Who Installs Radon Mitigation Systems?
Get that radon out of the air
If a radon test comes back positive, you'll want to get that gas out of your home, stat. Radon has no color or odor, but it can cause serious risks to your health—including lung cancer. But who installs radon mitigation systems? Learn why hiring a professional radon detection and reduction specialist is the best way to go.
Benefits of Hiring a Radon Detection and Reduction Specialist for Radon Mitigation
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the first cause in people who don't smoke. The naturally occurring gas has no smell, taste, or color, so the only way to know if it's seeping into your home is to hire a professional radon detection and reduction specialist near you. Also known as a radon remediation professional, these pros will know how to perform the test and the best way to remove or reduce radon levels.
If a radon test shows unacceptable levels of the gas, the detection and reduction specialist can install a mitigation system to eliminate the radon gas. The specialist will also seal areas of your basement to keep additional gas from entering your home. A professional will know how to install an effective system and how to maintain it to protect your home and family.
Can I Hire a General Contractor for Radon Mitigation?
You should not hire a general contractor for radon mitigation unless they happen to be a licensed radon remediation pro as well. While general contractors have a multitude of skills to help with a slew of home improvement projects, radon mitigation is best left to a specialist who understands how a mitigation system works and has experience with radon detection.
How Do Radon Reduction Specialists Mitigate Radon?
Mitigating radon gas is a multi-step process that starts with testing. Here's how a radon mitigation system works.
Perform a radon test. A radon detection specialist will perform either a short-term or long-term radon test, to measure and determine levels of the gas in your air. You may also purchase a DIY testing kit and perform this step yourself.
Repeat the test, if necessary. If a short-term test returns results above 4 pCi/L, the specialist will repeat it to confirm the results and use the average of the two tests to determine the next steps. A mitigation system is a must for results above 4 pCi/L and highly recommended for results above 2 pCi/L.
Sealing cracks and openings. If a radon test comes back positive, the goal is to keep more gas from entering your home and remove existing gas. The specialist will seal cracks and openings to keep the gas from entering.
Install a radon fan and piping. To remove radon from the air, the specialist will install piping and a radon fan in your basement. The fan will push radon into the pipe, where it will travel upward and out through a vent in your attic.
How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost?
Installing a radon mitigation system costs an average of $1,025. The total cost of your project will depend on your geographic location, the type of system you have installed, your home's size, and your foundation type.
There are also ongoing costs to consider, such as repeat testing after several months to confirm that the system is working. The mitigation system may also need ongoing maintenance and replacement. For example, the radon fan itself may last for five to 10 years before it needs replacing. When calculating your budget, you'll want to include the radon fan replacement cost, too.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Radon mitigation isn't a DIY job. In many states, if your home doesn't pass the radon test, you'll need to hire a professional who is state-certified. Legal concerns aside, DIYing a radon mitigation system is a risky move. If you don't install the system correctly, there is a chance that you'll make the problem worse, increasing the levels of radon in the air.
While you don't want to take the risk of installing the mitigation system on your own, you may be able to reduce your costs somewhat by purchasing a home radon testing kit.
