Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas so the only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test.
The reason for radon testing is to see if your home is at a safe or unsafe level for radon exposure. It is important to conduct radon testing annually for safety and peace of mind.
Radon testing can be administered by a radon-certified professional or you can purchase a DIY test kit to place in your home. Once the testing period is complete, DIY short-term radon test kits are then sent to a lab for analysis. Results from those radon testing kits can be found online and are sent to you directly via email. A long-term radon test (performed by a measurement professional) lasts no less than 90 days.
Radon comes from uranium present in rock and soil. Eventually, that uranium breaks down and turns into radium, which forms into radon gas. Over time, as radon enters the home through cracks or openings in the home’s foundation, it can be trapped and accumulate to dangerous levels.
Home radon testing kits can be found through the AprilAire website. Purchase your AprilAire Short-Term Radon Test Kit here.
Home radon testing kits are placed at the lowest level of the home. Ventilation sources should be turned off or sealed for an accurate radon reading. Ventilation, like open windows, can dilute the amount of radon in the home and result in an inaccurate amount.
A short-term radon test takes between 3–7 days. A long-term radon test (performed by a measurement professional) lasts no less than 90 days.
Thirty-seven states currently require radon tests for home inspections. In some states, such as Wisconsin, the home seller must disclose the amount of radon in the home before purchase. If sellers are found to have misrepresented their radon test numbers, then they may be liable for damages. In cities where average radon levels are historically high, builders often install a radon mitigation system during the construction of the home.
For apartment buildings, some states like Maine require landlords to test their property for radon and turn their results into the state.
Check your state’s requirements before purchasing or selling property. And remember, no matter where you live, you should be testing your home for radon annually.
AprilAire offers single and two-pack short-term radon test kits for reliable and simple testing. Your AprilAire Healthy Air Professional can help you by testing your home for radon, as well as install AprilAire Radon Control solutions to help you mitigate high levels in your home. Click Find a Pro to get started on the path to Healthy Air with a local pro in your area.
To mitigate the effects of radon, AprilAire Radon Control Professionals can install solutions designed to redirect harmful radon gas out and away from your home. See below for all of our radon mitigation products.
