Testing is the only way to determine whether a home has elevated radon levels. Radon levels are affected by the soil composition under and around the house, the ease with which radon enters the house through cracks in the floors, walls, foundation (including sump pits), and the home's insulation. Radon levels can be higher in homes that are well insulated and tightly sealed. Adjacent homes can have different indoor radon levels, making a neighbor's test result a poor predictor of radon risk in your home. In addition, rain, snow, barometric pressure, and other influences can cause radon levels to vary from month to month or day to day, which is why both short- and long-term tests are available.
There are two types of test to determine radon levels in a home: short and long term. Short-term detectors measure radon levels anywhere between 2 days and a few months, depending on the device. Long-term tests determine the average concentration for more than three months. Because radon levels can vary by day or month, a long-term test is a better indicator of the average radon level.
To schedule radon testing at your home, call 320-469-1712.
Click here to learn about our Radon Reduction services
How long does it take to perform a short-term radon test?
Typically, a short term radon test remains in your home for a duration of 48 hours to 90 days, depending on the type of test device used.
When will my test results become available to me?
When a short-term test is conducted for a real estate transaction, an electronic continuous radon monitor or a charcoal canister is typically used to measure radon. When a continuous monitor is used, the test results, with a printed report, are available immediately upon completion of the test. If a charcoal canister is used, the canister must be shipped to a laboratory for analysis, with the test results available on-line or by telephone usually within 24 hours upon receipt by the laboratory.
Will the test be an inconvenience to my family?
To ensure a valid short-term radon test for a real estate transaction, all exterior doors and windows must be kept closed during the duration of the test. It is acceptable to open and close doors to enter and exit your home, just as it is acceptable to operate a central air conditioner or furnace as your comfort level dictates. If you're cooling your home with a window air conditioner, just make sure the air conditioner is circulating indoor air and not venting to the outside. If the test is conducted in the basement, you must keep the door leading to the basement closed.
What is the benefit of a long-term test?
A long-term test provides results that are more indicative of the year-round average radon level inside your home.
How long does a long-term test take?
A long-term test remains in your home for more than 90 days (ideally during the winter months) and then it's shipped to a certified laboratory for analysis. For the annual average, a long-term radon test can remain inside your home for up to one year.
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" When we sold our home it was tested for radon. The results came back high. The buyers wanted it to be mitigated. Our Realtor suggested Radon-B-Gone. Kale at Radon-B-Gone was a pleasure to work with and the craftsmanship of the radon system was outstanding. The post radon test results came back at an average of 0.2 "
Rand J. Willmar, MN
