levels exceed normal outdoor counts.

How it works in a real home

You open the petri dishes in rooms where you suspect mold problems, such as bathrooms, basements, or areas with past water damage. Each dish stays open for 60 minutes to collect airborne spores. After exposure, you seal the dishes and store them in a dark location at room temperature for 48 hours. Mold colonies become visible during this incubation period, showing you whether elevated spore counts exist in the tested areas.

Accuracy, pros and cons

The test accurately shows whether mold spores are present but cannot tell you if levels are dangerous or what species you're dealing with. Many outdoor mold spores naturally enter homes, so you might get positive results even without a mold problem. The kit costs under $15 and delivers fast results without waiting for lab analysis. However, you cannot determine if the mold requires professional remediation based solely on this test.

DIY petri dish tests work best as initial screening tools before investing in comprehensive laboratory analysis or professional inspection.

Who should choose this option

Choose Mold Armor if you want a quick yes-or-no answer about mold presence at minimal cost. This kit suits renters or homeowners who need evidence of a potential problem before contacting landlords or deciding whether to hire professionals. You benefit most if you're comparing mold levels between different rooms or want to confirm your suspicions before spending more on detailed testing.

Price range and where to buy

Mold Armor DIY Mold Test Kit sells for approximately $10 to $15 at Home Depot stores and on their website. You can also find it on Amazon. The low price point makes it accessible for multiple tests throughout your home, though each kit includes only three petri dishes for testing three separate locations.

4. Airthings View Plus air quality monitor

This device provides continuous monitoring instead of one-time testing, giving you real-time data about seven different air quality factors in your home. The Airthings View Plus stands apart from other home air quality test kits because it tracks pollutants 24/7 and displays readings on a built-in screen plus smartphone app. You don't send samples to laboratories or wait days for results. The monitor updates measurements every few minutes, showing exactly when air quality changes throughout the day.

What it is and what it tests for

Airthings View Plus measures radon, particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The device uses dedicated sensors for each pollutant type, providing specific readings rather than general air quality scores. Radon detection works through a passive diffusion chamber that counts radioactive decay events over time. The PM2.5 sensor detects fine particles from smoke, dust, and outdoor pollution. CO2 measurements help you understand ventilation effectiveness, while the VOC sensor responds to chemicals from cleaning products, paints, and building materials.

How it works in a real home

You plug the monitor into a wall outlet in rooms where you spend significant time, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. The device starts collecting data immediately after setup through the Airthings smartphone app. Readings appear on the color-coded e-ink display that updates every five minutes for PM2.5, CO2, and VOCs, while radon measurements require 24 hours to stabilize. The app creates graphs showing how pollutant levels change throughout days and weeks, helping you identify patterns linked to specific activities like cooking or opening windows.

Accuracy, pros and cons

The Airthings View Plus delivers professional-grade accuracy for radon testing comparable to EPA-approved devices. PM2.5 and CO2 measurements match reference instruments within acceptable margins. The major advantage is continuous monitoring that shows how your actions affect air quality in real time. You can test interventions like running air purifiers or improving ventilation and see immediate results.

Continuous monitoring reveals air quality patterns that single-use test kits cannot capture, showing you exactly when and why pollutants spike in your home.

The device costs significantly more than disposable test kits but eliminates recurring lab fees if you need repeated testing. Battery backup maintains radon monitoring during power outages. The main limitation is you must buy separate monitors for different rooms rather than moving one test kit around your house.

Who should choose this option

Choose the Airthings View Plus if you want ongoing visibility into multiple air quality factors rather than one-time test results. This monitor suits homeowners concerned about radon exposure in basement living spaces or bedrooms. You benefit most if you suffer from allergies or asthma and need to track how indoor air quality affects your symptoms. The device helps you evaluate whether air purifiers, HVAC upgrades, or ventilation changes actually improve your indoor environment.

Price range and where to buy

Airthings View Plus typically sells for $269 to $299 depending on retailer promotions. You can purchase directly from the Airthings website or through Amazon. The monitor requires no subscription fees or ongoing costs after purchase. Compare prices across retailers before buying, as discounts frequently appear during holiday sales periods.

