Professional Mold Testing in Bethlehem & the Lehigh Valley
What professional mold testing tells you
How do professionals test for mold? A trained technician collects air samples, surface samples or pieces of material, depending on the question being answered. The samples go to an accredited laboratory, which identifies and counts mold spores or growth. The results are then interpreted alongside what the inspection found in the building.
Air Care & Restoration Co. provides professional mold testing for homes and commercial buildings in Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton and throughout the Lehigh Valley. Testing is usually paired with a mold inspection, because numbers without context rarely answer the real question: is there a problem, where is it, and what should be done about it?
Do I need mold testing if I can already see mold?
Usually not. If mold is visibly growing, it should be removed and its moisture source corrected no matter what species it is. Testing is not automatically necessary just because visible mold is present.
Testing is more useful when:
- You notice a musty odor but can't find visible growth
- There has been water damage and you want to know whether hidden areas are affected
- You need to know whether spores have spread beyond one area, for example through the HVAC system
- A buyer, seller, landlord or tenant needs documentation
- Remediation is finished and you want an evaluation of the results
If testing won't change what you should do, we'll tell you. That's part of the inspection.
Types of mold testing we perform
Air sampling
A calibrated pump draws a measured volume of air through a spore-trap cassette. Indoor samples are compared with an outdoor sample taken at the same time, since mold spores are always present outdoors.
Surface sampling
Tape lifts or swabs are taken from suspect staining or growth to confirm whether it is mold and what types are present.
Bulk sampling
Small pieces of material such as drywall, insulation or subflooring are removed for laboratory analysis when surface samples won't answer the question.
Wall cavity and dust sampling
In some investigations we sample inside wall cavities or collect settled dust to check for hidden growth.
Our mold testing process
- Conversation and inspectionWe start with what you've noticed and look at the building: moisture, staining, odors, HVAC components and any past water damage.
- Sampling planWe choose where and how to sample based on what the inspection shows, including an outdoor comparison sample for air testing.
- Sample collectionSamples are collected with calibrated equipment and documented with location and conditions.
- Laboratory analysisSamples are sent to an accredited microbial laboratory that follows the ISO 17025 standard.
- InterpretationWe review the lab report, compare indoor and outdoor results and relate them to what we found in the building.
- RecommendationsYou get a clear explanation of the results and our recommendations, whether that's no action, a moisture fix, cleaning or mold remediation.
Expected timeline
Sampling is usually done during the inspection visit. Laboratory turnaround typically takes a few business days depending on the type of analysis. We'll give you an expected date when we collect the samples.
How results are interpreted
There is no single, universal "safe mold level." Federal agencies have not set health-based limits for mold spores in homes, and mold is found in every indoor and outdoor environment.
That's why results have to be read in context. We look at:
- How indoor spore counts compare with the outdoor sample
- Whether the types of mold indoors differ from those outside
- Whether types associated with water damage are elevated
- How the numbers line up with moisture readings and what we saw
Results are compared with commonly cited guidance from organizations such as the AIHA and ACGIH, but they are one piece of the picture, not a verdict on their own.
What you receive
- The laboratory report for each sample
- Our interpretation of the results in plain language
- Notes on moisture conditions and where samples were taken
- Recommendations for next steps, if any are needed
Lab reports are kept confidential. If you already have test results from another company, we can review and interpret them for you.
What happens after results
If results and the inspection point to a problem, we can prepare a written scope for mold remediation or mold abatement. If they don't, you'll know that too. Testing doesn't commit you to any further work.
Testing is a paid service and pricing depends on the number and type of samples. We'll explain the options when you call.
Mold testing FAQs
What is the difference between mold inspection and mold testing?
An inspection is a hands-on investigation of the building for moisture and mold growth. Testing is laboratory analysis of samples. Inspection answers where and why; testing adds measurements when they will help a decision.
Can a test tell me if my home is safe?
No test can certify a home as "safe," and there is no universal safe mold level. Testing can show whether indoor conditions differ from outdoors and whether there are signs of indoor growth. We explain what your results mean for your building.
