Radon Mitigation and Day-to-Day Life

Do you know the importance of maintaining low levels of radon in your home? If so, you likely have already gone through the process of radon testing and may have a radon mitigation system in place. 

Despite having a professional radon mitigation company that seals cracks in your foundation and installs an active mitigation system, you may still want to improve the radon levels in your home. Depending on the following factors, your home may be more affected by radon than your neighbors; it may even require additional testing and care. 

• Shifting climate conditions (extreme temperature changes)
• Home temperature
• Atmospheric pressure
• Construction and/or reconstruction
• Structural features of the home
• Quality and type of insulation
• Changes in the HVAC system

Here are some habits and DIY steps you can take to minimize the levels of radon.

Minimize Radon Levels with DIY Strategies

Perform Frequent Testing

Many homeowners make the mistake of testing once, calling the professionals to mitigate the issue, and then not testing again for months or even years! It is important to periodically check the radon levels to ensure the system is doing its job, especially after getting a new active mitigation system installed. The EPA recommends testing every 2 years for all homes

Ventilate to Dissipate Radon Gas

If buildup does occur, making a habit of ventilating when possible, will dissipate excess radon in the air. When the weather is comfortable, opening up windows can circulate the airflow and send radon gas out of the house. Considering alternative ventilation solutions such as an HRV or ERV may provide additional peace of mind, along with added indrone air quality benefits. Check with our HVAC professionals for more information. HVAC technician check your system for its effectiveness at circulating air in and out of the house.

Seal Up Cracks with Caulk

Radon gas rises from the soil beneath the foundation of your home, so sealing up any cracks can make a difference in your radon levels. Purchase a caulking gun or epoxy from your local hardware store and get to work with sealing any cracks in your foundation, basement and floors. 

Use Fireplaces with Caution

When home utilities like fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or exhaust fans are in use, they can sometimes cause the air in your home to depressurize. As the air pressure lowers to less than the pressure of the soil beneath your home, more radon gas escapes and finds its way in. To combat this, open windows located near the unit or contact our HVAC professionals to discuss other possible solutions. 

Check & Treat Your Water for Radon Levels

Since water is filtered through soil, groundwater can often contain relatively high levels of radon. Fortunately, most homes receive water from cities, which rely on surface water (not groundwater) as a supply source. In the circumstance that your home uses well water, it is a good idea to get your water tested. If it contains high radon levels, there are ways it can be treated. 

Contact a Radon Company in Ames & Ankeny

Rathert Radon, a division of Cyclone Contracting, is proud to keep the health of Ames and Ankeny area citizens of primary importance. For over a decade, our team has served residents with radon mitigation services to provide peace of mind that the air you breathe remains safe. Contact us today to schedule service!