Radon Testing in Real Estate Transactions

There are various options for radon testing in real estate transactions. Generally, the services provide a short-term and long-term test. Short-term tests can be done on an individual basis for a specific property, or you can have a radon test done on a house after closing. The test can be used as a basis for real estate transactions, and you can also have a radon escrow account set up for the buyer to test after closing.

Short-term radon testing

When using short-term radon testing services, you should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each test. For example, the EPA recommends that a test be performed in a room that is often used by family and friends. The best place to perform the test is an unfinished basement or lower level. To ensure accuracy, you should keep windows and exterior doors closed for at least 12 hours before the test. If the test is being conducted during a storm, be sure to shut off the HVAC system and turn off the heating or cooling system.

Long-term testing takes a month or more to get an accurate reading. This means that short-term testing cannot be used as an accurate indicator of radon levels. However, long-term testing can provide a more accurate average reading. In short, both short-term and long-term radon testing services can be beneficial. These types of tests include the alpha track, electret chamber, and electronic continuous radon monitors.

Long-term radon testing services take at least 90 days to provide a reliable reading. Short-term tests usually remain in your home for two to 90 days, while long-term tests last for up to a year. Because radon levels vary by day and season, short-term tests can only provide a general idea of radon levels. Regardless of the method you choose, radon testing is the only sure-fire way to determine if your home is contaminated with radon. The Surgeon General recommends testing every home below the third floor.

Read Also: Types and Health Risks of Non-ionizing Radiations

Cost of radon testing

The cost of radon testing and mitigation services vary greatly by zip code and region. Depending on the level of radon present in your home, you may want to consider the cost of water mitigation systems to reduce the amount of radon in your home. These systems can cost as much as $2,500 or more and involve running water through a specialized tank and air stripping. Radon gas rises to the surface as the water bubbles, and the radon gas is then vented outside.

Radon testing services vary in price. Short-term tests cost around $20 to $30, while long-term tests cost from $350 to $1,500. Short-term tests usually take two to three days, but some can last for as long as 90 days. While they may be less accurate than the long-term method, short-term tests can give a more reliable picture of radon levels than long-term tests. The price of long-term tests depends on how accurate you need the results.

Professional testing can cost anywhere from $150 to $800. Some companies add a travel fee if they’re out of their normal service area. In that case, you’ll want to find a radon testing professional in your area. Many inspectors bundle the cost of a radon test into their standard home inspection. This results in a more accurate test than a DIY test. However, the cost is much lower when the test is part of an overall home inspection.

Recommendations for radon testing

When it comes to radon tests, the EPA recommends that the test be performed in the lowest level of a home, which represents the area with the highest radon concentration. However, you can also conduct the test in a higher-use area, such as the basement, to get an accurate reading of the radon level in a particular area. This is because some test devices can be influenced by weather conditions and drafts, so make sure the tester is working under a non-interference agreement.

Before conducting the test, it is essential to close all windows and exterior doors. It is also important to close fireplaces and wood stoves, as these can affect the concentration of radon in a home. In addition, a short-term radon test should be done in areas where occupants do not spend much time. Another factor to consider is the type of testing you require. If you’re planning to do the test yourself, it is best to close the windows and doors for 12 hours before the test, since high winds can influence the radon concentration.

While the EPA encourages radon testing before purchasing real estate, it also advises that you get your home tested if you’re planning on selling it. Although the EPA’s recommendations aren’t specific to real estate, all homes have the potential to have high radon levels. Real estate agents recommend radon tests before buying a property. In addition, sellers can opt to install mitigation systems in the home before selling it. If your home has a high radon concentration, they may allow you to cover the cost in the closing.