They couldn’t have been any more different…
After having some concerns about the condition of our indoor air quality, I decided to take action. One of the many things I read suggested getting an indoor air quality assessment.
I decided to reach out to the “professionals”. So I Googled “Indoor Air Quality Test” + my city and selected two of the top five companies that came up.
Some highlights from each of the two company’s websites are as follows:
Company A: A “Building Health (Testing and Consulting)” Company
Service Highlights: “Indoor Air Quality Testing”
- Tests for mold, particulates and chemical contaminants
- Determines what contaminants are present and their concentration
- Specifically mentioned mold growth, CO2, chemicals, pesticides and particle levels
- Creates indoor air quality historical baseline
Company B: An “Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical” Company
Service Highlights: “Indoor Air Quality Testing”
- Assess overall indoor air quality and identifies harmful pollutants
- Specifically mentioned formaldehyde, VOCs, pet dander and tobacco smoke
- Provides recommendations on indoor air quality improvement
Both companies boasted “Indoor Air Quality Testing” and seemed to be what I was looking for (I’m concerned mostly with VOCs and dust). I filled out the form on each of their websites. I stated I was interested in getting a quote for indoor air quality testing and provided the square footage of our house.
The Results
Company A: An “Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical” Company
I received a same-day e-mail response:
“For a property that size, a baseline environmental quality survey starts at $595. We also offer moisture and mold surveys. Due to the conditions within the residence the price may vary. Please contact our office to be provided a quote.”
Company B: An “Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical” Company
I received a phone call within the hour of my quote request. They were very eager to come out and give me a free quote. They could even come out the same day! Except the conversation turned to duct cleaning.
What about testing the air quality? VOCs? They didn’t perform that type of testing they said. But could take a look at my ductwork and see if they could recommend ways to improve the air quality.
Our Thoughts
Lesson learned! Not all “Indoor Air Quality Testing” is the same!
On Company A: I was taken aback by the price they provided, which really isn’t even a proper quote (due to conditions, the price may vary?!). I hadn’t done any prior research before hand on pricing so I really went in blind. Although safety is priceless, this seemed cost prohibitive for us. For there to be any real value, the testing would have to be performed more than once in my mind.
Say our indoor air quality was deemed “good.” We would have peace of mind, but only temporarily. Our home, and the air in it, is fluid. For instance, we plan on replacing the windows in the short-term and this is likely going to change the indoor air quality (for either better or worse). Aside from major changes, there could be minor changes that could impact our indoor air quality. At some point, or indoor air quality could go from good to bad and we may have no idea.
On the contrary, if our indoor air quality was deemed “poor,” we would have no way of knowing if the steps taken to improve it were actually working. Does removing a certain product help? Adding plants? Adding an air purifier? We would have to get another indoor air quality assessment to find out if the air quality got better and by how much. We also wouldn’t know what exactly helped the most because it would be extremely cost prohibitive to make only one change then get an indoor air quality assessment to gauge the progress.
Ultimately we decided against getting an indoor air quality assessment from this company.
After doing some research, I found that you can purchase an air quality monitor for less than the price of one assessment. This is huge! I had no idea this type of product existed, but it’s exactly what I want and need…a way to assess AND monitor indoor VOCs.
An indoor air quality assessment may make sense for us down the road. But first, I want see what I can accomplish using a personal air quality monitor.
On Company B: I felt mislead by this company’s website. I was under the impression they would be testing the air for VOCs like Company A. At least it was very clear before setting an appointment what the “air quality testing” entailed.
I actually decided to have them come out and look at my air duct. It was free and fit in my schedule. I was curious what they would say (even though I was 99.99% sure they would say I needed the ducts cleaned). Ultimately, I am glad I got the air duct inspection. As a result, I am a more knowledgable and empowered home owner. More on that in another post!
I would love to hear what you think! Contact me or find me on Instagram @modernmindfulmom
