Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon if your home’s level is 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or higher. Even homes with levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L may benefit from mitigation, as there is no known safe level of radon exposure.

Professional testing provides accurate measurements so you can make informed decisions about protecting your home and family.

Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of its age, location, or construction type. Because radon levels can vary from one home to the next—even between neighboring houses—testing is the only reliable way to know your home’s radon level.

It’s also a good idea to test when buying or selling a home, after major renovations, or whenever changes are made to the home’s foundation or ventilation.

Yes. New homes can have elevated radon levels just as older homes can. While many newer homes include radon-resistant construction features, these systems do not guarantee that radon levels will remain below the EPA’s recommended action level.

The only way to know whether a new home has elevated radon is to perform a professional radon test after construction is complete and the home is occupied.

A Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) is a professional testing device that measures and records radon levels in your home over a specified testing period, typically 48 hours. Unlike many do-it-yourself test kits, a CRM collects multiple readings throughout the test to provide accurate, reliable results.

Professional CRMs are commonly used during real estate transactions and residential radon testing because they meet industry standards for accuracy and include built-in features that help verify the integrity of the test. After testing is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report explaining your home’s radon level and any recommended next steps.

Yes. In most cases, you can continue your normal daily routine while a professional radon test is being performed. The testing equipment is designed to quietly monitor radon levels over a 48-hour period without disrupting your household.

To ensure accurate results, you’ll be asked to follow standard testing conditions during the test. This generally means keeping exterior doors and windows closed as much as possible, except for normal entry and exit, and avoiding changes that could affect your home’s airflow. Your technician will explain these guidelines before the test begins so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Even if a radon test was completed during the home buying process, it’s a good idea to test your home again after you’ve moved in. Changes in occupancy, heating and cooling systems, weather conditions, or home improvements can all affect indoor radon levels over time.

The EPA also recommends retesting after major renovations, foundation repairs, or the installation of a radon mitigation system to verify its performance. Periodic testing is the best way to ensure your home’s radon levels remain low and your mitigation system continues to work as intended.

Yes, weather conditions can influence radon levels, which is why professional radon testing follows established industry guidelines to help ensure accurate results. Changes in air pressure, wind, temperature, and precipitation can all affect how radon enters and moves through a home.

Professional testing accounts for these normal variations by using standardized testing procedures and maintaining closed-house conditions during the test. Following these guidelines helps provide reliable results that accurately represent your home’s radon level and whether additional action may be needed.

Yes. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are available and can provide a general indication of your home’s radon level when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They can be a good option for routine screening, but most require several days of testing followed by mailing the kit to a laboratory before results are available.

Professional radon testing uses a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) to provide highly accurate, detailed results over a typical 48-hour testing period. Because the results are available immediately after the test is complete, professional testing is often preferred for real estate transactions, follow-up testing, or whenever timely and dependable results are important.

Most residential radon mitigation systems can be installed in one day, although the exact time depends on the home’s size, foundation type, and the complexity of the installation. Before work begins, the system is designed to provide effective radon reduction while fitting the home’s unique layout.

Once the installation is complete, the system begins working immediately to reduce radon levels. After installation, a follow-up radon test is recommended to verify the system is performing as intended and that radon levels have been successfully reduced.

Yes. A radon mitigation fan is designed to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, to maintain constant suction beneath your home’s foundation. Keeping the fan running at all times helps prevent radon gas from entering your living space and ensures the system continues to reduce radon levels effectively.

Modern radon mitigation fans are engineered for quiet, energy-efficient operation and typically use about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb. If the fan stops working or loses power, the system’s effectiveness is reduced, so it’s important to have the fan inspected or replaced if a problem is suspected.

Yes, but only slightly. Because the mitigation fan operates continuously, it does use electricity. However, most modern radon mitigation fans are designed to be energy efficient and typically consume about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb or small household appliance.

The exact cost depends on the fan model, your local utility rates, and how much power the system requires. For most homeowners, the monthly operating cost is relatively low compared to the long-term benefit of reducing elevated radon levels and improving indoor air quality.

