You maintain your roof, lock your doors, and test your smoke detectors, but when was the last time you checked the air beneath your feet?
Radon is a silent intruder, rising from the soil and slipping into homes undetected. It won’t set off alarms, but over time, it can seriously threaten your family’s health.
Fortunately, radon testing and mitigation are effective solutions that can protect those you love. This guide explains how much you can expect to pay, but keep in mind that ensuring your family’s well-being outweighs any cost incurred.
DIY radon test kits are affordable and widely available, typically costing between $15 and $50, depending on the type. These tests offer a budget-friendly way to monitor radon levels in your home, though they may not be as accurate or comprehensive as professional testing.
Short-term radon test kits are designed to measure radon levels over a period of 2 to 7 days. These are ideal for quick screenings and are available at most home improvement stores or online.
The average cost for a short-term test kit is around $15 to $25, and many include lab analysis in the price.
Long-term radon test kits measure radon levels for 90 days to a full year, providing a more accurate picture of your home’s average exposure. These tests are recommended for a more reliable assessment.
The cost typically ranges from $25 to $40, often including postage and laboratory analysis fees.
Continuous radon monitors are digital devices that record radon levels hourly and provide ongoing data. While they offer detailed, real-time tracking, they are significantly more expensive.
Basic models cost around $100 to $200, while higher-end monitors with advanced features may run $250 or more.
If your home uses well water, testing it for radon is important. DIY water test kits typically cost between $30 and $50 and involve collecting a water sample and sending it to a certified lab.
Professional radon testing typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on your location and the type of equipment used. Certified professionals use advanced continuous radon monitors that deliver more accurate and immediate results than DIY kits.
Radon mitigation is necessary when indoor radon levels reach or exceed 4.0 pCi/L, according to the EPA. The average cost for radon mitigation ranges from $800 to $2,500, depending on the home’s size, foundation type, and labor rates.
This price range includes the system components, such as fans, piping, and sealing materials, as well as professional installation, which ensures effective long-term radon reduction.
Sub-slab depressurization involves installing a vent pipe and fan system that draws radon gas from beneath the home’s foundation and expels it safely outside. This approach is effective for homes with basements or slab-on-grade construction.
In homes with crawl spaces, sub-membrane depressurization is used, where a plastic sheet covers the ground and radon is vented from beneath it. Both systems rely on creating negative pressure zones to prevent gas from entering the home.
Several alternative techniques can help reduce radon levels in homes, but it's essential to consult with a qualified radon mitigation professional to determine the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, or water breaks down. It seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, crawl spaces, and well water systems.
Prolonged exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., after smoking. Because radon is colorless and odorless, testing is the only way to detect it.
Fortunately, mitigation systems are highly effective, often reducing radon levels by up to 99%, making testing and mitigation essential steps in protecting your family’s long-term health and safety.
Homes of any age, style, or location can have elevated radon levels, so everyone should consider testing for radon, but testing is especially important for homeowners, renters, and anyone buying or selling a property.
Testing is also important for those living in areas designated as Zone 1 (high potential) by the EPA or in homes with basements, crawl spaces, or private well water systems.
The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years or after any major renovations, especially those affecting the foundation. Retesting is also wise if you've recently installed a mitigation system to ensure it's functioning properly.
Most home hazards, such as a leaky pipe, a broken furnace, or a loose floorboard, announce themselves. Radon doesn’t. That’s what makes it so dangerous and so important to address. Testing gives you answers; mitigation gives you control.
Whether you’re in the early stages of home ownership or have lived in the same place for decades, now is the time to ensure the air you breathe is safe. Radon testing and mitigation are one of the smartest investments you can make in your home and health.
The Crawlspace Kings are fully equipped to handle all of your radon testing and mitigation needs in the Crossville area. Let us help keep you and your family safe from hidden dangers.
Any home, regardless of age, design, or location, can have elevated radon levels. Homes with basements or crawl spaces and those built over uranium-rich soil are at higher risk. Radon can affect homes next door to each other differently, so testing is the only reliable way to know.
Living in a house with radon isn't safe long-term. Radon is a radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors and increase your risk of lung cancer. If your home's levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon exposure.
Yes—if radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. Long-term exposure to elevated radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. A mitigation system reduces radon to safer levels and helps protect your family’s health over time.
Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover radon mitigation, as it’s considered a maintenance or environmental issue. Some states offer financial assistance or tax credits. Always check your specific policy and local programs to explore available mitigation support options.
