Home Inspection Firm

2297 Edmund Ave. Akron, Ohio 44312 (330) 733-6707

Radon

D.C. Home Inspection Service started the Year 2002 with a new service - Radon Testing. We searched the world over in our quest for the best training, equipment, and technicians this side of Youngstown. What we received in return was a certification from the State of Ohio and recognition by the EPA and the NEHA (National Environmental Health Association).

In keeping this process as easy as possible (we hate doing things that require lots of time and/or work) we are using continuous radon monitors, models 1027, by Sun Nuclear. This device gives us an hourly reading in chart form and can tell us if there was any amount of tampering within the testing period. To make things even more simpler yet, we can have results immediately upon retrieval of the device!!!

Current radon testing fees (as of 4/15/04) is $125.00 when combined with a home inspection or other services performed by DC Home. A stand alone radon test is $150.00. A travel and time fee may be quoted for tests outside our normal service area.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.

Radon Can Be Found All Over The U.S.

Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and build up to high levels. But you and your family are mostly likely to get your greatest exposure at home. That's where you spend most of your time.

EPA Recommends the following testing steps:

How to Lower the Radon Level in Your Home

Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. But the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your home.

There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home.

The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built. The average house costs about $700.00 to $1100.00 for a contractor to fix. The cost is much less if a passive system was installed during construction.

house cutaway

You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help you pick the right treatment method.

Check with your home inspector for names of qualified or state certified radon contractors in your area. Picking someone to fix your radon problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home repairs - you may want to get references and more than one estimate.

You should also test your home again after it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced. Most soil suction radon reduction systems include a monitor that will indicate whether the system is operating properly. In addition, it's a good idea to retest your home every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.

Note: This diagram is a composite view of several mitigation options. The typical mitigation system usually has only one pipe penetration through the basement floor; the pipe may also be installed on the outside of the house.

DC Home Inspection Service

(330) 733-6707

Check out the web-site for the EPA listed below. Just don't forget to come back here when your done...were not finished yet!