5. SLGi indoor air quality SVOC kit

The SLGi Indoor Air Quality SVOC Test Kit targets a specific category of pollutants that most home air quality test kits overlook. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) come from building materials, furniture finishes, carpets, and household products rather than from mold or radon. This laboratory-analyzed kit detects thousands of individual chemical compounds that can accumulate in indoor air over time, making it valuable when you suspect chemical exposure rather than biological contamination.

What it is and what it tests for

SLGi's kit analyzes air samples for semi-volatile organic compounds, which include plasticizers, flame retardants, pesticides, and chemicals from vinyl flooring, pressed wood products, and fabric treatments. The test identifies specific chemical compounds present in your indoor air at measurable concentrations. Laboratory technicians use gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to separate and identify individual chemicals from your air sample. You receive a report listing detected compounds and their concentrations compared to reference levels.

How it works in a real home

You receive sampling cassettes and detailed collection instructions after ordering the kit from SLab Inc. Position the sampling device in rooms where you spend significant time or where you notice chemical odors. The cassette collects air over a specified period, typically several hours, capturing vaporous compounds on specialized collection media. After sampling, you seal the cassettes and mail them to the laboratory using provided packaging. Analysis takes approximately two weeks from when the lab receives your samples.

Accuracy, pros and cons

Laboratory analysis provides high accuracy for detecting and quantifying chemical compounds that simpler test kits cannot measure. The method identifies substances other home air quality test kits miss entirely. You gain insight into specific chemicals affecting your indoor environment rather than general air quality scores. The test does not measure mold, radon, or particulate matter, so you need different kits for those concerns. Results take longer than continuous monitors but provide detailed chemical identification impossible with instant-read devices.

SVOC testing reveals chemical exposures from building materials and furnishings that explain unexplained symptoms when biological testing shows no problems.

Who should choose this option

Choose the SLGi SVOC kit if you experience headaches, respiratory irritation, or chemical sensitivity symptoms in your home without obvious sources. This test suits homeowners living in newly constructed or recently renovated properties where off-gassing from materials causes concern. You benefit most if standard mold and radon tests show normal results but you still suspect indoor air quality problems.

Price range and where to buy

Purchase the SLGi Indoor Air Quality SVOC Test Kit directly from slabinc.com, where you can review test specifications and order collection materials. Pricing varies based on the number of samples and specific compounds analyzed. Contact SLab Inc through their website for current pricing and to determine which test package addresses your specific chemical exposure concerns.

6. LCS Laboratory air testing kits

LCS Laboratory provides professional-grade sampling equipment that homeowners operate themselves before sending samples for detailed analysis. The kits include precision-engineered cassettes and air sampling pumps that capture specific pollutants from your indoor environment. Unlike instant-read monitors or simple petri dishes, these tools collect measured air volumes over controlled time periods, giving laboratories exact data to work with. This approach bridges the gap between DIY home air quality test kits and expensive professional inspections.

What it is and what it tests for

LCS Laboratory offers multiple kit types targeting different pollutant categories. Options include testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, mold spores, particulate matter, and specific chemicals like benzene or toluene. Each kit contains sampling cassettes designed for particular contaminants plus a calibrated air sampling pump that draws measured air volumes through the collection media. Laboratory analysis identifies specific substances present and quantifies their concentrations in your indoor air.

How it works in a real home

You position the sampling cassettes in rooms where you spend significant time or notice air quality concerns. The battery-powered pump draws air through cassettes at controlled flow rates for the duration specified in your kit instructions, typically one to eight hours depending on the pollutant tested. After collection, you seal the cassettes and ship them to LCS Laboratory using provided packaging materials. Analysis results arrive within seven to ten business days showing exactly which contaminants exist in your home.

Accuracy, pros and cons

The combination of calibrated pumps and laboratory analysis delivers high accuracy comparable to professional environmental testing. You collect precise air volumes rather than relying on passive exposure methods that vary with air currents. Results identify specific chemicals and their concentrations rather than general presence or absence.

