Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It can seep into your home through cracks and gaps in your foundation. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase your risk of lung cancer. That’s why it’s important to have your home tested for radon levels regularly. In this blog post, we’ll help you prepare for a radon inspection of your home by explaining what you should expect during the inspection. By reading this post, you’ll gain the knowledge and preparation you need for the process ahead.
Why Get a Radon Inspection?
Human senses cannot detect radon, which is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to have it tested by a professional. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of their location or age. In fact, the EPA estimates that nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.
A radon inspection will help you identify whether there are any radon issues in your home and, if so, how serious they are. If the radon levels in your home are high, you can take steps to reduce them and protect your health.
What Happens During a Radon Inspection?
A radon inspection typically involves the following steps:
- Pre-Inspection Consultation- Before the inspection, the inspector will typically ask you questions about your home, such as its age, foundation type, and whether it has a basement. This information will help the inspector determine what type of radon test is most appropriate for your home.
- Radon Testing- The inspector will then set up a radon testing device in your home, typically in the lowest livable level of the house. The testing device will need to remain in place for at least 48 hours to obtain an accurate measurement of the radon levels in your home.
- There are two types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests. Short-term tests are typically conducted over a period of two to seven days, while long-term tests can take up to a year to complete. The type of test used will depend on your home’s specific situation and the inspector’s recommendations.
- By reading this post, you’ll acquire the knowledge and preparation necessary for the upcoming process.
- Radon Test Results- Once the testing period is complete, the inspector will collect the testing device and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will provide a report that shows the average radon level in your home over the testing period.
- If the radon levels in your home are above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air), you should take steps to reduce the radon levels in your home.
- Post-Inspection Consultation- After the test results are available, the inspector will typically review the results with you and explain what they mean. If the radon levels in your home are high, the inspector can provide recommendations on how to reduce the levels, such as installing a radon mitigation system.
How to Prepare for a Radon Inspection
To prepare for a radon inspection, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the inspection goes smoothly:
- Close all windows and doors in your home at least 12 hours before the inspection.
- Do not operate whole-house fans or air conditioning units during the testing period.
- Do not disturb the testing device during the testing period.
- If possible, avoid having house guests during the testing period.
Get Your Home Tested for Radon Today
Radon is a serious health hazard that should not be ignored. The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. By reading this post, you’ll gain the knowledge and preparation you need for the process ahead.
At Radon Professional Services, we provide comprehensive radon inspection and testing services for homes and businesses. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the best testing approach for your specific situation and provide you with clear and accurate results. Don’t wait to test your home for radon. Contact Radon Professional Services today to schedule a radon inspection and protect your family’s health.