 | Low: Test Kits $15-$35 |
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 | Medium: Sealing Cracks $100+ |
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 | High: Suction System $550-$2,500 |
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| Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that is naturally released by soil. All homeowners and renters can and should test for radon levels; the EPA especially encourages smokers to test their homes. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (after smoking). Homes of all kinds can act as traps for radon, creating a toxic atmosphere for the inhabitants, and should be fixed as soon as possible. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A radon test kit, including laboratory analysis, costs $15 -$35. Short-term test kits cost a little bit less than long-term test kits. Radon test kits are available at most home improvement stores, including Lowes and the home section of Wal-Mart.
- Just sealing cracks and holes in the foundation can cost as little as $100, but this method alone has limited effectiveness. Ventilating the home and crawlspace is a temporary and limited fix.
- Passive and active suction systems cost $550 -$2,500 depending on the size of the house. These systems offer the best radon reduction available. The EPA's Installation and Operating Cost Table lists how much a radon mitigation system should cost based on the type of foundation.
- Operating a radon mitigation system costs from nothing up to $700 per year. Many radon mitigation systems have fans that require continuous electric power that can add to power bills. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) and natural ventilation can result in significant losses of heat or air conditioning, leading to much higher energy costs.
What should be included: | - A good contractor will include a pre-service radon test, even if do-it-yourself tests have already been done.
- The contractor should visually inspect the home's structure and ventilation to determine the appropriate type or combination of types of radon mitigation system.
- Check the EPA's list of requirements for a complete, legal, effective radon mitigation system. Be sure that the contractor has performed all the necessary tasks, affixed all labels, and explains the operation and maintenance of the system in detail. Get a copy of the written instruction for future reference.
- Retest the levels of radon after the installation is complete. Although the contractor may perform a post-installation test, the EPA recommends an independent test to avoid a conflict of interest.
Additional costs: | - Ground water wells can also be tested for radon, then, if needed, can get a water radon mitigation system installed. Installing a water radon mitigation system runs from $1,000 -$4,500, and maintenance runs $0 to $150 annually. To find out about radon content in a city water system, call the local water provider.
- It's wise to retest a home's radon level every year or two after a mitigation system is installed.
- Most radon mitigation systems include a fan, which will need to be replaced about every 5 years. Expect to pay $250 -$300 to have this necessary maintenance done.
Discounts: | - The EPA offers downloadable, printable coupons for radon test kits to anyone who wants to do a test.
- State radon offices may offer coupons, rebates, and even free radon services. To check a state's radon office for discounts and coupons, go to the EPA's state search page.
Shopping for radon mitigation: | - Ask several different contractors for quotes before hiring one. Check with the Better Business Bureau to be sure that the contractor is reliable.
- Some state radon offices maintain lists of certified radon contractors.
- The Radon Reduction Techniques section of the EPA Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction lists the different types of radon mitigation systems available.
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Article updated January 2010 |
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