The Two Best Mold Detectors – Features, Benefits & Pricing

Introduction

There are several ways to test for mold. One is to buy an air quality mold detector that monitors mold and airborne chemicals (VACs). In this article, I will recommend the two best mold detectors on the market. I will also discuss ways to detect mold, where it is found in the home, the health hazards of mold and tips on how to prevent mold.

Disclosure

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.

Product Choices

There are a number of indoor air quality monitor (aka IAQ monitors) products. The top products can monitor carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, VOCs (volatile organic compounds emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids), PM2.5 (fine particulate matter– an air pollutant that is a concern for people’s health when levels are high), temperature, humidity, ozone, and air pressure. A very few others also monitor radon levels.

There are only two indoor air quality products from top manufacturers that also monitor mold.

Here are my top 2 picks for the best mold detector product

Airthings Wave Mini

Overview

Once you see mold, it’s too late. Preventing mold from growing helps with asthma, allergies, sleep and overall health. The Airthings Wave Mini monitors for mold risk, temperature, humidity and airborne chemicals. (VOCs).

Benefits

• Provides continuous monitoring of mold, temperature, humidity and VOCs
• Free shipping
• 12-month warranty
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Features

• Simply wave in front of the monitor for a color-coded, visual indicator of your current air quality levels.
• No outlets needed. Battery operated, wireless connection via Bluetooth. 2 or 3-year battery life depending on your connection (Bluetooth or Airthings SmartLink).
• The Airthings Wave comes with an app (IOS and Android) and an online dashboard with graphs, notifications and insights.
• In-app notifications alerts help you take action to prevent mold before it starts and keep your family and home safe.
• Can integrate with your smart home using IFTTT or Google Assistant.

Pricing

$79.99

Airthings House Kit

Overview

Airthings House Kit is an indoor air quality system for multi-room, connected monitoring.

Benefits

• Free shipping
• 12-month warranty
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Features

The kit contains:

1. Wave Radon

• The world’s smartest radon detector
• Long and short-term values displayed on your smartphone
• Wireless
• Battery operated

1. Wave Mini

• Monitors mold risk, temperature, humidity and airborne chemicals (VOCs)

1. Airthings Hub

• Gives you on-demand access to your Airthings monitors, from anywhere, at any time

Pricing

$299

About Airthings

Airthings was established in 2008 by a team of scientists working together at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research).

Their research found that there was not only radon gas but other contaminants hiding in the air we breathe. Consequently, they went to work researching these contaminants and finding ways that they could help not only consumers, but offices, schools and HVAC professionals.

Airthings produces radon detectors that can be placed in homes, offices, schools and buildings to monitor the level of radon gas present in the air. In addition, they offer a wide range of other products to help people stay healthy, including air purifiers and air quality monitors. Their goal is to educate people on the prevalence of radon gas and other indoor air contaminants, and to develop accessible technology solutions to help people stay healthy.

Their Research and Development team is all in-house at their Airthings HQ in Oslo, Norway. Norway is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. They have two other offices: Stockholm, Sweden and Fort Worth, TX.

They have over 100 employees and have sold more than 300,000 radon monitors worldwide.

What are mold detectors?

Mold detectors are devices that are used to detect the presence of mold in an environment. There are a variety of products on the market, and they vary in their sensitivity and accuracy. Some rely on visual inspection, while others use air sampling sensors to detect mold spores in the air. 

The advantage of using a digital detector is that it can provide real-time data about the level of airborne mold spores. The disadvantage is that most digital mold detectors are not able to differentiate between different types of spores, so they may not be able to identify the specific type of mold that is present. Additionally, digital mold detectors can be expensive, and their accuracy may vary depending on the quality of the sensor.

What causes mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that is present in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold plays an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, it can also cause a variety of health problems. Mold spores are small and lightweight, making them easy to inhale. Once they are inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and even infections. In addition to affecting human health, mold can also damage building materials and furnishings.

The most common causes of mold are high humidity levels and leaks. The most common types of mold are white mold and Cladosporium.

Where is mold commonly found?

Attics

Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in moist, dark environments. The attic is the perfect place for mold to grow, as it is usually humid and receives little to no sunlight. Mold spores are always present in the air, and when they come into contact with a surface that is wet or damp, they will start to grow. It is therefore important to keep the attic dry and well-ventilated in order to prevent mold from growing. 

Basements

Basements are especially susceptible to mold, due to the high humidity levels and lack of ventilation. There are a number of reasons why mold grows in basements. One common cause is leaks in the foundation or walls. These leaks allow water to enter the basement, creating the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.

Another cause of mold is poor ventilation. When air is allowed to stagnate in a basement, it creates an ideal environment for mold to germinate and grow.

Finally, fluctuations in temperature can also lead to mold. When the temperature drops, relative humidity levels increase, which provides optimal conditions for mold growth.

To prevent mold from growing in a basement, it is important to address any leaks promptly, ventilate the area regularly, and maintain consistent temperatures.

Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces often provide the perfect conditions for household mold growth, as they are typically moist and poorly ventilated. There are several factors that can contribute to mold growth in a crawlspace, including leaking pipes, flooding, and high humidity levels.

