Certainly, you could have heard anything about radon before. You might even be aware that excessive levels of this naturally occurring gas can be harmful to your health if allowed to accumulate within your home. That’s a fantastic place to begin.
However, if you’re worried about the security of your home and just know that much, you’re missing out on important information. Radon levels in a home can only be determined by conducting a test. Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding radon testing and take your radon knowledge to the next level.
When should one conduct a radon test?
Taking a radon test in the fall or winter will give you the most reliable estimate of how high the radon level is in your home. When we close our windows to block out the chilly air, we also reduce the airflow through our homes, which can lead to radon buildup. Therefore, this November is a great opportunity to start planning how you will address the risks posed by radon in your house.
how do I run the test?
It’s possible to pick from a few alternates. A DIY test kit is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. You might also visit your neighbourhood library (yes, you read that right). Borrowing radon detectors is possible from a wide variety of provincial libraries. Finally, if you opt to have a third party perform the test for you, double-check that they are a member of the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program.
If my numbers are higher than the Health Canada threshold, what happens then?
Your radon levels should be reduced as quickly as possible if they are higher than Health Canada’s recommended level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. In a fortunate turn of events, radon mitigation services can be found readily and at a reasonable price. If your home is less than seven years old, the new home warranty will pay up to $50,000 for radon mitigation costs. If you want to know how to receive help from the warranty service for the radon problem, click here.
Can I skip the test if I just bought a new house?
Yes is the short and straightforward answer. To find out if your new home has high radon levels, you should have the soil tested as soon as possible because radon is more related to the soil underneath your home than the age of your property. If you need to lower radon levels, you’ll be happy to know that many brand-new homes already have rough-ins for mitigation systems.
What if my home has low radon levels?
You don’t need to take any action to reduce radon if your levels are below the Health Canada limit of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. The key is to keep an eye on them throughout time because of the potential for change. After around five years, experts advise repeating the exam.