Radon Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Answers You Need
Have questions about radon?
Our Radon FAQs provide clear, straightforward answers to help you understand this serious health risk and how to protect your home and family.
What Is radon gas?
How does radon enter my home?
Is radon dangerous?
Do you conduct radon testing?
No. It is a conflict of interest to both test and mitigate. As such, we are strictly a radon mitigation company, but work with radon testing firms in the area to ensure safe readings for our clients. Homeowners can also purchase DIY radon tests from many home supply stores. Some home kits instruct you to mail the completed test to the lab for a fee. Results are then calculated and mailed back to you.
Should I test my home?
How deadly is radon gas?
How is radon measured?
Radon is measured in Picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. Outdoor levels are approximately 0.2 pCi/L.
How do radon mitigation systems work?
Radon mitigation systems work by reducing indoor radon levels through a process called sub-slab depressurization. By creating a vacuum beneath your home’s foundation, radon gas is safely vented outdoors, preventing it from entering your living space.
How long does it take to install a radon mitigation system?
The installation of a radon mitigation system typically takes one day. However, this may vary depending on the complexity of the system and your home’s specific requirements.
What factors affect the cost of a radon mitigation system?
The cost of a radon mitigation system depends on various factors, including your home’s size, foundation type, and radon levels. After an in-home assessment, Great Lakes Radon will provide a customized quote based on your specific needs.
Should I test for radon before buying or selling a home?
Yes, testing for radon before buying or selling a home is crucial to ensure the safety of the property. High radon levels can pose health risks, so it’s important to address any issues before a real estate transaction.
How does radon affect property value?
High radon levels can negatively impact a property’s value, as potential buyers may be deterred by potential health risks. Installing a radon mitigation system for an existing or new construction home can help address these concerns and maintain the home’s value.
Can a radon mitigation system be installed during the home buying or selling process?
Yes, a radon mitigation system can be installed during the home buying or selling process. In many cases, it can be negotiated as part of the sale, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both parties involved.
If a home already has a radon mitigation system installed, do I need to retest for radon during a real estate transaction?
It’s a good idea to retest for radon during a real estate transaction, even if the home has an existing radon mitigation system. This helps verify that the system is functioning effectively and maintaining safe radon levels within the property. Retesting provides both buyers and sellers with the necessary assurance that the living environment is safe and free from harmful radon exposure.
Is there a safe level of radon?
No. The only safe level of radon gas is 0 pCi/L. (pCi/L is measurement of radioactivity in the air.) Outdoor levels of radon are approximately 0.4 pCi/L. EPA advised Take Action Level is 4.0 pCi/L for homes.
Does the State of Illinois law require homeowners to test their home for radon?
No. The US Surgeon General and EPA strongly advise every homeowner to test their home for radon gas.
What is the average cost of a system?
Pricing varies due to age/model/construction of home. To provide the most accurate price, we prefer to come to have a look at the property. That way, we can answer any questions you have.
Why is protection important?
What test my home for radon?
The US Surgeon General recommends all homes be tested for radon gas. It’s a simple way to ensure a healthier home environment for you and your family. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. You can either hire a State Licensed radon testing professional or buy a Do It Yourself home test kit from any home supply stores. One should not assume their neighbor’s radon level is the same as their home. Levels vary from home to home. Protect your family from the risk of radon exposure.
How do you know if you need radon mitigation?
It is to everyone’s benefit to protect themselves from radon gas exposure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. The Environmental Protection Agency has set the action level for mitigation at 4.0 pCi/L. Most scientists agree that the risk of death for radon at 4 pCi/L is approximately 1 in 100. At a 4.0 pCi/L level, radon carries approximately 1000 times the risk of death compared with any other EPA carcinogen. Lung cancer risk rises 16% per 2.7 pCi/L. Radon Act 51 passed by Congress set the outdoor level of radon gas (0.4 pCi/L) as the target radon level for indoor radon levels although there is no safe level of radon exposure. If you are buying a home, the sellers are required by law to disclose existing radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L to the prospective buyer. An educated consumer will seek a radon test during the inspection process and mitigate if level tests at or above 4.0 pCi/L.
What type of services do you offer?
- Free radon mitigation estimates for all residential properties
- Installation of passive and active radon reduction systems
- 5 year, fully transferable guarantee on all installed active systems
- Fully insured
Do you have a guarantee on your services?
Do you currently encourage and collect feedback from clients?
What certification do you hold?
All technicians are State Licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)
- State Radon Professionals License since 1994
- 40 years State Licensed Plumber
- 15,000 + successful jobs
- Family owned and operated since 1991
Do you have custom offers?
Yes! Call us for a FREE estimate for existing radon conditions. We also offer the following:
- 10% discount if seller of home uses our service for both home of sale and home of purchase
- All exterior fan systems are covered with a fan housing. This fan housing protects the fan from outdoor conditions. Choose white or black.
- All fan systems include a condensation bypass system (click on link to view photo) to ensure fan longevity.
- All fan systems placed on the exterior of the home utilize gutter to exit radon flow above the highest eve. Choose from a variety of gutter colors to best suit your home. We will use PVC upon request.