Radon mitigation systems require very little routine maintenance. The fan is designed to operate continuously for many years, and most systems only need occasional visual inspections to ensure the vent pipe, fan, and system monitor are functioning properly.

It’s also a good idea to retest your home periodically to verify the system continues to reduce radon levels effectively. If the system monitor indicates a problem, or if you notice changes in the system’s operation, contact a qualified radon professional to inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.

A professionally designed radon mitigation system is installed with both performance and appearance in mind. Whenever possible, vent piping is routed in less noticeable areas to help preserve your home’s curb appeal while still providing effective radon reduction.

Every home is different, and the best pipe routing depends on the home’s construction and foundation. During the planning process, installation options are evaluated to create a system that is both effective and as visually unobtrusive as practical.

A professionally installed radon mitigation system is designed to provide reliable, long-term performance. While the vent piping and other system components often last for decades, the mitigation fan is a mechanical device that may eventually need replacement after years of continuous operation.

The lifespan of a radon mitigation fan varies depending on the model and operating conditions, but many fans provide 10 years or more of dependable service. Periodic radon testing and occasional visual inspections can help verify that the system continues to perform as intended and maintain low indoor radon levels.

A properly installed radon mitigation system is designed to continuously reduce radon levels for as long as it is operating correctly. Because the fan runs continuously, the system helps prevent radon gas from re-entering your home and maintains reduced radon levels over time.

However, changes to your home, foundation, or ventilation system—or a malfunctioning fan—can affect the system’s performance. That’s why periodic radon testing is recommended, even after a mitigation system has been installed. Regular testing helps confirm the system continues to operate effectively and keeps radon levels low.

Yes, crawlspace encapsulation can help reduce radon, but by itself it is not usually a complete radon mitigation solution. Encapsulation seals exposed soil with a durable vapor barrier, helping limit the movement of radon gas and moisture into the crawlspace.

For homes with elevated radon levels, encapsulation is often combined with an active radon mitigation system to achieve the best results. By working together, the vapor barrier and mitigation system help create a controlled pathway that safely directs radon gas from beneath the home to the outside.

Yes. Crawlspace encapsulation can be completed without installing a radon mitigation system. Many homeowners choose encapsulation to help reduce moisture, improve energy efficiency, protect insulation, and create a cleaner crawlspace environment.

However, if testing shows elevated radon levels, encapsulation alone may not reduce radon to acceptable levels. In those cases, an active radon mitigation system is often recommended along with encapsulation to provide the most effective long-term solution. Professional radon testing is the best way to determine which approach is right for your home.

A professionally installed crawlspace encapsulation system is designed to provide many years of reliable performance. High-quality vapor barriers are durable and built to withstand normal conditions beneath the home, helping protect against moisture and soil gases for the long term.

The lifespan of an encapsulation system depends on factors such as the quality of the materials, proper installation, and how the crawlspace is used over time. Periodic inspections are recommended to ensure the vapor barrier remains in good condition and continues to perform as intended.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply call ALO Radon or complete the contact form on our website, and we’ll help you choose a convenient time for your radon testing, radon mitigation consultation, or crawlspace encapsulation project.

If you have questions before scheduling, we’re happy to explain the process, discuss your home’s needs, and help you determine the best solution for your situation.

The cost of professional radon testing varies depending on factors such as your location, the type of property, and the testing method required. In general, homeowners can expect professional radon testing to range from approximately $150 to $300 for most residential properties.

If you’re buying or selling a home, need follow-up testing after mitigation, or have questions about your specific situation, we’re happy to provide a quote and explain the testing process before scheduling your appointment.

The cost of a radon mitigation system depends on several factors, including the size of the home, foundation type, system design, and the complexity of the installation. Most residential radon mitigation systems typically range from approximately $1,200 to $2,500, although some homes may fall outside that range depending on their specific requirements.

Before any work begins, we’ll evaluate your home and recommend a mitigation system designed for your property’s construction and radon levels. You’ll receive a clear quote and an explanation of the recommended solution, so you know exactly what to expect before making a decision.