If you are concerned about radon in your home, it's a good idea to consider hiring a radon testing service. There are a few different types of tests available and the prices can vary significantly. Read on to learn about the costs and remedies for radon in your home. You may also want to learn about radon testing and its potential ramifications. Here are the most common tests.
Tests
If you think that your home may have a problem with radon gas, you may want to use a reputable company to test the air in your home. Radon levels can be higher in certain areas of the house, such as the basement or living rooms that are in contact with the soil. However, there are several cost-effective methods of reducing radon levels in existing homes, including installing a radon mitigation system. If you suspect that your home is contaminated with radon, EPA guidelines recommend fixing the home. These tests are called E-PERM(r), which take two to seven days. Many clients request long-term tests.
Remedies
Before hiring a contractor to do a radon mitigation project, homeowners should do screening and follow-up measurements to assess their homes' radon levels. The results of the screening should be reliable and provide an accurate estimate of the amount of radon a home may be exposed to. Many of these remedies require the skill and expertise of a qualified contractor. EPA efforts are underway to increase the number of certified radon mitigation contractors. Do-it-yourself projects are only recommended for homeowners with specialized skills and training.
Costs
You can buy low-cost radon test kits and use them to check the toxicity of radon in your home. In fact, some states require disclosure of radon inspections when selling a home. Even if you don't live in a high-risk area, a recent radon test can help you make a strong selling point. Also, if you plan to sell your home in the near future, a recent radon inspection will add value to the property.
Detection methods
The primary purpose of radon detection is to determine whether occupants are being exposed to dangerous levels of the gas. As such, measurements should be made in places where occupants spend at least four hours per day. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. These areas should not be tested in the basement or crawl space, as they tend to be low-use areas. Moreover, measurements made in these places do not give the best representation of the radon concentrations in the occupied space.
Typical test results
Radon levels in homes tend to be higher in the winter than in warmer months. Therefore, it is best to schedule your radon test sometime between November and March. You should also test for radon at the lowest level of your home. For short-term tests, place the test kit in a basement or lowest floor unit, preferably 20 inches above the ground. Make sure that the home is not drafty, and turn on the HVAC system.