Should I buy a house with a radon mitigation system?
You may be concerned if you find out the house you want to buy tests positive for radon, but don’t necessarily write off a home with radon exposure if you’ve found a home you really want to buy. There are radon mitigation systems that can safely keep radon at bay.
Can you reduce radon without mitigation?
While you may hope that it’s possible to reduce radon without a mitigation system, it is seldom possible. Radon is constantly produced as a product of the decay of radium, and rides on the soil gases that are produced under your building. Soil gases can push right through the concrete and most flooring and sealing methods.
How reliable are radon mitigation systems?
Since radon is invisible and odorless, only reliable radon testing can help detect the hazardous gas inside a home. But there is no reason to worry - as your trusted radon company, National Radon Defense Midwest can test your property and install a reliable radon mitigation system if necessary.
Can I get rid of radon without mitigation?
Mitigation systems are installed to pull the radon from the soil before it ever enters your home. So can you prevent radon from entering your home without a mitigation system? Unfortunately, no. Radon Mitigation is the only recommended action for a home with high radon levels. However, there are a few things you can do to help the process.
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Do radon mitigation fans run constantly?
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Fans and Radon Mitigation Systems. Does a Radon Fan Run Continuously? Radon fans run continuously and should stay on. It's important to remember radon fans create a negative pressure underneath the sub slab of your home.
How do I know if my radon system is working?
You can use the u-tube manometer to determine if your system is working. Look at the liquid in the tube. If it is equal on both sides, it is an indication that there is no pressure in the pipe. This means no suction from the fan (far left image) and the radon mitigation system is not working.
What is the most common method of radon mitigation?
subslab depressurizationActive subslab suction — also called subslab depressurization — is the most common and usually the most reliable radon reduction method. One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath. They also may be inserted below the concrete slab from outside the home.
How long does a radon system last?
You should look at your warning device on a regular basis to make sure the system is working correctly. Fans may last for five years or more (manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years) and may then need to be repaired or replaced.
How long does it take for radon to drop after mitigation?
This increase in ventilation mixes outdoor air with the indoor air containing radon, and can result in reduced radon levels. However, once windows, doors and vents are closed, radon concentrations most often return to previous values within about 12 hours.
What should radon gauge read?
The readout on the manometer should be between 0.5in – 1.75in. In most cases these are acceptable levels indicating, your system is operating correct. When your Radon system is shut off the fluid should rest at zero if it does not then your manometer is low on fluid.
Does running furnace fan reduce radon?
Ventilation It is important to increase airflow inside the home to reduce radon buildup, especially in winter. Even if it is cold out, opening your windows for just a few minutes a day can help improve ventilation. You can also run the fans and vents in your home to help circulate the air.
Does radon travel upstairs?
In a house with forced air heating and cooling, radon gas can easily be distributed throughout the entire dwelling. When radon gas is discharged via a radon mitigation system above the roof, the radon concentration falls off dramatically with distance from the point of discharge.
Does carpet help reduce radon?
Covering floors with carpeting or linoleum does not work either. Remember that even several inches of concrete cannot stop radon. Some builders believe that the plastic vapor barrier under the slab will stop radon. Although it is a part of the “radon-resistant” construction, it merely reduces the flow of soil gas.
What states have the most radon?
Alaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L....Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:Alaska - 10.7.South Dakota - 9.6.Pennsylvania - 8.6.Ohio - 7.8.Washington - 7.5.Kentucky - 7.4.Montana - 7.4.Idaho - 7.3.More items...
Does radon mitigation systems decrease home value?
Having an active Radon mitigation system in one's house does not adversely affect the home's resale value and since Radon is so easily controlled once it's detected it is no reason not to buy the property if all other factors line up favorably for buying the house.
Can radon seep through concrete?
Radon, soil gasses, and water vapor will easily pass through any openings, cracks, gaps, drains, or thin concrete (rat slabs) in the basement.
How long does it take for a radon fan to work?
Standard radon reduction systems are usually effective within 24 hours and maintain low levels as long as the fan is operating. Another potential benefit of these systems is reduced infiltration of moist soil air with the radon, which may reduce the humidity level in the basement of the home.
Does a radon mitigation system make noise?
There are two noises that are generated by the radon system: air flow and vibration. To minimize the noise, the following must be taken into consideration: The amount of CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) The size of the pipe determines how much airflow can be pushed through the system.
Why is my radon system not working?
Make sure the breaker that the radon fan is on did not trip. If the fan is located in the attic, it's powered by a simple outlet. Make sure that it didn't just accidently get unplugged. If the fan is installed outside, there is a water-tight electrical box with an on/off switch on it located next to the fan.
