Indoor Air Quality Testing
IAQ Assessment That Follows Published Science
Tell us what you smell, see, or feel indoors. Coastal Air Assessments will recommend the right IAQ test for your situation — not unnecessary sampling. Call (561) 400-0929 to discuss your concern before scheduling.
Indoor air quality problems are frequently invisible. Elevated CO₂, volatile organic compounds, biological contaminants, and airborne particulates affect occupant health long before symptoms become obvious or a source is identified.
Every IAQ assessment at Coastal Air Assessments follows protocols from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) — the organizations that define scientific best practice for indoor environmental investigation.
When to test your indoor air
Musty or earthy odor that persists without a visible source
Chemical smells after renovation, new flooring, paint, or furniture
Occupant symptoms indoors — headaches, fatigue, respiratory complaints, eye irritation
Unexplained allergy-like symptoms that improve when leaving the building
HVAC complaints — musty supply air, visible debris on registers, inconsistent performance
Post-fire or post-flood events when residual contamination is a concern
Stuffy or stale air that does not resolve with ventilation adjustments
Water damage history with lingering odor or occupant complaints
IAQ assessment services can include:
- CO₂ monitoring — Evaluates ventilation adequacy. Elevated CO₂ above 1,000 ppm indicates insufficient fresh air and is a leading cause of occupant performance complaints in offices, schools, and multi-family buildings
- VOC testing — Chemical off-gassing from building materials, furnishings, finishes, and renovation products evaluated against ACGIH and EPA reference values
- Particulate analysis — PM2.5 and PM10 airborne particle counts evaluated against established health-based guidelines
- Biological sampling — Mold spore counts and allergen sampling following AIHA field guide protocols
- HVAC evaluation — Systematic assessment of blower components, coils, and ductwork as biological and particulate sources
- Moisture and humidity assessment — Quantified readings that define the conditions driving biological growth
- Thermal imaging — Building envelope deficiencies that create localized moisture and biological growth conditions
IAQ in South Florida’s climate
South Florida’s subtropical environment creates IAQ challenges that require regional building science expertise. High exterior humidity drives moisture inward through building assemblies. Continuous air conditioning operation accumulates biological contamination on coil surfaces and in duct systems. Well-sealed, energy-efficient buildings concentrate pollutants and deplete CO₂ dilution. Recognizing these climate-specific patterns is what separates a building science assessment from a generic checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can indoor air quality testing detect?
IAQ testing can be designed around the specific complaint and may evaluate VOCs, particulates, mold indicators, odors, CO₂ ventilation adequacy, allergens, or other indoor environmental factors. The right test depends on the complaint and building conditions — not a default menu of sampling.
When should I test my indoor air?
Common triggers include musty or chemical odors, recent renovation, occupant symptoms indoors like headaches or respiratory complaints, HVAC concerns, post-fire or flood events, and damp or stuffy rooms that do not resolve. If something in the air is affecting how you feel in your building, that is a reason to call.
Is air quality testing always necessary?
No. The right test depends on the complaint, building conditions, and inspection findings. Unnecessary sampling should be avoided. An assessment starts with understanding what you are experiencing and the building before any testing is recommended.
Can IAQ testing help commercial buildings?
Yes. IAQ testing supports offices, schools, medical facilities, restaurants, and other commercial properties when occupant complaints, renovation work, or building conditions need documented evaluation. CO₂ and VOC testing are particularly useful in occupied commercial spaces.
