Radon tests as part of a real estate transaction are becoming more commonplace as with termite inspections and building inspections. To assure the greatest reliability, the EPA has established guidelines for radon testing in real estate transactions. Health risk assessments, mitigation guidelines and the EPA action level (4 pCi/LL) are based upon standardized tests as set forth in the EPA's radon testing protocol.

To meet the protocol, tests must be performed in the lowest livable level for a minimum of 48 hours under closed house conditions with normal interior living temperatures. These short-term tests (and test of 90 days or less) must be performed with two collocated passive devices (charcoal canisters or E-PERM), or with one Continuous Radon Monitor (with sufficient sensitivity to provide hourly readings).

Radon Diagnostics Services provides NEHA certified radon inspectors to all its customers. We provide testing services only using (continuous radon monitors) that are recalibrated annually according to EPA standards. These monitors provide hourly readings along with tamper resistant features. We understand your concerns about professionalism, accuracy and service. We'll make all necessary phone calls to the listing agent and current home-owner to discuss "closed hour conditions" and what to expect during the testing period. Supra-Keys are standard equipment for convenience and easy accessibility to the home. Once the test period is over, the results are phone, faced and mailed usually within an hour to yourself and your client.

What are the advantages or disadvantages to having a radon mitigation system?

The primary advantage is that you will have lower in-home radon levels if the system was installed correctly and it is operating properly.

A secondary advantage, at least in many parts of the world, is that you will see a much lower level of humidity (dampness) inside the building, especially in houses with basements or slab-on-grade floors. The type of mitigation system will be a factor in this situation. In other words, if the system is an active "sub-slab-suction" design or has incorporated a vapor barrier over the bare soil, then this may be one of the additional benefits. In many cases, ewe have heard of folks getting rid of their dehumidifier after seeing how dry the basement was after switching on their mitigation system.

One of the disadvantages is that you will pay a small energy penalty with an active design because of the energy required to run the small fan. (Most will only draw about 50 watts.) There is also a small amount of reverse flow of inside (conditioned) air that you may have paid to heat or cool. Another possible problem, in a poor installation, is that you may be able to hear the fan running. Fortunately, this complaint is seldom heard and if it is, it is usually easily fixed.