Laboratory analysis with calibrated sampling equipment provides the most accurate chemical identification available in consumer-operated test kits.

The equipment costs more than passive samplers but eliminates variability that affects simpler collection methods. You must follow timing and flow rate instructions carefully to ensure valid results.

Who should choose this option

Choose LCS Laboratory kits if you need documented proof of specific chemical exposures for health investigations or property disputes. These tests suit homeowners who want professional-quality data without paying for on-site technician visits. You benefit most if previous testing showed problems but you need exact chemical identification and concentration measurements to guide remediation efforts.

Price range and where to buy

Visit lcslaboratory.com to review available test packages and current pricing. Costs vary based on which pollutants you test for and how many samples you collect. The website explains sampling procedures for each kit type and helps you select appropriate tests for your specific indoor air quality concerns.

7. Hardware store radon and safety kits

Hardware stores like Ace Hardware and Home Depot stock multiple home air quality test kits alongside standard home maintenance supplies. These kits focus primarily on radon gas detection plus basic safety concerns like carbon monoxide and lead paint. You can walk into any location, purchase the kit, and start testing the same day without waiting for shipping. The selection varies by store but typically includes both short-term and long-term radon testing options plus combination kits that check for multiple household hazards.

What it is and what it tests for

Hardware store test kits detect radon gas, lead in paint or dust, carbon monoxide levels, and sometimes basic mold presence. Radon kits use activated charcoal or alpha track detectors that capture radioactive particles over specified exposure periods. Lead test kits contain chemical swabs that change color when they contact lead-based paint or contaminated dust. Carbon monoxide detectors measure gas concentrations in real time. Most stores carry recognized brands that meet EPA guidelines for radon testing.

How it works in a real home

You place radon detectors in the lowest lived-in level of your home for two to ninety days depending on test type. Short-term charcoal kits sit exposed for 48 hours to one week, while long-term detectors remain in place for three months. After exposure, you mail radon detectors to included laboratories for analysis. Lead swabs work instantly when you rub them on painted surfaces or dust samples. Carbon monoxide monitors plug into outlets and display continuous readings.

Accuracy, pros and cons

EPA-listed radon kits deliver reliable results when you follow placement and timing instructions exactly. Long-term tests provide more accurate average readings than short-term kits. Lead swabs effectively identify lead presence but cannot measure exact concentrations.

Hardware store kits offer immediate access to EPA-approved testing without waiting for online orders or scheduling professional visits.

The main advantage is convenience and immediate availability when you need answers quickly. Prices stay lower than specialized laboratory kits, though you sacrifice some advanced features.

Who should choose this option

Choose hardware store kits if you need quick radon screening before buying a home or want to check multiple safety concerns during one shopping trip. These tests suit homeowners performing general property maintenance who want basic confirmation about specific hazards. You benefit most if you live near stores carrying quality test kits rather than ordering online.

Price range and where to buy

Radon test kits cost $15 to $40 depending on test duration and laboratory analysis included. Lead test kits run $10 to $25 for multiple swabs. Visit Ace Hardware or Home Depot locations to compare available options and read package instructions before purchasing.

Breathe easier at home

You now know which home air quality test kits match your specific concerns and budget. Quick mold screening costs under $15 with petri dishes from hardware stores, while comprehensive laboratory analysis runs $165 to $300 for detailed pollutant identification. Continuous monitors like the Airthings View Plus track multiple factors in real time, showing you exactly when air quality changes throughout your day. Laboratory kits from Home Air Check, SLGi, and LCS provide the most accurate chemical identification when you need documented proof of specific exposures.

Testing reveals problems, but fixing them requires different expertise. If your test shows mold growth or water damage issues, you need professionals who understand how moisture creates long-term air quality problems. Water Damage Repair Tech sends IICRC-certified technicians to Austin-area homes within 30 minutes to assess mold concerns and repair water damage that compromises your indoor air. Contact Water Damage Repair Tech for free estimates on mold inspection and remediation services that address the root causes affecting your home's air quality.