Key takeaways
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you cannot see or smell.
- The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L. Testing is the only way to know where a home stands.
- Any home can have radon, old or new, with or without a basement.
- Continuous monitoring gives a clearer picture than a quick guess.
- If the result is high, mitigation is a well-established fix.
What is radon and why does it matter?
Radon forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. The gas rises through the ground and can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, sump openings, floor drains and gaps around pipes. Once inside, it can build up, especially in a lower level.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon is a recognized health concern, and the EPA treats it as a leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. That is why radon testing is a routine part of buying a home in many areas.
I am not a scare merchant. Most homes can be tested and, if needed, fixed without drama. The point is to find out.
Why test in western Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is widely recognized as a state where radon is common, and the geology under western Pennsylvania varies from one neighborhood to the next. Two houses on the same street can produce very different readings.
That is the key point: you cannot guess based on the neighbor's result. The soil under your foundation, the way the house was built and how the home breathes all shape what you find.
- Homes with basements, crawlspaces and slab floors can all be affected.
- Drafty old houses and tightly sealed new ones both need a test.
- A test is a smart step at purchase, and again after major renovations or system changes.
How does radon testing work?
I use continuous radon monitoring. A monitor is placed in the lowest livable level of the home and records readings over a period of time, usually at least 48 hours. That gives an average and shows how the level rises and falls.
A few conditions matter during a short-term test:
- Keep windows and exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit.
- Do not run whole-house fans or open fireplace dampers.
- Do not move or unplug the monitor.
Continuous monitors can also flag tampering or unusual swings, which is valuable in a real estate transaction. You get written results you can share with your agent, the seller or an attorney. Learn more on the radon testing page.
What do my radon results mean?
The EPA action level is 4 pCi/L. If your result is at or above 4, the EPA recommends fixing the home. If your result is between 2 and 4, the EPA suggests you consider fixing, since there is no known risk-free level.
A result below 2 is reassuring, though levels can shift over time with weather, season and changes to the house. For a long stay, retesting every couple of years is a reasonable habit.
One reading is one snapshot. If the number sits close to the action level, I may suggest a second test to confirm it before you spend money on a fix.
What if the radon level is high?
Do not panic. High radon is one of the more fixable problems in a house. A qualified radon mitigation contractor typically installs a system that draws gas from beneath the foundation and vents it outside, away from living space.
In a sale, a high result is a negotiation point. Buyers often ask the seller to install a system or provide a credit. After mitigation, a follow-up test confirms that the system works.
I test and report. I do not install systems, so my results stay independent of any repair sale.
Should I test a new home or an older one?
Both. Older homes have more gaps where gas can get in. New homes are built tighter and may trap what enters. If you are buying new construction, consider radon testing along with phase inspections.
If you are planning a purchase, ask for radon testing when you book your inspection so that both happen in the same visit. You can also get a free estimate online to see what a combined visit looks like for your property.
How do I prepare for a radon test?
Preparation is simple, and it matters because the test only means something if the house is in its normal state. Start about half a day before the monitor goes in. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, and avoid running fans that pull large volumes of air out of the house.
Tell everyone in the household that the monitor is a test device. A curious child or a helpful cleaner who unplugs it can ruin a result. I place it away from drafts, damp areas, vents and exterior walls, and well away from kitchens and bathrooms where humidity can distort readings.
What happens after a high result?
Take the written result to a qualified radon mitigation contractor and ask for an estimate and a plan. Most systems are installed in a day or so and are largely invisible once finished. After installation, schedule a follow-up test to confirm the level has dropped.
If you are buying, raise the result with your agent right away. Contract deadlines for radon contingencies can be short, and I can deliver written results quickly so you are not left guessing. The FAQ page covers other common questions about timing and reports.
Common questions
What is a safe radon level?
Can a new house have radon?
Does opening windows fix a radon problem?
Ready to schedule?
Get your free estimate online, or call Will directly at 878-300-6621.