How Often Should You Test for Radon in Your Home? A Guide from The Go2Guys
November 18, 2024

At The Go2Guys, we understand that keeping your home safe and healthy is a top priority. When it comes to radon—an invisible, odorless, and radioactive gas—testing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. But how often should you test for radon? And when is it time to retest? In this post, we’ll answer those questions, so you can make informed decisions about radon testing and ensure the air in your home is safe to breathe.


What Is Radon and Why Should You Test for It?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms from the decay of uranium in the soil. It can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or other openings in your basement or crawlspace. While radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, it’s a risk you can easily manage with regular testing and mitigation if necessary.

Since radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, you can’t detect it without specialized equipment. The only way to know if radon is present in your home is to test for it. Fortunately, testing for radon is simple and affordable—and it can give you peace of mind knowing that your indoor air quality is safe.


How Often Should You Test for Radon?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners test their homes for radon every two years. However, there are several situations where testing more frequently or under specific conditions is important.


1. If You’ve Never Tested for Radon

If you’ve never had a radon test done, it’s essential to schedule one as soon as possible. Whether you’re in a newly purchased home or have lived in your current home for years, radon testing should be a priority. A one-time test will give you a baseline measurement of radon levels in your home and help you determine if mitigation is needed.


2. After Radon Mitigation or Repairs

If you've previously had radon mitigation work done, or if you’ve made repairs to your home that could affect radon levels (like fixing cracks in the foundation or adding a new ventilation system), you should retest to ensure that radon levels are under control. A post-mitigation test is critical to confirm that the mitigation system is working as intended.


3. If You Experience Major Home Changes

Certain changes in your home can affect radon levels. For example, if you’ve completed extensive remodeling or renovations (like finishing your basement, adding a fireplace, or changing the ventilation system), this can alter how radon enters or accumulates in your home. In these cases, you should retest the home to check if the radon levels have changed.


4. When You Move Into a New Home

When you move into a new home, regardless of whether it’s newly built or previously occupied, radon testing should be a priority. Radon levels can vary dramatically even between homes in the same neighborhood, so it’s best to test your new space before settling in.


5. If Your Home’s Condition Changes Significantly

Changes in weather, soil conditions, or even the structural integrity of your home can influence radon levels. For instance, heavy rainfall, flooding, or prolonged periods of drought may alter how radon enters your home. If you’ve experienced any of these environmental changes or if your home is showing signs of foundation issues, retesting is recommended.


6. If You Live in an Area Known for High Radon Levels

Some geographic regions have higher radon levels due to the underlying geology. If you live in an area where radon concentrations are known to be high, you may want to test more frequently. Areas with dense rock formations, for example, can naturally release more radon. Your local health department or The Go2Guys can help you determine whether radon testing should be more frequent in your area.


When Is It Time to Retest for Radon?

Even if you’ve tested for radon recently, there are situations where retesting is a good idea:


1. If Your Home’s Radon Level Was Close to the EPA Action Level (4.0 pCi/L)

The EPA recommends that homeowners take action to reduce radon levels if they are above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your initial test shows levels close to this threshold, it’s a good idea to retest after a few months or during different seasons to confirm that the levels are consistent. Radon levels can fluctuate depending on factors like weather and ventilation.


2. If You Haven’t Tested in Over Two Years

As a general rule, we recommend testing your home for radon every two years. Even if there were no immediate issues the first time you tested, radon levels can change over time. Two years is enough time for conditions to shift and for a retest to give you an accurate picture of your home’s radon levels.


3. If Your Home Experiences Significant Weather Changes

Certain weather conditions, such as prolonged heavy rain or extended dry periods, can affect how radon moves through the soil and enters your home. If you've had a dramatic shift in weather, a retest could help you understand whether radon levels have increased.


What to Do if Radon Levels Are High

If your radon test results show a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, you should take action by contacting a radon mitigation professional like The Go2Guys. We specialize in lowering radon levels in homes through effective and long-lasting mitigation solutions. Our team will help you select the best radon mitigation system for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly to keep your family safe.


Conclusion: Protecting Your Home with Regular Radon Testing

Radon is a silent but serious threat to your home and family’s health. Regular testing is the most effective way to detect and address radon exposure before it becomes a health risk. Whether you’ve never tested before, are moving into a new home, or are making repairs that could affect radon levels, it’s essential to retest periodically to ensure your home remains radon-safe.


