Comprehensive Radon Testing and Mitigation Checklist
Concerned about radon? American Radon Mitigation offers a worry-free radon testing and mitigation checklist to make the process easy.
Step 1: Understand Golden Colorado’s Radon Risk & Test Your Home
[ ] Understanding Radon in Golden, Colorado:
Colorado’s unique geology means the soil is naturally rich in uranium. This leads to higher-than-average radon gas levels in homes across Colorado, and right here in the Golden area. It’s important to know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, making it a serious health concern for our community.
Learn more about radon in Colorado: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
[ ] Perform An EPA Approved Radon Test in Your Home:
Short-term for 2-7 days OR Long-term for 90+ days
[ ] Confirm Radon Test Results and Take Action:
Learn more about the EPA Action Levels.
- The EPA highly recommends radon mitigation if your radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
- Because there is no known safe level of radon, the EPA also recommends considering mitigating your home if your radon level is between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/L.
- If your radon level is below 2.0 pCi/L, it’s important to remember that there is no safe level of radon for your health. We believe the best approach is to always strive for the lowest possible radon levels in your home.
American Radon Mitigation works to bring your indoor radon concentrations down to levels near those of outdoor air, which average around 0.4 pCi/L.
Step 2: Select a Qualified Radon Mitigator in Golden, Colorado
[ ] Verify Colorado DORA License:
American Radon Mitigation’s technicians hold radon mitigation licenses from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Colorado requires this license for radon compliance.
[ ] Check National Radon Certifications:
American Radon Mitigation’s technicians are also certified with the NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program).
[ ] Verify Insurance:
American Radon Mitigation holds comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance, safeguarding you and our employees.
[ ] Schedule A Thorough In-Home Estimate:
At American Radon Mitigation, we conduct a detailed, in-person estimate of your home’s foundation, basement/crawl space, and potential radon entry points. This allows us to understand your home’s unique needs and develop a customized mitigation plan.
Do not settle for a quote over the phone.
[ ] Request Pressure Field Extension (PFE) Testing:
PFE ensures the radon mitigation system exhausts radon from under your entire home’s foundation, not just the area near the suction point. Proper use of PFE includes the use of micromanometers to read the data. This is key for getting radon levels as low as possible.
At American Radon Mitigation, we use PFE to design and install every radon system, ensuring the system is as efficient and effective as possible at lowering your radon levels.
Without PFE testing, the mitigator is essentially guessing where to place suction points and what size fan to use. As a result, the system might not create enough negative pressure across the entire footprint of your home’s foundation, leaving areas where radon can still enter. This approach, often called the “poke and hope” method, is highly unreliable.
Ask: “Do you conduct PFE (Pressure Field Extension) testing before, during, and after mitigation to design and install an effective and efficient radon system?”
[ ] Obtain a Detailed, Transparent Estimate:
Review the fan location, pipe routing, and sealing areas with an expert in radon mitigation.
[ ] Ensure the Estimate Includes a Radon Reduction Guarantee:
The EPA states there’s no safe level of radon. So, when you hire a radon mitigator, make sure they’re committed to getting your home’s radon levels as low as possible, not just below 4.0 pCi/L. Anything above the lowest possible level means your family could still be at increased risk for serious health concerns.
American Radon Mitigation Guarantees 1.5 pCi/L or Less for five years, beginning on the installation date, so long as all items on the bid are selected. The 1.5 pCi/L guarantee does not apply to homes with sub-slab ductwork, aftermarket drain tile, untreated crawl spaces, multi-family homes, or inaccessible air leaks to the soil.
Step 3: Installation & Post-Mitigation Testing
[ ] Ensure Comprehensive Sealing Of All Gaps and Cracks For Optimal Radon Mitigation:
Confirm all major foundation cracks, sump pits, floor drains, and utility penetrations are properly sealed for maximum radon reduction.
Learn more about the importance of sealing during radon mitigation and why you shouldn’t skip this important step.
[ ] Verify Fan & Exhaust Compliance:
The radon fan is installed outside of living spaces (such as the garage, attic, house attic, or exterior of the home).
The exhaust pipe vents correctly above the roofline or away from windows/openings, adhering to ANSI/AARST radon mitigation standards.
[ ] System Indicators:
A U-tube manometer and audible radon alarm are installed to confirm that the radon mitigation system is operational.
[ ] Perform Post-Mitigation Radon Testing:
Conduct a follow-up radon test to confirm your radon mitigation system is working to get your radon levels as low as possible.
Step 4: Ongoing Radon Monitoring & Maintenance
[ ] Routine System Checks:
Periodically check the manometer/radon alarm to ensure your radon fan is running and your radon system is working to lower the radon in your home.
[ ] Re-testing for Radon in Golden, Colorado Homes:
The EPA recommends re-testing your home every 2 years, or after any significant renovations or structural changes.
[ ] Prompt Issue Resolution:
Contact your Golden, Colorado radon mitigation experts at American Radon Mitigation immediately if the system stops working or radon levels rise.
