January is National Radon Action Month, which is a perfect reminder to all of us to look at your home’s radon system, and educate yourself on this topic.
“Radon shouldn’t’ be scary, it’s a fact that some homes have elevated levels. We recommend testing to determine the levels and fixing if elevated. Radon mitigation systems are effective and fixing a home should cost less than most major home repairs, (furnace, AC, roof, windows) and may help when it comes time to sell.” says Radon Mitigation System Account Manager, Rocky from The Radon Guys.
You actually can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Keep in mind, that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer too. At 4.0pCi/l carries same risk of getting lung cancer as someone who smokes ½ a pack a day or getting 200 chest xrays in a year. And this effects 7 people out of 1000.
According to the EPA, January 2018, radon mitigation should be done when radon levels in the lowest living space or lowest livable space equal or exceed 4 pCi/l (4 picoCuries per liter of air). Between 2 and 4 it should be considered.
Mitigation system gage pictured from one of our Agent’s Home’s in Eden Prairie.
If your current home doesn’t have a radon system or not sure where to look and want to better understand, we can help you! Reach out to your Real Estate Nation agent and we can talk through options with you. Options may include getting radon levels measured by a professional, radon kits, exploring your mitigation system options, if needed, all while staying safe and setting your home up for a successful re-sale in the future.
Have a Radon mitigation system already installed in your home?
Looking at the gage of the radon system you currently have in your home is important too. This gage or “u-tube” device is installed on the pipe in the basement of a Radon Mitigation system. Basically is an indicator that shows whether the system is working or not. If the colored liquid level inside the tube is even on both sides the system may not be working. Higher on one side or the other indicates a vacuum is present and the system fan is working. Call your Radon professional if it is not working. Your Real Estate Nation agent is happy to help navigate through the process too. Good to know right?
The US Environmental Protection Agency regulates rules and measurements and there is tons of information on this topic, if got some time, go visit Epa.gov/radon