At The Go2Guys, we make radon testing and mitigation simple and reliable. We’re here to answer your questions, provide expert testing services, and implement mitigation solutions to give you peace of mind. If you’re ready to schedule a radon test or need guidance on when to retest, contact us today.





 

The Importance of Home Inspectors and Radon Testing

February 19, 2025
The Importance of Home Inspectors and Radon Testing: What Every Homebuyer Should Know When buying a home, the excitement of finding the perfect property can sometimes overshadow the necessary due diligence that comes with making such an important purchase. One of the most crucial steps in the homebuying process is getting a professional home inspection, which can reveal hidden issues that could potentially turn your dream home into a nightmare. Among the various components a home inspector checks, one of the most significant — yet often overlooked — is radon testing. What is a Home Inspector? A home inspector is a trained professional who evaluates the condition of a home’s structure and systems. This includes everything from the foundation and roofing to electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems. They provide a thorough assessment to identify existing or potential problems, which can help homebuyers make an informed decision before committing to a purchase. Home inspectors are essential for a wide variety of reasons, including: Preventing Unexpected Costs : Home repairs can be expensive. A thorough inspection can uncover problems like leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, or issues with the foundation, saving you from costly surprises later. Ensuring Safety : Home inspectors assess safety hazards such as electrical issues, mold, and potential fire risks. Negotiation Leverage : If significant issues are found, buyers may use the inspector’s report to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before closing the deal. Radon: The Silent Threat One of the most critical elements of a home inspection that buyers should not overlook is radon testing . Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors, and prolonged exposure to radon has been linked to serious health issues, including lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In fact, radon exposure is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. Despite the risks, radon exposure often goes unnoticed because it cannot be detected by human senses. Why Is Radon Testing Important? Radon testing is an essential part of the home inspection process for several reasons: Health Risks : As mentioned, radon is a known carcinogen. Even if a home seems perfect on the outside, the presence of radon could pose serious health risks to you and your family. Mitigation Costs : If radon levels are found to be high, mitigation systems can be installed to reduce exposure. However, this can be a costly process, often ranging from $800 to $2,500 or more. It's better to know ahead of time so you can negotiate the price or factor the cost into your budget. Peace of Mind : Even if the radon levels in the home are safe, knowing that your new home has been tested and cleared gives you peace of mind. How Is Radon Tested? Radon testing is relatively simple, but it requires specialized equipment and knowledge. There are two main types of radon tests: Short-Term Tests : These tests typically last from 2 to 90 days and are more common during home inspections. The results can give an initial indication of radon levels in a home, but they can fluctuate based on weather and other factors. Long-Term Tests : These tests last for more than 90 days and provide a more accurate picture of a home’s average radon levels over time. The most common methods of radon testing include: Charcoal canisters : These absorb radon gas over a period of time and are sent to a lab for analysis. Alpha-track detectors : These detect the decay of radon particles and are left in place for an extended period. Electronic monitors : These give real-time readings of radon levels. For accurate results, radon testing should be done in areas of the home that are typically occupied, such as basements or lower levels, as radon tends to accumulate in these areas. What Happens If Radon Levels Are High? The EPA sets the action level for radon at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. If a home’s radon levels are above this threshold, the EPA recommends that you take corrective action. Fortunately, there are radon mitigation systems that can reduce the gas levels. These systems typically involve venting the gas out of the home through a pipe system, which can significantly lower radon exposure. If radon levels are found to be above the action level, you can: Negotiate with the Seller : Request that the seller install a radon mitigation system before closing. Plan for Mitigation : If the seller is unwilling to address the issue, you may decide to handle the mitigation process yourself, but this will come at an additional cost. Walk Away : In some cases, if the radon levels are extremely high and mitigation is not feasible, you might choose to walk away from the purchase.  Conclusion: Don’t Skip Radon Testing While home inspections are critical for uncovering structural issues, radon testing provides an additional layer of safety that should never be overlooked. Radon is an invisible threat that can have serious health consequences if left unchecked. Including radon testing as part of your home inspection ensures that you’re not only protecting your investment but also the health and safety of your loved ones. If you’re in the process of buying a home, make sure to work with an experienced home inspector who includes radon testing in their assessment. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your peace of mind and your health.