If left unchecked, mold can cause serious damage to the structure of a home and pose a serious health hazard to its occupants.

In order to prevent mold growth, it is important to keep the crawlspace dry and well-ventilated. Regular inspections can also help to identify potential problem areas before they become a breeding ground for mold.

Carpet

Carpets are particularly susceptible to mold growth because they provide an ideal environment for mold to take root. Carpets are often made of natural fibers like wool or cotton, which can absorb large amounts of moisture.

In addition, carpets are often located on floors, which makes them more likely to come into contact with wet shoes or spills. Other major carpet damage and mold growth can result from floods, broken pipes and leaking roofs.

How do you know if mold is behind a wall?

The only way to know for sure if mold is behind a wall is to have the area is to have a professional test for mold.

However, there are some telltale signs that mold may be present. For example, if you notice a musty smell or see suspicious stains on the walls, it may be an indication that mold is present.

Additionally, if you have recent water damage or leaks, this can also create an environment where mold can thrive.

If you suspect that mold might be present, it’s important to take action quickly. Mold can cause serious health problems, and it can also cause extensive damage to your home. As a result, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional inspect the area.

What tests are used to identify mold?

There are three major ways to identify the presence of mold in your home.

Mold test kits

A DIY mold test kit is used to test for the presence of mold in a home or business. Mold test kits include a swab, which is used to collect a sample of mold from the suspected area. The swab is then sent to a lab testing facility for analysis. Results typically take a few days to a week to obtain. Lab fees are necessary.

Mold test kits have several benefits. They are relatively inexpensive, and they can be used for mold testing in areas that are difficult to reach. However, using a DIY mold test kit also has some drawbacks. A mold testing kit is not always accurate, and they may not be able to detect all types of mold. In addition, lab testing can take several days to provide the results.

You may be wondering how to choose a mold testing kit. With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your decision. First, it’s important to learn about the different mold testing techniques and consider the accuracy of the tests. You’ll also want to consider the waiting period for the results and how easily the kit can be used. Additionally, it’s helpful to determine which of the many mold test kits is the most effective.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the best mold test kit for your needs.

Air Pumps

An air sampling pump is another way to test for a mold problem, as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The procedure is to simply collect air samples in the pump and then send them off to a lab for testing. You will usually receive color-coded results indicating which types of mold are present, along with their relative concentration levels. Although there is a cost for the kit and the lab fees, many people find this to be more economical than hiring a professional for a mold evaluation.

Mold detectors

Indoor mold detectors are a type of air quality monitor that test for the presence of mold spores in the air. Mold spores are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, but they can cause health problems if inhaled. Mold detectors use a dust collector to collect samples of airborne particles, which are then analyzed for the presence of mold spores. Most mold detectors will give you results within 24 hours, and some can even send alerts to your phone if mold is detected.

There are several advantages to using indoor mold detectors over a mold test kit.

1. First, mold detectors are more sensitive and can detect lower levels of mold spores than test kits.
2. Second, they can Test for multiple types of mold at once, which can be helpful in identifying the source of a problem.
3. Finally, most mold detectors come with an app that allows you to view your results and track changes over time.

While indoor mold detectors are more expensive than test kits, they provide a more comprehensive view of your home’s air quality and can be a valuable tool in protecting your health.

Professional mold remedial companies

Mold remediation companies are businesses that help home and business owners get rid of mold. These companies have sophisticated mold detection equipment that can find mold growing, even between walls. They also have the experience and training to safely and effectively remove mold from your property.

The process usually takes a few days to a week, and the results are usually worth the cost. However, there are some drawbacks to using a mold remediation company. First, they are often expensive, although most offer a free consultation. Second, they may not be able to completely remove all of the mold from your property. 

Mold health hazards

Although mold is not usually harmful, some types of mold can produce toxins (mycotoxins) that can cause health problems. People who are most at risk of the effects of mold include infants and young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of mold exposure can include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, trouble breathing, and watery eyes. In severe cases, exposure to mold can lead to pneumonia or other serious respiratory infections.

How to prevent mold in your home

No one likes dealing with mold. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause health problems for you and your family.

There are a number of ways to prevent mold from taking over your home, including repairing leaky pipes, roof leaks, and removing any accumulation of water from basements and bathrooms. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your home mold-free.

In addition, it’s important to keep the humidity levels in your home under control. This can be done by using a dehumidifier or opening windows on days when the weather is dry. 

Conclusion

To continuously monitor mold levels, you need a digital mold detector. The best company I can recommend is AirThings. They have two products that monitor mold.

1. Wave Mini. Monitors mold risk, temperature, humidity and airborne chemicals (VOCs)
2. House Kit. The House Kit is a more comprehensive air quality system. It contains three products:

• Wave Radon. The world’s smartest radon detector
• Wave Mini. This product can be mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf. It monitors mold levels in a limited space. It also monitors the temperature, humidity and VOCs. Results can be viewed on your smartphone
• Airthings Hub. Gives you on-demand access to your Airthings monitors, from anywhere, at any time

Both are quality products. Your choice will be a function of what you want to monitor and the space and number of rooms you want to cover.