Randon Mitigation: Everything You Need to Know

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Have you received notification that your home has high radon levels? Don’t be concerned. Radon treatment can quickly reduce radon levels in your house to a safe level. National Radon Defense, as an international network of premier radon experts, can assist you with any of your radon mitigation questions.

What is radon mitigation?

The process of lowering radon levels below 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) is known as radon mitigation. Far below is ideal. These mitigation devices either prevent radon from entering your home in the first place or lessen the amount of radon that is already present. These systems are then classified as either active or passive.

Active radon mitigation: A fan is used in an active radon mitigation system to transfer radon outside of the house.

Passive radon mitigation: Instead of using a fan, a passive radon mitigation system is meant to achieve the same thing without one.

Passive systems are most typically linked with new construction and can only be effective at lowering radon levels if the builder hires a radon professional to implement the system appropriately. Furthermore, if radon levels are exceptionally high (greater than 8 pCi/L), passive systems will not transfer enough radon out of the house to make a difference. Active systems, according to National Radon Defense, are the best at keeping radon levels low while keeping your family safe from high exposure.

The good news is that if you have a passive system, it can usually be updated to an active system even after the first installation. If you’re building a new home, you should hire a skilled radon professional to install your active or passive radon system to guarantee it’s installed appropriately. If you choose a passive system, make sure you test your radon levels once it’s installed to make sure it’s working.

Is a radon mitigation system worth my money?

Absolutely. The most important thing to consider is: how much is my health worth? I’m guessing the answer is a lot. Fortunately, radon mitigation systems are relatively inexpensive, though the price can vary depending on your specific situation. You might even be able to pay for radon mitigation with your health savings account. Many governments, including Kentucky, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, and the federal government, are beginning to invest in radon mitigation. Avoiding mitigation could end up costing you a lot more money in the long run.

Do radon mitigation systems require maintenance?

Most radon mitigation systems are self-contained, although they, like furnaces and chimneys, will require routine maintenance. Most systems have warning mechanisms that will alert you if they aren’t functioning properly, so check on your system from time to time to ensure it is still operational.

The majority of radon mitigation systems use fans, which should be fixed or replaced every five years or so. Remember that without the fan, the system will not function properly. Weather can also pose complications such as ice jams.

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems require regular maintenance and cleaning. As a rule of thumb:

  • Once a year, have an HVAC specialist inspect the ventilator
  • Check the outside vent for debris regularly
  • Replace the internal vent every two years

To guarantee that your radon system is running properly, it is advised that you do annual maintenance.