It’s easy to test for radon with our home kits, but it’s not enough to test once. If you’re wondering how often you should test for radon, here are the facts. To provide peace of mind,
2
the EPA recommends testing your home after any lifestyle changes, renovations and
every two years as part of routine home maintenance
.
Is radon testing really necessary?
If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend
testing all homes below the third floor for radon
.
How long are radon test results good for?
Both short and long term testing devices are generally inexpensive. A short-term test remains in your home for 2 days to 90 days, whereas a long-term test remains in your home
for more than 90 days
. All radon tests should be taken for a minimum of 48 hours.
What time of year is best to test for radon?
Generally
the winter or summer months when heating or cooling systems are running
is the best time to test for Radon. For short-term tests, the house should be closed up for 12 hours before the test begins and throughout the test.
How do you make sure you pass a radon test?
- Open windows. By opening the windows, you increase fresh air circulation and reduce the concentration of radon in the home.
- Install basement vents. …
- Use fans. …
- Create exits. …
- Mitigation.
What are the symptoms of radon gas?
Possible symptoms include
shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
, a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.
Is radon worse in summer or winter?
To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be
higher during the winter
. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels.
Does radon get worse in winter?
Since
radon levels are likely to be higher during the winter
you can expect the level to not rise much higher during the rest of the year. You are also most vulnerable to radon during the winter since you will be inside for much of it and breathing the same reheated, recirculated air.
How do you eliminate radon?
There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include:
Sub-slab depressurization
, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.
Can they tell if you open windows during a radon test?
It is important to note that when testing a home for radon, the home must stay closed up. If any doors or windows to the outside are open,
the test will be invalid
.
Does opening a window 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. … Running a window fan in a basement window reduces radon levels, but only if the fan blows air into the basement.
How do you fix a faulty radon test?
No matter what your home’s radon test levels are, your home CAN be fixed. Whether your home is at the action point or below it, it is a good idea to
install a radon mitigation system
. These systems act as a remediation method by removing the radon from your home and redirecting it outside.
Is radon only in the basement?
Radon is completely odorless as well as being invisible
. Because it is often found unexpectedly in basements, some people mistakenly believe that it only occurs in basements. This is a dangerous assumption that may damage your ability to protect your home if you are not careful.
Does radon make you tired?
Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and
fatigue
. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. … Since removing radon is relatively simple,
your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place
.
What time of year is radon worst?
Why Do Radon Levels Go Up? The reason that radon levels in the home can be
higher in the summer and winter
is two-fold. During the winter, the air in your home tends to be much warmer than the outside air, and this temperature difference creates a vacuum within your home.
