Test Preparation
Preparing for Your Home Test
A few simple steps before your appointment help us collect the most accurate samples and give you results you can trust. Here is exactly what to do.
On this page
General steps for every test
These apply no matter which service you booked. The goal is to capture your home in its normal, everyday condition so the results reflect what you and your family actually live with.
- Keep windows and exterior doors closed for at least one hour before the appointment (overnight is even better for air tests).
- Leave your HVAC system on its normal setting. Don't switch it off or crank it right before we arrive.
- Avoid cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, or spraying air fresheners or disinfectants in the hours beforehand.
- Make sure the inspector can reach the areas of concern: move stored items away from suspected spots, attic hatches, and crawlspace entries.
- Note any specific concerns in advance — a musty smell, past water damage, visible staining, or recent leaks — so we can target sampling.
Why it matters: cleaning or airing out a room right before a test can temporarily hide elevated mold spores or pollutants, leading to a result that looks fine today but doesn't reflect normal conditions.
Mold & indoor air quality testing
- Closed-house conditions: windows and doors shut for at least an hour, ideally 12 hours, before testing.
- Don't run exhaust fans, box fans, or air purifiers in the rooms being sampled on the day of testing.
- Keep humidifiers and dehumidifiers on their usual settings.
- If you've recently had visible mold disturbed or removed, let us know — it can affect spore counts.
Surface sampling
- Leave suspected areas undisturbed — don't wipe, paint over, or treat them before we sample.
- Clear furniture or belongings blocking the surface so we can take a clean swab or tape lift.
- If the spot is in a hard-to-reach area, mention it when you book so we bring the right equipment.
Moisture checks
- Provide access to areas with a history of leaks: under sinks, around water heaters, behind appliances, and along exterior walls.
- Avoid mopping up or drying a recently wet area right before the appointment if you want us to assess it.
- Let us know about any past plumbing repairs or roof issues so we can check related spots.
The day of your appointment
- Be home or arrange access, and secure pets in a separate room for everyone's comfort.
- Have a quick list of your concerns ready so we can prioritize.
- The inspector will walk the property, take samples, and explain what's being collected.
- You'll receive a clear, lab-verified report — see Understanding Your Results for how to read it.
Preparation FAQs
Do I need to close my windows before a mold air test?
Yes. For an accurate airborne mold sample we ask that windows and exterior doors stay closed for at least an hour before the appointment, ideally overnight, so indoor air isn't diluted by outdoor air.
Can I run my air conditioner or heater before testing?
Keep your HVAC system running on its normal setting unless we tell you otherwise. Sudden changes right before the test can affect particle and humidity readings. Avoid running fans pointed at sample areas.
Should I clean before the inspector arrives?
Do not deep-clean, spray air freshener, or wipe down suspected mold areas right before testing. Cleaning can temporarily mask the very thing we're measuring. Normal tidying is fine.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the property and the number of samples collected.
Ready to schedule your test?
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