Are DIY mold test kits reliable?
Settle-plate kits sold in stores will almost always grow mold, because spores are everywhere. Without a measured air volume, an outdoor comparison and professional interpretation, the results are hard to use.
How long do mold test results take?
Typically a few business days after sampling, depending on the analysis. We'll let you know the expected timing when samples are collected.
Can you test after remediation?
Yes. Post-remediation testing can be used along with a visual inspection and moisture readings to evaluate whether remediation was successful.
Does mold testing identify health risks?
Testing identifies mold types and levels, not medical causes. Mold and damp conditions can contribute to allergy or respiratory symptoms in some people. If you have health concerns, talk with your physician; we focus on the building.
Related services
Mold testing works best with a professional mold inspection. For broader concerns such as odors, humidity or allergens, see indoor air quality testing. If results confirm a problem, learn about our mold remediation services.
We test throughout the region, including Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton and the rest of the Lehigh Valley.
Our mold investigations are led by Joe Kozacheck, President of Air Care & Restoration Co.
Read our
reviews
"We couldn’t be more pleased with our experience with Air Care. From the very first call, Jessica was kind, professional, and incredibly helpful in answering all of my questions. They scheduled us quickly, which we truly appreciated. When Joe came out, it was immediately clear we were in good hands. He is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to walk us through everything, making sure we understood the process every step of the way. He also handled communication and reporting with our landlord seamlessly, which took a huge weight off our shoulders. Air Care is professional, prompt, trustworthy and genuinely cares about their clients. We highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services."
Animal Food Bank LV
GOOGLE
"This company is exceptional. Joe, the owner, spent hours inspecting and testing our home, and his knowledge of mold and moisture problems is truly expert‑level. He identified issues we never would have found on our own. They completed a full remediation in our basement and installed a heavy‑duty dehumidifier. After a voltage problem in our home affected the unit, Joe came back personally to get it working again. That kind of dedication is hard to find. Andrew and Dylan also cleaned our ductwork and did an excellent job — professional, efficient, and equipped for serious work. If you’re dealing with mold or air quality concerns, call them. They’re thorough, honest, and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend."
Dave
GOOGLE
"We called Air Care to investigate air quality concerns in our home. They completed a very thorough inspection and immediately identified several major construction issues in our basement that were causing hidden mold growth. Air Care's mold spore tests revealed that levels were significantly elevated in our home. Air Care started remediation work very quickly to remove the incorrectly installed insulation and reinsulate everything properly using methods that would not cause mold growth. They installed new drywall and put back our built-in cabinets and ceiling tiles. Everything was as good as new! We had an independent company come back and re-test the air quality, and mold spore levels were reduced by over 95%. We were very happy with the quality of work done by Air Care and their attention to detail and care for our home. They are highly knowledgeable in their field and took the time to explain everything to us in detail. We would highly recommend them to anyone experiencing air quality issues in their home or workplace!"
Ben
GOOGLE
"Joe was extremely helpful and thorough in evaluating our new house for mold. We found some and another company tried to charge us 4,000 dollars to clean up one wall. Joe identified that the wall was not the contributing factor to the air mold and that the old owners must have had moldy items in the basement. We filtered the air and retested. Mold is gone. Saved us a ton of money and spent the time teaching us what to do and look for. 10/10 service."
Alex
YELP
"We hired Air Care for a big mold remediation of a carriage house/garage. From the start Joe was excellent in explaining what was needed, he answered all our questions and explained every process along the way. All the guys from Air Care were efficient and considerate and they went above and beyond to ensure the job was completed on time and with perfection. Jessica from the office was great as well. We couldn't be happier with the price and service we received from start to finish."
Audrey
YELP
"Joe gave us an estimate to remove the mold from our basement and Air Care did the work. Our basement has never been drier and more odor free. The guys worked neatly and carefully and did a great job. I highly recommend Air Care. Thanks, DBM."
Dan
YELP
