Indoor air quality inspection: scope, costs, and what to ask

What inspection should address

State the concern precisely and ask whether the visit is an equipment inspection, moisture/ventilation assessment, or a defined sampling service. Request what will be measured, the method’s limits, and how findings will guide action. Avoid treating a general equipment visit as a medical assessment or a guarantee of pollutant-free air.

Understand the system being assessed

Filtration is one part of indoor air quality. Identify the concern and its source, and discuss ventilation and moisture as well as equipment options.

EPA — Air cleaners and filters in the home · Source checked 2026-09-06

Useful details to gather before the visit

You do not need to diagnose the equipment. Record the observations you can make without opening panels or accessing unsafe areas.

• Is the concern particles, odor, moisture, or a specific equipment fault?
• When and where do you notice it?
• What filters, air cleaners, or humidity equipment are already installed?

Have the model, approximate age, prior service findings, and warranty documents ready if available. Describe recent changes to the home and your goal for the visit.

Ask for findings you can use

Request a written report identifying what was inspected or tested, what was found, and what could not be assessed. Have the provider distinguish an observed fault from a recommendation for further diagnosis. Ask for priorities and next steps; the report should not imply that an inspection can guarantee future reliability.

What affects the price for this project?

Compare the specific purpose, equipment, installation changes, replacement filters or media, maintenance, electricity use, and any testing. Ask for evidence supporting the claimed result. A low equipment price can hide recurring consumable costs.

Temperaly does not set provider prices. Ask for the charge for the proposed scope and a written explanation of exclusions. A useful quote separates required work from optional improvements so you can compare offers for the same result.

An example of a question worth resolving

A proposal promises to solve every odor with one filter. Ask which pollutant or source it addresses, what evidence supports the claim, and whether ventilation or moisture work is also needed.

Use the example to frame your questions, not to diagnose your home. Ask the provider what evidence supports their recommendation and how they will verify the result.

Choose your next step

Review the scope, price, timing, and warranty before authorizing work. Start a indoor air quality inspection request with your service city and state and what you need help with. A request does not reserve an appointment.

For a broader equipment decision, read repair versus replacement. For a current loss of comfort, see AC not cooling or no heat.