Radon reduction systems work. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. ... Hundreds of thousands of people have reduced radon levels in their homes.

Do radon mitigation systems always work?

Based on evidence by the EPA, radon mitigation systems work well. In some cases, they're 99% effective. When you've had radon removal performed in your home and you're still seeing elevated levels, that's a sign that you may have hired the wrong team to perform the work.

Are radon mitigation systems worth it?

Radon mitigation systems do an excellent job of keeping radon out. More and more home buyers are seeking homes with radon solutions in place. A radon mitigation system is an improvement to the home. ... Having a home with a radon mitigation system in place and keeping the levels low will help reduce lung cancer risk.

How long does it take a radon mitigation system to work?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? A typical radon mitigation system is installed within a day, depending on various factors. Occasionally, more complex installations may take 2 or more days.

Should I be worried if a house has a radon mitigation system?

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.

How Radon Mitigation Works

34 related questions found

Should I walk away from a house with radon?

If a potential buyer conducts a radon test and those levels come back high, the buyer has the right to walk away from the sale (nearly all do) and you'll be obligated to disclose the radon to future buyers, reducing your appeal.

Is radon a deal breaker?

You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, the presence of radon in your home doesn't have to be a deal breaker.

Does opening windows decrease 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.

Can you fully get rid of radon?

Radon removal systems are extremely effective at removing this dangerous gas from your home. According to the EPA, some systems can remove up to 99 percent of radon gas that was present.

Can radon be completely eliminated?

No, not at all. But a claim that a company can completely eliminate radon from your home should be very closely scrutinized. ... By definition, Radon Mitigation is any process used to reduce radon gas concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings.

Does a radon mitigation system hurt resale?

Having an active Radon mitigation system in one's house does not adversely affect the home's resale value and since Radon is so easily controlled once it's detected it is no reason not to buy the property if all other factors line up favorably for buying the house.

Why is my radon mitigation system so loud?

There are two noises that are generated by the radon system: air flow and vibration. ... Excessive noise and back pressure is created when too much air is moved through the pipe. According to the best standard, a 3” pipe should move no more than 34 CFM before the system is too noisy and loses efficiency.

Does radon stay in the basement?

Also, once the windows, doors, or vents are closed, the radon concentration returns to the previous level within hours according to EPA studies. FACT: Its concentration is usually the highest in basements, simply because it emanates out of the soil through the basement.

How bad is a radon level of 5?

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.

Should radon fan run constantly?

Your radon fan should never be turned off. It should constantly be running in your home to ensure that the system is working properly. After a radon system installation, a post-mitigation test for radon should be performed within 30 days of install.

How long does it take to mitigate a house with radon?

The radon removal process can be completed in one day. The typical amount of time to install a mitigation system is anywhere from 3-5 hours. The time will vary depending on the layout of the home and the difficulty of the job.

What time of year are radon levels highest?

Radon levels can vary by season, with the highest levels typically occurring during the months that we heat our homes. That means that even if your home's radon was below the EPA's suggested action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air during the warmer months, it could be above that level during the winter.

Does finishing basement reduce radon levels?

Again, the only way to ensure you are removing radon from your home is with a mitigation system. Sealing the basement floor can help, but just sealing the cracks is unlikely to reduce your radon levels in the long term. Sealing all cracks and applying non-porous, thick epoxy coatings would be a better step.

Does radon travel upstairs?

Radon is known to be a heavy gas. ... Please understand that the radon level can be significantly higher on an upper floor. Even if the radon level is lower on the first floor than say a basement radon level, it could be higher on the second floor. The only way to know is if you test.

Do sump pumps increase radon?

Can radon come from the sump pump or pit? Yes. Radon is a gas that enters your building from the soil beneath and around your house. These gases can enter your home through the footing drain tile that is connected to the sump pump in your basement.

Does rain make radon worse?

With rain comes pressure changes in the atmosphere and increased density in the soil, creating a change for expanding natural gasses. ... Increased soil moisture (especially in spring following snowmelt) increases radon concentration by 10-20%.

Does carpet block radon?

Sheetrock, wallpaper, plaster, or even polyethylene sheets do not stop radon. Covering floors with carpeting or linoleum does not work either. Remember that even several inches of concrete cannot stop radon.

Is a 48 hour radon test accurate?

Findings show radon tests of less than 90 days are imprecise up to 99 percent of the time. Summary: A new study finds the only reliable way to measure exposure to radon gas is with a long-term testing kit, 90 or more days. ... "Radon gas levels can fluctuate wildly day to day," says Dr.

What percentage of homes have radon?

Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.

How do I mitigate radon in my home?

Other radon reduction techniques that can be used in any type of home include: sealing, house or room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation and natural ventilation. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction.