One of the most popular methods is known as Active Soil Depressurization (ASD), where
a pipe is installed in the foundation floor slab of a home, through which a fan draws in radon-containing soil gas from beneath the home, expelling it outdoors
(see Figure 1).
How long should a radon fan last?
Fans may last for
five years or more
(manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years) and may then need to be repaired or replaced. Replacing a fan will cost around $200 – $350 including parts and labor. It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.
How do you know if your radon system is working?
You can
use the u-tube manometer to determine if your system is working
. Look at the liquid in the tube. If it is equal on both sides, it is an indication that there is no pressure in the pipe. This means no suction from the fan (far left image) and the radon mitigation system is not working.
Do radon fans have to run continuously?
Ensuring Proper Performance of Your Radon Mitigation Fan
Radon system fans are constantly running to ensure that your home stays safe
. Due to its constant work, fans may need to be replaced after five years or more, but it is a simple process for an experienced radon contractor.
How do you hide radon pipes outside?
Exterior pipe runs can be camouflaged.
A skilled radon gas contractor can
run the stack through the exterior soffit rather than around it
, another option that enhances appearance. The stack should also be painted to match the color of the siding.
At what level of radon should your house be fixed to reduce radon levels?
EPA recommends fixing your home if the results of one long- term test or the average of two short- term tests show radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher. With today’s technology, radon levels in most homes can be reduced to
2 pCi/L or below
. You also may want to consider fixing if the level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
What are symptoms of radon exposure?
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
How many suctions are needed for radon mitigation?
Why would a home require
two suction points
in the basement floor instead of one? It all has to do with the aggregate under the cement slab. A radon mitigation system will collect the radon efficiently when there is 4” to 6” of at least pea size gravel under the basement slab.
Why is my radon fan so loud?
If your radon fan is making a loud humming or whirring noise, there’s a chance that
it needs replaced
. Most fans last 5-10 years, with some making it up to 20. However, it’s not uncommon for them to get very loud before they finally quit. If your fan is abnormally loud, check your manometer.
How do you silence a radon fan?
Open face fiberglass insulation can be placed on top of the membrane or in the joist cavities above the suction location to dampen the noise
. The smaller the pipe size drawing air from under the membrane the quieter the air flow noise.
Do radon systems make noise?
There are two noises that are generated by the radon system: air flow and vibration
. To minimize the noise, the following must be taken into consideration: The amount of CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) The size of the pipe determines how much airflow can be pushed through the system.
Can you put radon fan in basement?
A radon fan must be installed in a non-livable area of the house. This
cannot be a basement or crawl-space area
!! A radon fan may be installed in a garage, house attic, or outside the house. The radon fan’s exhaust pipe must be run to a minimum height of 10′ from the ground.
How long does it take for a radon fan to work?
Depending on the type of system, you’ll want to wait
at least 24 hours
for radon levels to be lowered. The retest should be done within 30 days of the installation. Your radon contractor may perform their own test, but the EPA cautions against the mitigation contractor testing and evaluating their own work.
How often should you run a radon fan?
Your fan needs to run continually, so don’t turn it off or unplug it. We recommend you check your U-tube
once a month
to ensure that the fan is working properly. After that, re-test every at least every 2 years to ensure safe levels.
What is a radon vent pipe?
The radon pipe that
vents radon gas from a building
is a very important component of a radon abatement system. The radon mitigation pipe system must be completely sealed so that this cancer causing gas isn’t forced back into the home. Hence, typical air venting ducts are not used.
Can you cover radon pipe?
Why
a cover can be detrimental to your radon system
:
With a cover, the condensation starts to build up and freeze over, eventually causing it to freeze over the top of the pipe completely. Once this happens, the radon fan can no longer pull and push any air through and the system becomes useless.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air
. Make sure all your basement windows are open. Homes tend to have lower air pressure than their surroundings, which draws radon into the basement.
Should I walk away from a house with radon?
Should you walk away from the deal? Consumer Reports says you don’t have to. Radon-related deaths are due to exposure over the course of a lifetime. “You should definitely take it seriously but
you really don’t need to walk away from the home.
Is radon Overhyped?
While radon can pose danger and has the potential to cause lung cancer due to its carcinogenic effects,
the hype has been exaggerated
and it is anticipated that EPA radon funding will be cut by the Trump administration.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
However, because
radon isn’t safe at any level
, they also suggest treating homes with radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. According to the EPA, the average radon gas concentration in a home is about 1.3 pCi/L, which does not pose an appreciable risk to most residents living in the house.
Can air purifiers remove radon?
Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that
they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon
. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.
Where is radon most common?
Radon levels are usually higher in
basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground
. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor. Radon concentrations vary considerably between adjacent buildings, as well as within a building from day to day and from hour to hour.
How deep should a radon pit be?
The radon vent pipe is inserted into the suction pit. The end of the pipe should be
at least 1 inch below the concrete floor
to ensure the water, that comes down the pipe, does not touch the concrete.
What is a radon sump How does it work?
A radon sump is
a cavity about the size of a bucket immediately under the floor slab that is linked by pipe work to the outside
. The radon rich air coming from the ground is drawn out from under the floor slab by a small electric fan in the pipeline and vented to outside before it is drawn into your home.
How big should a radon pit be?
Given that typical residential radon systems move 20 to 80 cubic feet per minute (cfm),
3 inch pipe
is best suited for most system installations although 4 inch pipe can be quieter due to lower air velocities.
