Do You Need Air Testing for Mold in Your Home?

If you've had a recent water leak, musty smells, or someone in the house is constantly sneezing—you're probably wondering: Should I get my air tested for mold?

Let’s break down when mold air testing makes sense, what it actually tells you, and how we at Total Home Water Restoration approach it here in Grove City and the Columbus area.

When Air Testing Is Actually Useful

Mold air testing sounds like a good idea—and in some cases, it is. But here’s the honest truth:

You usually don’t need air testing to confirm there’s mold if you can already see it or smell it.

Testing becomes helpful in these situations:

• You suspect mold but can't see it

• Someone in the home has unexplained allergies or respiratory issues

• You've had previous water damage, but no visible signs of mold

• You need documentation for a landlord, tenant, insurance claim, or home sale

If any of that sounds like your situation, testing the air can help identify hidden mold growth and determine if the levels are above what's considered normal.

How Mold Air Testing Works

At Total Home Water Restoration, we follow IICRC S520 standards for professional mold remediation. If we recommend testing, here’s what happens:

1. We use air pumps and collection cassettes that pull in air samples from the home.

2. Samples are sent to a certified lab, where technicians count mold spores and identify the types.

3. We compare indoor and outdoor levels to see if there's an unusual spike inside.

Keep in mind: air testing gives a snapshot in time. Mold spores are always floating around—indoors and out. What we’re looking for is a significant increase or signs of toxic types like Stachybotrys (black mold).

What Air Tests Won’t Tell You

Mold air testing can tell you what spores are present—but it won’t pinpoint:

• The exact location of mold growth

• How far the contamination has spread behind walls or under floors

• What kind of damage exists to drywall, insulation, or framing

That’s why air testing is only one tool in the kit. If your home has had a leak or high humidity, we’ll likely recommend an inspection, moisture readings, and possibly cutting open a small area to confirm what’s going on behind the scenes.

What to Do If Air Testing Finds Mold

If mold levels come back high, don’t panic. Here’s what we typically recommend:

• Find the moisture source—you have to stop the water before you fix the mold.

• Contain the area to avoid spreading spores during cleanup.

• Follow proper removal steps per EPA and IICRC guidelines, including HEPA filtration, protective gear, and safely removing contaminated materials.

We’ve helped families in Grove City, Hilliard, Westerville, and all over Central Ohio handle hidden mold the right way—no scare tactics, no cutting corners.

When You Might Not Need Testing

We won’t sell you a test just to charge for it. If you’ve got visible mold or an obvious leak, we’ll recommend going straight to remediation.

If your basement smells musty every spring and you’ve had water intrusion—we already know what’s going on. Let’s fix the moisture and clean it up.

FAQs

Can mold affect my health even if I can't see it?
Yes. Mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation, especially in kids, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Is mold air testing covered by insurance?
Sometimes. If it’s part of a larger claim for water damage, it may be included. But always check your policy.

How much does mold air testing cost?
In our area, most lab-verified tests cost between $250–$500 depending on how many samples are needed.

Get Expert Help from a Local Pro You Can Trust

If you’re in Grove City or anywhere in the Columbus area and think you may need mold testing or remediation, give us a call. We’ll take a look, explain your options, and help you decide if testing is the right next step.

Tyler Zimmerman
Owner, Total Home Water Restoration
📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837