Why Attention to Detail is Crucial When Hiring a Radon Mitigation Company

December 13, 2024
Why Attention to Detail is Crucial When Hiring a Radon Mitigation Company Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can pose serious health risks when allowed to accumulate in your home. Exposure to high radon levels over time increases the risk of lung cancer, making radon mitigation an important safety measure for homeowners. When it comes to addressing radon problems, hiring the right radon mitigation company is essential—and attention to detail should be a key consideration in your hiring decision. Radon mitigation is more than just installing a system; it involves a comprehensive assessment, careful planning, and precise execution. Below, we’ll explore why attention to detail matters so much when selecting a radon mitigation company and how it ensures your home’s safety and long-term peace of mind. 1. Every Home is Unique—Your Mitigation System Should Be Too One size does NOT fit all when it comes to radon mitigation. Your home’s construction, foundation type, ventilation, and entry points for radon gas are unique to your property. A detailed inspection and assessment will identify these factors and ensure that the mitigation system is customized to your home’s specific needs. Companies that prioritize attention to detail take the time to thoroughly evaluate the layout of your home, pinpoint the source of radon, and tailor their system design to fit your situation. This custom approach ensures the system will be efficient, effective, and appropriate for the unique characteristics of your home. 2. Proper Installation Requires Precision Installing a radon mitigation system isn’t just about putting in a pipe or fan. It’s a process that requires careful execution, knowledge of the home’s structure, and adherence to safety codes. Attention to detail ensures that the system is installed correctly, without shortcuts or mistakes. When the installation isn’t done right, radon can continue to infiltrate your home, rendering the system ineffective. A company that pays attention to the small details during installation ensures that the system works as intended and keeps your family protected for years to come. 3. Compliance with Safety Standards and Regulations Radon mitigation systems must adhere to local and national building codes and safety standards. These codes ensure that the installation is safe and will protect your home and family from both radon gas and potential hazards associated with improperly installed systems. Companies that are detail-oriented prioritize compliance with these rules and guidelines. They’ll take the time to verify that every part of the system meets all necessary requirements, so you can feel confident that your home is safe and that you’re in good hands. 4. Identifying the Source of Radon Takes Careful Investigation Radon enters homes through cracks in foundations, construction joints, sump pits, or other openings. A professional radon mitigation company must identify these entry points to design a comprehensive system that addresses all radon infiltration pathways. Attention to detail during this assessment ensures no radon entry points are overlooked. Failure to locate and address all sources of radon could lead to ineffective mitigation and higher radon levels even after installation. 5. Avoiding Oversights That Can Lead to Higher Costs Inattention to detail can lead to costly mistakes, such as incomplete system design, improper installation, or missed radon entry points. These oversights may require additional repairs, follow-up testing, or modifications to the system, increasing costs, time, and frustration. A detail-oriented company will perform a comprehensive evaluation, plan the system thoroughly, and execute the mitigation process without cutting corners. This ensures your system is installed properly the first time, reducing the risk of unnecessary expenses. 6. Clear Communication and Transparency Matter A company that emphasizes attention to detail will also prioritize clear communication. They’ll walk you through the process, explain the steps involved, and answer any questions you might have. Additionally, they will provide a clear, written contract outlining the scope of work, costs, and timelines. Good communication and transparency give homeowners confidence that they’re working with a trustworthy and professional company. These qualities also ensure there are no misunderstandings about the mitigation process or what to expect during and after installation. 7. Long-Term Performance Depends on a Detail-Oriented Approach Radon mitigation isn’t a one-time fix. The system must perform reliably over the long term to ensure your home maintains consistently low radon levels. Attention to detail ensures that every part of the system is properly installed, designed to last, and capable of performing as expected for years to come. From the fan system to ventilation paths, a detail-oriented company will ensure the mitigation system is properly maintained and operates at peak efficiency, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or the need for costly repairs. 8. Trust and Peace of Mind Come with Attention to Detail When you hire a radon mitigation company that takes pride in the details, it reflects their professionalism, experience, and commitment to excellence. This attention to detail translates into trustworthiness and reassurance that you’ve chosen the right partner to protect your home and family. Radon can be a scary issue, but with the right radon mitigation company, you can have confidence that you’re taking proactive steps to ensure your family’s safety. Conclusion: Don’t Cut Corners When It Comes to Your Family’s Safety  Radon mitigation is a critical service, and the company you hire should be one that values thoroughness, precision, and professionalism. Attention to detail ensures that the system is effective, safe, and long-lasting. It guarantees the radon issue is addressed properly, so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is protected. When interviewing potential radon mitigation companies, ask questions about their process, training, and experience. Look for companies that demonstrate a commitment to detail—from their initial assessment to the final installation and follow-up testing. By focusing on attention to detail, you can ensure that your home is not only radon-safe today but will stay that way for years to come.