![]() Once the test is concluded, it must arrive at a lab within 10 days so the radon does not decay and affect the reading. However, unfinished basements are suitable as this is an area that is potentially habitable. Crawl spaces are not a suitable location for a test as your family does not live in there. Depending on the test, it should be left in place for 2-8 days and in the lowest livable space. They can be used during any season so long as all external doors, windows, and vents remain closed for the entire duration of the test. They do not require power and are often used the test the accuracy of radon monitors. These tests can be purchased at hardware stores, online, or directly from testing labs. While these monitors will provide an average over a seven day period, they are only about 50% accurate, expensive, and can be tampered with easily. The monitor may spike up to 9.0 pci/l simply because the wind picked up that hour, not because the levels of radon gas increased. Homeowners can purchase computerized tests to use in their home to detect radon levels however, the results may appear misleading as wind, snow, and rain can increase the levels. Monitors that are not re-calibrated will undoubtedly result in an inaccurate reading, resulting in a potential loss of $850-$3,000 if it is assumed the home needs radon mitigation. Inspectors are required to show proof of re-calibration and registration. Monitors are re-calibrated a minimum of once a year and documented by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists. Furthermore, costs could go up as inspectors have to pay to own and maintain the monitor. While detailed, a continuous monitor can be expensive with most inspectors charging anywhere from $150-$300. If the average goes above 4.0 pci/l, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that a mitigation system is installed. For instance, the test will show a drastic drop if a window is opened during the test. These monitors are especially good at determining if the testing conditions are not ideal. Once the test has concluded, a printout is generated which shows the hour by hour readings which determines the overall average level. Continuous Monitor by an InspectorĪ specially trained and certified home inspector will set up a computerized test for at least 48 hours. Homes that are already equipped with a radon mitigation system would only require testing every few years however, radon gas measurements should be ongoing since radon levels can change constantly. Most homes will not be able to obtain an accurate result from just one properly executed screening measurement. While there are a variety of radon gas testing procedures, they are not equally effective. This occurs as a result of negative pressure on the ground which forces more radon to travel up through the cracks and foundation into the home. Testing should never be done during snow, rain, or wind storms as this can cause the readings to fluctuate from 2.0 to 6.0 pci/l points. You can test any time of year so long as windows and doors remain shut for the duration of the test in order to recreate fall and winter conditions. ![]() As a result, radon levels will be the highest during these cold months. The best time to test is during the fall or winter months since your home is closed up and windows are not kept open. But how do you know when is the best time of year to have your home tested? Ideal Conditions for Testing Your Home for Radon The only way to truly protect your home and family is with regular radon gas testing. In fact, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer and even death. This poses a large threat as symptoms of radon gas exposure takes a long time to detect, so you may not be aware that someone in your home is experiencing symptoms. The dangers of radon gas are not well known and are rarely discussed. ![]() While there are monitors homeowners can get, they are often inaccurate and cannot monitor both radon gas and carbon monoxide. Unlike carbon monoxide, there is not a device that you can leave in your home to alert you when conditions become dangerous. When the levels of radon gas get too high and infiltrate your home, it can be deadly. The gas is produced naturally from a breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon gas is colorless, odorless, invisible, and you are constantly surrounded by it especially in your home. ![]()
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