Radon Testing & Mitigation for Homeowners

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through foundation openings and accumulate in indoor air. The EPA identifies radon as a leading environmental cause of lung cancer in the United States. Because radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, testing is the only way to know if it is present in your home. Many homeowners test even without symptoms, simply to understand their indoor air quality and make informed decisions.

Professional testing is the only reliable way to determine radon levels in a home. Continuous radon monitors are placed in the lowest livable area of the home, typically for 48 hours or more. Results indicate the average radon concentration during the test period. Testing is recommended for all homes, regardless of age, location, or construction type, because radon levels vary widely from property to property.

The EPA recommends considering mitigation if radon levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L, and suggests that homeowners may also consider action for levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. There is no known threshold below which radon exposure carries zero risk; however, mitigation is designed to reduce indoor radon levels, often significantly. Post-mitigation testing is recommended to verify results.

Residential mitigation costs vary based on home size, foundation type, and system complexity. Most residential installations fall within a typical range. Mitigation is generally a one-time installation with minimal ongoing costs, primarily periodic fan replacement (typically every 10-15 years) and optional retesting every few years.

Radon mitigation systems are designed to minimize impact on your home and landscaping. Vent pipes are typically routed through less visible areas such as closets, garages, or along exterior walls. Installation is usually completed within one to two days with minimal disruption to daily life.

Yes. Post-mitigation testing is recommended to verify that the system is reducing radon levels as intended. Testing is typically performed 24-48 hours after installation, and periodic retesting every 2-3 years is recommended to confirm continued performance. Mitigation systems include a visual gauge to indicate operation, but retesting provides documented radon level measurement.

Mitigation systems are designed to significantly reduce indoor radon concentrations, often by 95% or more. However, mitigation does not eliminate radon entirely; the goal is to reduce levels to below the EPA action threshold and as low as reasonably achievable. Periodic retesting helps confirm that levels remain reduced over time.