Preparing for a Radon Test: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing for a radon test is a critical step in safeguarding your family’s health and ensuring accurate results. By following proper guidelines, such as maintaining closed-house conditions and avoiding interference with testing devices, you can achieve reliable outcomes and take necessary actions if radon levels are high. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for a radon test.

To assist you further, we've created videos in English and Spanish to guide you through the preparation process. You can watch the videos or refer to the detailed written instructions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Preparing for a Radon Test is Essential

Accurate radon testing requires maintaining specific conditions to ensure the results truly reflect the radon levels in your home. Proper preparation helps:

  • Minimize the risk of invalid results.
  • Prevent test extensions or additional fees.
  • Protect your family by identifying potential radon exposure risks.

Preparing for a radon test involves several important steps to ensure compliance with EPA and ANSI/AARST standards.

How to Prepare for a Radon Test

1. Maintain Closed-House Conditions

For short-term radon tests lasting less than four days, the following conditions must be met for the test's duration and 12 hours prior:

  • Closed Windows: Keep all windows closed on every level of the building.
  • External Doors: Keep doors closed, only opening for brief entry and exit.
  • Heating and Cooling: Operate HVAC systems as usual, maintaining temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid using window AC units unless in recirculate mode.
  • Appliance Use: Minimize the operation of devices that draw air in or out of the home (e.g., range hoods, dryers, or bathroom fans).
  • Room Fans and Dehumidifiers: Avoid using these devices in the same room as the radon testing device.
  • Central Air Conditioning: If central AC is available, ensure vents are open on all levels of the property.

2. Consider Weather Conditions

Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms or heavy rain, can affect radon test results. Be aware that these conditions may require the test to be extended beyond the scheduled period.

3. Device Handling

  • Do Not Disturb Devices: Never touch, move, or tamper with the radon testing equipment. Tamper-indicating controls may be installed, and disturbance can invalidate results.
  • Compliance Check: Inspectors will verify that closed-building conditions are maintained. If they are not, the test period may need to be extended to a 96-hour period, incurring additional fees.
Preparing for a radon test with Smart Home Radon.
Short term radon test extended due to severe weather conditions

What to Expect During the Test

  • Devices will be placed in the lowest livable area of the home, such as a basement or ground-level room.
  • Test durations typically range from 48 to 96 hours, depending on the protocol.
  • After testing, results will be analyzed to determine radon levels and next steps, if mitigation is needed.

Additional Resources

Why Proper Preparation Protects Your Home

Radon is a silent risk, but proper preparation for testing is your first step toward creating a safer environment. By maintaining closed-house conditions, following EPA protocols, and avoiding disturbances to the testing equipment, you can ensure accurate and actionable results.