Ways To Test For Dangerous Levels Of Radon In Your House
Your home can have high levels of radon without you being aware of it since the gas has no odor or color. It's good to test your home for radon just so you know your home is safe or you can get help if the level is high. Here are some ways to test your home for radon.
Self Tests Or A Testing Service
If you're testing just out of curiosity, then an inexpensive home test may be all you need. You can pick one up for a few dollars at a home improvement store and send it to a lab for testing. If you use a home kit, follow the instructions since several things, such as high humidity and strong winds can affect the test results. Another way to test for radon is to use a meter that you can use to take spot tests or to test continuously. A meter is more expensive, but it gives you a better idea of how the radon level changes with changes in the weather and HVAC use.
If you get abnormal results with a home test, then it's good to hire a radon testing service to take a reading with their professional equipment. This will verify your high reading or put your mind at ease. You might also need a test from a radon testing service when you're buying or selling a home.
Active Or Passive Test
A passive test is one that uses a material that captures radon, such as charcoal. The charcoal is then sent to a lab where the amount of radon is measured. The active test gives an immediate reading of the radon level and shows how the level changes as long as the test is underway. A passive test is less expensive and takes a few days to process and send to the lab. An active test gives immediate results and can last as long as needed.
Short Or Long Test
Home radon test kits are short tests that collect samples for just a few days. Short tests are usually completed in a few months or less. A long-term test collects data over a period of several months. A long test gives you the most valuable data since you'll learn how radon levels change during different times of the year. If you test in the spring with a short test and get normal readings, you won't know if the levels rise in the winter.
If you're unsure about what type of test to have, and the only thing you know for certain is you want to find out if your home and family are in danger from radon, then call a radon testing service such as Certified I.A.Q. Professionals and get advice. They can perform testing with sophisticated equipment that lets you know if you need radon mitigation or if you need to continue with periodic testing.
Share