Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve been in the radon mitigation business for twenty years — we have answers. Get the facts about the health effects of radon, when you should test for radon gas, what it really costs to have radon mitigation done in your home, and more.
Explore the links below for the most common questions we get from homeowners and real estate agents.
What is radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive soil gas produced by the decay of uranium in the soil. Radon is a carcinogen and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Because it can’t be detected except by a test, you may not know you have it at all until you’ve already been exposed for some time.
For more on the nature of radon, see our What is Radon? page.
What is a “safe” or acceptable level of radon?
There is technically no safe level of radon exposure. The key lies in the concentration of radon in the environment. The average outdoor level of radon is 0.4 pCi/L.
If you test for radon and find a level above 4.0 pCi/L, you should consider professional radon remediation services. Our goal is to reduce radon to the average outdoor level of 0.4 pCi/L, far below what other companies guarantee. In some cases, we can guarantee radon levels below 2.0 pCi/L. We will strive to get your radon levels as low as possible.
Learn more about radon levels:
- Is there a safe level of radon?
- Am I still at risk if my radon levels are below 4.0 pCi/L?
- If I don’t go in the basement, am I safe from radon?
- Can radon levels in our home change without intervention?
- Do I need to test for radon if my neighbor’s house passed?
How can I get rid of radon?
Experts agree: trying to perform radon removal yourself is not recommended. According to the EPA, a professionally installed Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) or ventilation system is the most effective way to reduce radon levels. We may sometimes use other techniques, depending on the house. However, the most common radon systems are SSD systems.
The EPA also recommends choosing a qualified radon mitigation contractor for the job, specifically a licensed, certified, insured and bonded professional.
Learn how radon mitigation works:
- How does professional radon mitigation work?
- Why do I need to reduce radon?
- Can caulking and sealing reduce radon?
- Can I open windows or run a window fan to reduce radon?
- How can I reduce the risk of radon in new home construction?
- Do passive radon systems work?
- How much does it cost to get rid of radon?
Does radon really present a health problem?
Overwhelming scientific consensus verifies the health risks of radon in American homes. The EPA, the CDC, the NIH, the American Lung Association, and many more organizations agree: radon poses a tangible health hazard.
Learn about radon and cancer:
- Is radon a hoax?
- Does radon cause cancer?
- What is radon poisoning?
- Are there other health effects from exposure to radon?
- Who is most at risk from radon?
- What can I do to protect myself from radon?
Should I test for radon in my home?
Yes. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, felt, or otherwise detected, other than with a test. That’s why, according to the EPA, the only way to know for sure if you have a radon problem is to test. This goes for newly-built homes and older houses alike.
Learn more about radon testing:
- How do I test for radon?
- When do I need to perform radon testing?
- Do I need to test if I don’t live in a radon zone?
- Should I test for radon when building a new home?
- What do I do if my home has high radon levels?
- Do I need to retest for radon after mitigation?
How much does a radon system cost?
While the cost of radon removal depends on the specifics of your home, a typical radon system costs between $800 and $2000. If it’s a new home with passive piping in place it may be less. Systems for homes with a crawl space, no gravel under the slab (common in older homes), or a completely finished basement, lower level, a garage attic installation, etc. may cost more.
Our highly trained, professional staff can provide you with a quote over the phone. It’s helpful if you have some information on your home before you call, such as:
- The age and type of home
- Does the home have a basement or crawlspace?
- Was your home built with any radon-resistant features or a passive radon system?
- How is the basement finished? Where is the unfinished base in your basement (if any) located?
Learn about radon remediation costs:
- How much does a radon system cost to install?
- What factors impact the cost of radon abatement?
- How much does a radon system cost to run?
- Why are some radon companies cheaper?
- Can I use DIY radon mitigation to save money?
- What should I know before getting a quote for radon mitigation?
How can I sell a house with high radon levels?
In most jurisdictions, legally, you are under no obligation to test for radon when selling a home. The only exception is in Montgomery County, Maryland, where testing is required on all home sales by law. Regardless, it’s highly recommended you perform radon testing. Not only is radon gas a documented health hazard, but if a buyer’s home inspection finds high levels of radon, it may slow down the sale of the home (or worse).
Learn more about radon and selling your home:
- Should I test for radon before selling my house?
- Am I legally required to test for radon when selling a house?
- How do I pass a radon test?
- Will a radon mitigation system hurt my home’s sale value?
- How long does radon remediation take?
- How can I be sure my radon problem is fixed?
- How soon should I retest for radon?
- What if the house doesn’t pass radon retesting?
- Does it matter which radon company I hire?
Please explore our FAQs pages linked above to educate yourself about the what’s, why’s and how’s of radon remediation. Then learn why choosing the best local radon mitigation company is critical. Have more questions or ready to move forward? Give us a call or request an estimate for radon repair service.