Should I test my home for radon?
We’ve previously talked about radon: what it is, how it gets into your home, why to test for it, and your role as a homeowner, seller, or buyer. Now we’re going to discuss the specifics of getting a radon test, how to test your home yourself, and the next step towards eliminating high radon levels. It’s estimated that around one in fifteen houses has high radon, so if your house has not been tested for radon in the past three years, it is a good idea to go ahead a do so. If you’re preparing a house to sell, or are a potential buyer, then it’s worth investing in a professional radon test. If you’re a homeowner and are simply testing as a check-up, a DIY kit will be fine.
How Do I Use a Radon Test Kit?
You can buy a DIY radon test kit at most home improvement stores, like Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon, for usually between $10 to $40. Follow the instructions on the kit. Most kits will work something like this:
Keep all windows and doors closed as much as possible for 12 hours before the test. This will keep all of the radon already in the house trapped inside to get a more accurate reading.
Put the kit in the lowest livable area in your house, like in the basement. Since radon leaks into a house from the ground, the lowest area in your house is where the radon will be most present. There’s an important caveat: this should be an area that is used regularly, at least a few hours every day. For example, if you never go into your basement, then put the radon on the first floor, even though the basement is technically the lowest level of your home.
Fill out the datasheet included, and put the kit in the middle of the room. You want it to be in a place with good airflow, not in a corner or right next to a wall. Put the kit on a table or chair, elevating it at least three feet from the floor. Don’t put it in a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, crawlspace, cupboard, closet, or near vents or in direct sunlight. Don’t put it near electrical appliances or heat sources either. Don’t touch or move the kit for 48 - 96 hours, based on the kit’s instructions. Messing with or moving the kit could interfere with getting an accurate reading.
When you’re done, complete the data sheet and use the mailing information included in the kit to immediately send your test to a lab. Once the test has been processed, you’ll be emailed or sent your results. If you get your results back and have low radon levels (less than 4.0 pCi/L), then congratulations! Your house is in good shape. Simply keep an eye on ways that radon might leak into the home, such as cracks in the walls or foundation, and help circulate airflow in the house (like as opening windows).
I have high radon. Now what?
What if you get your test results and there are high levels of radon (over 4.0 pCi/L)? If that is the case, there will be instructions on what to do included in the results. It might be suggested you get a second test done to make sure your results are accurate. For lower levels of radon, around 2.0 pCI/L, you may only need to do some DIY fixes, such as filling and sealing cracks in the foundations, floors, and walls. But with high levels of radon, the best solution is to get a radon mitigation system (which captures radon and vents it back outside) installed, which should be done professionally. To find more information on radon levels in your state, to get the names of radon professionals, and to order tests, you can go to this website.
Oklahoma Home Inspections
Forever Home Inspection can be your radon professionals! In Oklahoma, be sure to ask your Forever Home inspector for referrals to local radon professionals. You will receive more information on these deals when you schedule your home inspection.
Sources:
https://www.advantaclean.com/blog/2018/march/diy-radon-test-kit-vs-professional-radon-testing/#:~:text=A%20DIY%20radon%20test%20kit%20will%20either%20be%20charcoal%20or,giving%20a%20radon%20level%20readout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l8C0GDlcFA
