Southwest Virginia has some of the highest concentrations of radon levels in the United States, so radon testing is essential for anyone living in the area. As the second leading cause of lung cancer, there is no safe level of radon in the home. But just because you’ve had your radon tested doesn’t mean you’re home-free. Radon concentration can fluctuate based on many factors, so Detail View Home Inspections recommends you check radon levels frequently.
Seasonal Variations
Generally speaking, radon levels are more likely to be low during the warmer months of the year than during the colder months. Many factors play into the season variation (some of which we discuss below), but one major one is human behavior.
We tend to have our house more open during the summer months, with more ventilation, which leads to lower radon concentrations. We’ll explore some of the more scientific reasons below.
Precipitation
Rain and snowfall can saturate soil, slowing the free movement of radon gas through it. The higher levels of radon in the ground can also lead to higher levels in your home, meaning if you only measured your radon during a dry time of year, you won’t have a complete picture of how high your radon levels can get.
Barometric Pressure
Colder temperatures bring lower barometric pressure. That lower pressure pushes radon higher into the home, creating higher radon levels.
Testing Accuracy
Sometimes, people get take-home tests that they administer themselves. These tests are not necessarily inaccurate, but many factors, including some you control, can affect whether they check radon levels correctly.
If you’ve self-administered your radon test, consider retesting by a professional. You should perform radon testing at least once every 2 years. Use a pro for your initial test and (ideally) for each test afterward.
How Long Does It Take to Test Check Radon Levels?
Not all radon tests are created equal. Many self-administered home radon tests are designed to for placement in the home for a relatively short time. To administer a short-term radon test, you should do so when your home is closed during and for 12 hours before the test.
A better option is to use a longer-term test that accounts for fluctuations. The best option is to have a professional administer the test for you.
The standard test is 48 hours and that is the minimum requirement for real estate transactions. If a client chooses a long-term test over the standard 48-hour one, we set a machine for 90 days or longer.
Where Was the Test Placed?
Where in the home you place your radon test can significantly impact the results. Most obviously, you won’t want to place the test very near a vent or opening to the home.
Lower levels of the home also tend to have higher levels of radon. So, we always check radon levels in the lowest living area of the house. We place the test 2 – 6 feet above the floor for the most accurate results.
Was Test Administered Correctly?
When you hire a certified home inspector like those at Detail View Home Inspections, you’ll know that the inspector will adequately check radon levels. However, mishandling is one of the most significant issues of self-administered radon tests.
Mishandling or placing the test in the wrong spot can skew your readings. However, not delivering the test to the lab quickly enough, not closely following instructions, or sending the test results to a lab that isn’t certified to test radon levels can also skew your readings.
When Did You Last Check Radon Levels?
When you check radon levels, longer-term tests give more accurate results, but unless performed over multiple seasons, you won’t get a complete picture from your radon test. Because of questions about test and lab quality and possible user errors, the best way to check your radon levels is with a professional radon inspection.
Detail View Home Inspections recommends testing for radon at least once every two years even if you have a mitigation system in place. That’s the EPA standard.
