How To Radon Test Your Home

If you have found yourself on our site, you are already researching radon gas. You may have heard some scary facts about radon and the link to lung cancer. Unfortunately, those can be true. However, radon is a problem that can be fixed. Which is rare in this day and age. Before we talk about how to radon test, we must first understand radon and why it is a concern for everyone.

What is Radon Gas?

Radon gas is the natural, although radioactive, by product of uranium decaying in soil and rocks. It is a very small particle in air. Small enough to fit through cracks and pores in cement. This means it can enter your home through the foundation. Unfortunately, any home can have radon gas. In Utah, one in every 3 homes has high radon levels. What is a high radon level?

First, it is important to know that no level of radon is safe. There are recommended levels that you should be aware of, however. These are called action levels - meaning, when should you take action against the radon in your home. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter or pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that anything over 4.0 needs immediate mitigation (or radon removal). The World Health Organization (WHO) actually recommends anything above 2.7 be mitigated. Learn more about radon action levels here.

Radon cannot be smelled, seen or tasted. So how do you know if your home has high radon levels? Well the first step in solving the radon problem, is always determining if you HAVE a radon problem.

How To Radon Test

There are many options for radon testing including DIY options. But we recommend going with a professional radon expert. But don't worry, that doesn't automatically mean a high ticket. In fact, Utah Radon Services offers free residential radon testing throughout Utah.

If you are in the process, or about to begin the process, of selling your home, there is a specific protocol for real estate radon testing. Make sure you disclose that information so we can have a technician come and set the test as well as pick it back up. We will work with agents or contractors to get access to the home and can get you certified results quickly.

If you are not in the real estate process and just want to ensure your families safety, we will mail you a test kit. After running the test,  you will mail it back to our lab to get results. But don't worry, we will tell you exactly how to radon test your home. We will include step by step guidelines with your test.

The most frequently asked question is where to place the test kit. You will test the lowest livable level of your home. Meaning your basement, even if you don't have it finished, and not a crawl space. You will also avoid areas like bathrooms and utility rooms where humidity fluctuates. It is also important to put the test up a few feet off of the floor and not right by any vents.

In order to get accurate results you must have closed house conditions. This means windows closed & don't leave the doors propped open for any length of time. You can enter and exit the house as normal, just be aware and close the door behind you.

A radon test must run for a minimum of 48 hours. At the end of the test you will close the unit and mail it back into our lab. They will read it and send us the results within a few days. If needed, a radon mitigation system can be installed quickly and affordably.

Call our radon experts to learn how to radon test your home today.

Fill out the form on this page or call us at 801-871-0715 to schedule your radon test today.