Radon Testing Colorado Springs is a cheap, simple way to protect your family from the deadly lung cancer caused by radon. It’s an easy test to do and can save your life.
The EPA recommends performing the test in the lowest livable level of your home. During the test, keep all windows and doors closed except for entering and exiting your house.
Short-term tests have been around for a long time and are used in many areas for home inspections. They are inexpensive and provide a quick result. They are often purchased as a sharp screen to determine whether or not a homeowner needs to take further action, such as radon mitigation. However, their results could be more accurate as radon levels vary daily and seasonally.
Short-term radon test kits typically include some canister with a filter to keep out radon decay products filled with activated charcoal. This is placed in the lowest living space of a home for an EPA-recommended period of 2-90 days. The canister is resealed and sent to the test vendor for analysis at the end of this testing period.
A home does not need to be mitigated if the short-term radon test results are below two pCi/L. But, it is still a good idea to test again in a year or two as underground flows of radon gas can change over time, especially if construction is nearby.
On the other hand, if the short-term radon test results indicate that the radon concentration is above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, it is best to follow the EPA’s recommendation and consider a radon reduction system to protect the family’s health.
While the perceived speed of a short-term test kit is tempting, the fact is that any time saved in getting a result may cost a homeowner thousands in unnecessary radon mitigation expenses or even his life from lung cancer. It is almost always worth spending the extra money on a longer-term test to get an accurate picture of radon in a home.
Generally, the longer-term radon tests require closed house conditions, which means that doors and windows are shut during the test period. These tests are usually performed throughout 3 to 12 months, which averages out the wild fluctuations in radon levels that can occur during shorter testing windows.
Most people know that radon is a deadly gas that can cause lung cancer. Unfortunately, the only way to determine if you are at risk is by testing your home for radon. This testing can be done by either using a do-it-yourself kit that you can buy at many hardware stores or hiring a professional. However, there are differences between the two tests that should be considered before you choose which one to use.
Do-it-yourself kits usually include an activated charcoal-based or electret ion radon test that measures radon levels for two to seven days and then sends them away for analysis. These tests are inexpensive and easy to perform, but they only give a snapshot of your home’s radon levels. If your results are high, consider getting a long-term or two short-term tests done back to back to get a more accurate picture of your radon levels.
If your results are below four pCi/L, you should consider a radon mitigation system to reduce the radon levels in your home. This system will reduce radon levels to safer levels so that you and your family can breathe more easily.
Several factors can affect your radon levels, including time of year and weather conditions. Conducting your test during the heating season when radon concentrations are highest is important. It is also a good idea to avoid running a short-term test during severe or windy weather, which can result in an inaccurate reading.
Radon levels can vary significantly from day to day, month to month, and year to year, so it’s important to regularly test your home for radon. Unlike short-term tests, long-term radon testing is conducted over 90 days to account for these fluctuations and provide a more accurate annual average.
EPA recommends that you test your home for radon every two years or at least once every five years. This will ensure that you understand your radon levels accurately and help you determine whether your home needs fixing.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation and walls. It can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in people who smoke or have a chronic cough. The best way to avoid radon exposure is by testing your home for it. Try your house yearly and do a long-term test before buying a property. You should also test your home after major renovations and when selling it.
It is important to hire a certified professional for radon testing. Many states require that radon professionals be certified at the national level or have state certifications. You can contact your state radon program for a list of qualified contractors in your area. You should also ensure that the lab analyzing your results is accredited. Accreditation means that trained and competent employees staff the lab and calibrate the equipment. This will reduce the likelihood of careless errors.
The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) should certify a radon tester. Federal agencies and state radon programs recognize this certification, indicating that the technician has passed an exam and undergone an extensive background check. The NRPP certification also requires the technician to follow a code of ethics.
The EPA recommends hiring an accredited radon professional to determine the radon level in your home. This will help you decide whether or not to take measures to lower the radon levels. After major remodels or renovations, you should also test your home every five years. If the radon levels are elevated, hire a professional to install a radon reduction system.
Radon is a natural gas that seeps into homes, schools, and offices through cracks in the foundation and walls. Unlike other gases, it cannot be detected by smell or taste. It can only be seen through a radon test.
A radon test involves placing the radon detector in a location most affected by radon, such as the lowest living-in level of the home. The radon detector is placed in the house for 48 hours, and it is important to keep windows closed during this time. You can open and close doors as needed but should not run the furnace or use fans during testing.
Various radon testing options are available, from low-cost “do-it-yourself” kits to professional services. The results from the latter are usually more reliable than those from DIY kits, but they can be more expensive. Most professional radon testers employ alpha track detectors, which measure the decay of radon into ionized air particles that are picked up on a plastic film inside the test device. These devices are typically placed in the home’s lowest level, where people spend the most time. They should be closed for at least 12 hours before and during testing. The testers also advise that the device should be operated by something other than whole-house fans that re-circulate air.
Most professional radon tests can be done in a few days or less, depending on the type of test chosen. Some will summarize the results immediately, while others may need to be left longer. They are often conducted in the house’s basement, where they can be protected from weather. Most pros will charge a flat fee for a radon test, although they may have a travel fee for properties outside their standard service area.
A professional radon test costs around $125-$275, depending on the method used. Some professionals will include the radon test as part of a home inspection package, which can reduce the total cost. The EPA recommends that any home with a radon level of 4 pCi/L or higher be tested for radon, and many homes can be mitigated to a lower level after a radon mitigation system is installed.
It is recommended that homeowners test their homes for radon at least once a year. Tests should be performed between November 1 and March 31 since levels are generally higher in the winter when houses are heated. Homeowners should also test their homes if they are planning any major construction or remodeling work that could affect the radon level.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the natural decay of uranium. It can enter the home through cracks in the foundation, gaps in the walls and floors, and openings around pipes. It can also get into the water supply in a household that uses a well. Fortunately, the radon level can be reduced safely with relatively easy and affordable methods.