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.

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.

Do radon mitigation systems ever not work?

Statistically speaking, 1 in 100 homes will fail even after installing a radon system. Although that can sound alarming, there are some common reasons this can happen. Water: It's the easiest one to understand.

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.

Is it safe to buy a house with 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.

Mike Holmes on Radon

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.

Is it hard to sell house with radon?

Fortunately, it's not hard to sell a house with radon, provided that you alert potential buyers and mitigate the problem, say Brian Thomas, a top real estate agent in the Denver, Colorado area, with 16 years of experience. “For as much fear and uncertainty as radon causes, there's an easy fix.”

Will opening windows lower radon levels?

Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. ... Running a window fan in a basement window reduces radon levels, but only if the fan blows air into the basement.

What is considered a very high level of radon?

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.

Does radon come back after mitigation?

If the radon mitigation system that was installed in your home failed or stopped working properly, it can have several big consequences: The gas level readings for this dangerous chemical will rise or remain at a heightened level. Your health risks due to radon gas exposure will return.

How long does radon fan last?

Fans may last for five years or more (manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years) and may then need to be repaired or replaced. Replacing a fan will cost around $200 - $350 including parts and labor. It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.

How common is radon in homes?

It's common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what's considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.

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. ... Some professional companies even install monitors with their radon reduction equipment.

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.

How do I reduce radon in my basement?

In some cases, radon levels can be lowered by ventilating the crawlspace passively, or actively, with the use of a fan. Crawlspace ventilation may lower indoor radon levels both by reducing the home's suction on the soil and by diluting the radon beneath the home.

Does finishing a basement reduce radon?

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.

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 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 radon testing worth it?

When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. ... If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. You Should Test for Radon. Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels.

Are radon levels higher 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.

What are symptoms of radon exposure?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you've been exposed to high levels of radon, it's very important to quit smoking.

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.

Why would a house have radon?

What causes radon is the decay of radioactive elements that naturally occur in rocks and stones in the soil. If there is radon in the ground below your home, it will find its way through cracks, gaps, and porous materials into your home. Underground basements are especially concerning.

Where is radon most prevalent?

Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.