The EPA recommends radon mitigation for every home and workplace. Testing is free for residents of New York State. In some cases, radon testing can be done at very low costs. To get the most accurate results, you need to contact a professional radon testing service. You may want to read this article first before hiring a company. It contains information on how radon testing services work, what you can expect from a test, and what to look out for when choosing a radon mitigation service.
In order to receive free radon in air testing, New York State residents must have their home remediated within the last year. Residents must provide the name and address of a mitigation contractor, and the method of radon in air testing used by the company. This testing should be performed within the first thirty days of the mitigation system operation. Residents must also provide the name and address of any neighbors living in the residence.
When a young couple makes an offer to purchase a home, they include a radon test as a contingency. They find a home inspector who offers radon testing using charcoal canisters, a passive device that absorbs radon from the air. Charcoal canisters typically cost between $10 and $15 and are much cheaper than more expensive electronic devices. While these test kits don't have the accuracy of the electronic devices, they are often an affordable option for people looking to avoid costly testing.
If you are considering purchasing a radon testing kit, you should be aware of the dangers of using a home test kit. Radon gas is extremely dangerous, and if you are not sure how to perform the test, you should hire a professional company. While many DIY kits are available, the results may be tainted if you do not follow the directions correctly. To avoid this problem, you should place the radon test kit in the lowest living area of your home. Ideally, the radon detector should be placed 20 inches off the ground, where there is no draft.
If you suspect radon in your home, it's important to know the EPA's recommended radon mitigation levels. These are typically four picocuries per liter. Those levels are higher than what you'd normally see outside your home. Radon levels can fluctuate between seasons and different weather conditions, so you'll need to take two tests to find out what your home's radon levels are.
The cost of radon testing services varies widely depending on the type of testing you require. Short-term tests cost $20 to $350. Long-term tests are more accurate, but take longer to complete - generally 90 days to a year. While these tests are generally more expensive than short-term ones, you can save money by using them together with a shorter-term test. To make the most of your short-term test, you can either use two tests at once or one after the other.