From Test to Installation: How Soon Can You Lower Your Radon Levels?
Radon is one of those hidden home issues that most people don’t think about until a test shows elevated levels. The good news? Reducing radon is a straightforward and short-term process when you work with a certified professional who can install the right system for your home.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the full timeline, break down what to expect at each stage, and explain why partnering with experienced radon installers like The Radon Guys is the key to getting long-lasting, reliable results.
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
The only way homeowners can determine whether they are at risk of radon exposure is through radon testing. These tests measure radon levels in the air at picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with the EPA considering a level of 4.0 pCi/L the threshold for taking immediate action. Tests can range from short-term kits that measure radon levels over a few days or weeks to long-term monitoring devices that remain in your home for several months. A combination of short- and long-term testing can provide more accurate results than a single test, which can be impacted by environmental fluctuations.
If your readings are lower than 2.0 pCi/L, then no action is needed until you retest your home’s radon levels in two years. If you test higher, especially above 4.0, you need to consider mitigation.
What to Do About High Radon Levels
When you learn your home has high radon levels, it’s time to contact your local National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) certified professionals, The Radon Guys. We’re here to help with our expert radon mitigation services.
When you schedule an initial consultation, our team will inspect your home to determine the best radon mitigation strategy, taking into account your foundation and layout. We’ll also provide a fair estimate with no hidden costs. If you suspect hazardous radon levels in your home, reaching out to trusted radon experts as soon as you can is your safest next step.
How Radon Mitigation Systems Are Installed
Radon mitigation installation is usually straightforward, but the exact setup varies from house to house. In every case, the goal is to pull radon from beneath the home and vent it safely outside. Here’s what the process typically looks like.
Forming a Suction Point
When radon system installers arrive, the first thing they will do is form a suction point based on whether your home has a crawlspace or slab foundation. For slab foundations, the technician will drill a hole through the concrete and remove some soil beneath it to form a small pit. This pit is where radon gas can collect to be drawn and redirected outside of your house.
Routing PVC Piping
Next, PVC pipes are installed to route radon gas from the suction pit to your home’s exterior. Based on your home’s layout, PVC piping may be run through the attic or along the siding as the most effective method for reducing radon levels. Once a pipe is fed through the suction point, it’s sealed to prevent airflow leaks.
Installing a Radon Fan
Radon fans play a crucial role in drawing out air from beneath your house to the open air. The fan is typically mounted inside the attic or garage, or outside against the exterior.
Venting Radon Outside
The final installation step is to connect the system’s piping to the radon fan and route it up and out of the house, allowing radon to be safely released outdoors. Once the fan is turned on and everything is sealed, the installer ensures the system pulls air as it should. After that, they’ll give you a quick, simple walkthrough so you know what the system does and what to expect from it day-to-day.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Radon Mitigation System?
Installation time depends on the size and layout of your home, which determines the size and complexity of the radon mitigation system needed to effectively lower radon levels. Regardless of the system’s complexity and venting route, most residential installations can be completed in a single day or a handful of hours.
How Long Does a Radon Mitigation System Take to Work?
Fortunately, radon levels in your home should decrease within the first 24 hours after a radon mitigation system is installed. However, you need to wait at least one day before following up with another test to get the most accurate results and confirm your system is functioning properly.
What to Do After Installation
Once your radon mitigation system is installed, the next step is making sure it’s doing its job. A reputable installer won’t just “set it and forget it.” You should know how to confirm your radon levels have dropped and what simple checks keep the system running reliably over time.
Post-Mitigation Testing
After installation is complete, your professional radon mitigation technician will provide you with instructions on how to verify your system is working properly.
The Radon Guys want you to have complete trust in our work, free from any conflict of interest. We recommend choosing a third-party test to confirm your home’s radon levels have dropped 24 to 72 hours following our installation. Another recommendation is to invest in a continuous radon monitor for ongoing insight into how your radon mitigation system is working.
Ongoing System Maintenance
Just like any home system, your radon mitigation system needs regular maintenance to protect your family from high radon levels. This includes testing radon levels every two years, doing basic visual inspections of your radon fan and pipes, and checking your manometer for uneven fluid levels.
Trust The Radon Guys’ Fast and Friendly Service
If you suspect you’re being exposed to high levels of radon, you need to address this issue ASAP. The Radon Guys are committed to providing a fast turnaround from initial consultation to completed installation so you can reduce radon levels in your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact our team today to schedule your mitigation and take the first step toward a safer home.
