Radon testers near you

When looking for a pro to conduct a radon test, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Ask if they are certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). They should also have general liability insurance. Specific requirements vary by region.

• Get several bids: A proper estimate should detail the type of test (short-term or long-term), the device used, and what the final report includes. If you’re getting a radon test as part of a larger home inspection, make sure the costs are itemized.

• Read their reviews: Look for comments that mention punctuality, clear communication, and easy-to-understand reports. Red flags can include reviewers who felt pressured into expensive mitigation services or received confusing results.

• Look at their portfolios: While there isn’t a visual portfolio for testing, you can ask for a sample report. This helps you see how they present their findings and whether their reports are clear and detailed.

• Find out if they have warranties: Warranties are more common for radon mitigation systems. For testing, you should ask if they guarantee their equipment is properly calibrated and that their process follows industry standards.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like, “What type of testing device do you use?”, “How recently was your equipment calibrated?”, and “Do you also perform mitigation work, or can you recommend a separate company?”

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this service, including:

• Home size and layout: Larger homes may require more than one test kit to get an accurate reading, which can influence the final price.

• Type of test: Passive test kits that are sent to a lab are typically less expensive than continuous radon monitors that provide more detailed, hour-by-hour results.

• Your location: Professional service rates can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and what the local market is like.

• Follow-up testing: If an initial short-term test shows elevated radon levels, a second test is often recommended to confirm the findings, which would be an additional cost.

• Bundled services: Some pros may adjust the price if you bundle your radon test with another service, such as a full home inspection or a mold inspection.

A radon inspection is a test to measure the level of radon gas in your home. This naturally occurring radioactive gas can seep in from the ground and pose health risks. A professional will typically place a small device in the lowest level of your home for two to three days to get an accurate reading.

Yes, radon testing is highly recommended. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer, and it’s impossible to know if your home has high levels without a test. The EPA suggests all homes be tested, as any home can have a radon problem.

Because radon is an odorless and invisible gas, you can’t rely on your senses to detect it. It's likely time for a radon inspection if:

• You’ve never tested your home before. Health organizations recommend testing all homes, regardless of age or location.

• You’re preparing to buy or sell a property. Radon testing is a standard part of many real estate transactions.

• A neighbor’s home tested high for radon. Levels can vary from house to house, but this increases the likelihood that your home may also be at risk.

• You’ve recently renovated your home. Major changes, especially to your foundation or HVAC system, can alter how radon enters and circulates.

• Your family spends significant time in the basement. Radon levels are typically highest in the lowest levels of a home, where the gas enters from the soil.

It’s recommended that you schedule a radon inspection every two years. Since radon is an invisible gas, its levels can fluctuate without you knowing. Changes to your home’s foundation or ventilation system can also impact radon entry, making regular testing a key safety measure.

Typically, it will take at least 48 hours for a professional radon inspection, but the total time depends on a few factors. For example:

• The type of test used is the biggest factor; short-term tests take a few days, while long-term tests can last for more than 90 days.

• The size and layout of your home may affect the number of test kits needed and the setup time.

• Your pro will need access to the lowest level of your home, so coordinating schedules can influence the total time.

• Seasonal weather can sometimes delay testing, as the home needs to be closed up for a period before the test begins.

• Bundling other services, such as a mold inspection, will extend the total time for the service.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.