How do you read a radon mitigation gauge?
Your radon mitigation's manometer readout should be between 0.5in-1.75in on the Manometer (U shaped- looks like a thermometer). This is NOT the level of Radon in your home. It is simply the amount of vacuum your mitigation system is generating.
How does a passive radon mitigation system work?
Radon gas gets collected in this zone and is vented out through the system’s ducts forced by the fan’s suction. A passive system reduces radon levels using natural air pressure differences.
What is radon mitigation?
A radon mitigation system is any system that reduces the high radon levels in a home by either preventing radon gas entering a home or by venting it once inside. There are different types of radon mitigation systems. However, they are broadly classified into active and passive systems.
How to know if my radon system is working?
Radon mitigation systems come with a u-tube manometer installed. This manometer indicates the suction created by the fan. If one tube of the manometer shows an elevated level of liquid , it means that the radon fan is working. If the levels in both tubes are the same, it means that your radon system is broken.
How does passive radon work?
A passive radon system works by using the same components as an active mitigation system but without the radon fan. It uses a PVC ducting that is inserted into the basement floor to vent the radon gas from under the house. In passive mitigation, the radon is outed due to the pressure difference between the outside and below the house.
How much does radon mitigation reduce?
Radon mitigation systems can reduce the radon levels in a house by up to 99% , depending on which system you use. Active mitigation systems achieve the most reduction, from 50 to 99%, while that achieved by passive systems vary.
What is the best way to reduce radon levels?
Active mitigation systems are the most effective in reducing radon levels, especially when they are above the safe limits stated by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which is 4pCi/L.
How long does it take to get radon out of a house?
For houses with low but above safe radon levels, mitigation can be achieved within a few hours.
How to lower radon levels in home?
There are several methods that a contractor can use to lower radon levels in your home. Some techniques prevent radon from entering your home while others reduce radon levels after it has entered. EPA generally recommends methods which prevent the entry of radon. Soil suction, for example, prevents radon from entering your home by drawing the radon from below the house and venting it through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the house where it is quickly diluted.
Do radon reduction systems need maintenance?
Similar to a furnace or chimney, radon reduction systems need some occasional maintenance. You should look at your warning device on a regular basis to make sure the system is working correctly.
How does radon mitigation work?
Proper and high-quality radon mitigation accomplishes two things: 1 It reduces the concentration of radon gas in your home, venting it safely outside the structure. 2 Correctly installed radon mitigation systems remove the radon gas from under the foundation of a structure before it can come in.
What Is Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation (also known as remediation or abatement) is a process to reduce or remove radon gas levels from a building. There are multiple radon mitigation techniques, which we explain below.
How to mitigate radon in basement?
The most common method of radon mitigation is a “sub-slab depressurization” (SSD) system, which uses a fan and PVC pipe to draw air from below the basement floor or slab on grade and then vent it harmlessly above the roof, where it dissipates very quickly. About 95% of the homes in the greater Washington DC region have these type of system.
Why do you need a radon vent fan?
Radon vent fans need to be fitted to account for the pressure difference and air-flow dynamics needed to reach radon reduction objectives. The type of fan is determined by the sub-slab conditions, the size of the slab and the extent of the radon problem.
What is an air to air heat exchanger?
In these cases, an air-to-air heat exchanger (also known as a Heat Recovery or Energy Recovery Ventilator, HRV or ERV) can be used to effectively reduce radon levels in structures that have radon levels less than 12 pCi/L.
How does an HRV work?
An HRV is a machine that exchanges the air from inside and outside the structure, via two sets of flexible ducts: one blowing air into the house and one blowing air out of the house. The fresh air coming into the house is tempered slightly so as not to cause a substantial energy penalty.
Where should radon be screened?
Finally, radon systems need to be screened at the exhaust discharge point (end of the vent stack) to prevent animals or large debris from going into the pipe and fan.
Radon Basics
First, let’s discuss dire details regarding the titular gas. Radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. As a result, it can be present around you, and you’d have no idea without the right equipment.
Mitigation Systems
If a radon specialist tests your home and determines unsafe levels are present, you can install a mitigation system to reduce radon presence significantly. A mitigation system will catch radon as it tries entering your home, neutralizing it from incoming airflow. However, doing so requires a careful assessment by the mitigation specialist.
Qualified Specialists
So, how do home radon mitigation systems work? Simply put, they reduce the presence of radon in your home. As a result, your home can be a safer, more relaxing environment. However, only hire a qualified specialist to get the job done to ensure your system is high-quality.
