Radon FAQs
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that is in the air you breathe and the water you use for drinking, bathing, and cooking. At high levels, it is a severe health hazard.
How does radon get into my home?
Radon gas seeps into your home through the soil, dirt crawlspaces, cracks in the foundation and walls, floor drains, pipes, and sump pumps.
If I have a new home with no cracks or other openings, why should I test for radon?
As a gas, radon seeps through tiny cracks that you might not even see and can penetrate concrete directly. It can get into finished or unfinished basements and into new and old homes. You won’t know if it’s in your home unless you do a radon test. We can help you with that.
The builder says my new home is radon-resistant, so I can’t have radon, right?
Even if you have purchased a home with Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), unless you, the builder, or a home inspector tested your new home for radon, that’s not necessarily so. Although the name Radon Resistant New Construction implies that the home resists radon, RRNC is the installation of radon system pipes without a radon mitigation fan. Without the fan, the house is “radon system ready,” but not resistant to radon entry, you need a fan installed by a professional to pump the radon gas from underneath your house out.
How much does a system cost to run?
The average cost of electricity is about $60-$70 per year. There should not be any other associated costs.
How long does it take to install a radon system?
Most systems can be installed in about 2-5 hours, and even more complicated systems can almost always be done within one day.
I have a sump system. How will that affect the radon system?
Sump systems are excellent collection points for radon gas and water. We will incorporate the sump well into our system whenever possible.
Is your system guaranteed? How do I know it’s working?
Our systems are guaranteed to reduce radon in your home below the EPA recommended level of 4 pCi/L. In 95% of homes, we will see results below 4 pCi/L. After installing a system, we will do a short follow-up test to ensure proper function. If radon levels are not sufficiently lowered for any reason, Lords Radon will perform necessary repairs to the system under the warranty.
Is the fan noisy, and will it be yellow over time?
Lords Radon uses USA-made RadonAway fans and Fantech fans, depending on the job. They do not yellow over time and are fully sealed to run much quieter than other fans. Fans are secured to reduce vibration and noise.
How long will the fan last?
Our fans are covered under warranty for five years; however, most fans will last far longer under normal use.
Is there any proof that radon causes lung cancer?
The American Cancer Society says that radon is associated with up to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Epidemiological studies have shown compelling evidence that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, and smokers who are exposed to high radon levels are ten times more likely to get lung cancer. Links to the American Cancer Society and additional information can be found here. What is Radon?
How does radon cause cancer?
Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled as you breathe normally, these particles damage the cells lining the lungs. Long-term radon exposure can lead to lung cancer. Please visit our What is Radon? for additional information.
How can people know if they have an elevated radon level in their homes?
Testing is the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels. More detailed information about radon can be found on our What is Radon? page.
What if I need more information?
Videos and other links to more information can be found on the What is Radon? page.
What is the best way to contact Lords Radon?
Contact Jay Lords at Lords Radon 970-301-4581 or by email at lordsradon@outlook.com
*All estimates must include a free in-home assessment. No estimates are available over the phone.
This section contains answers to a lot of your questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please get in touch with us.
Aftercare of Your New Radon Mitigation System
Additional Information
Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of a radon mitigation system. Here are some key aftercare practices:
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring:
- Annual radon testing: Ensure the system is working effectively by conducting annual radon tests.
- Inspect for obstructions: Check for any objects blocking vents or pipes.
- Monitor power supply: Verify that the system has continuous power.
- Inspect for leaks: Look for signs of leaks around pipes or vents.
- Check for system noise: Listen for unusual noises from the fan or other components.
- Professional maintenance: Consider periodic maintenance by a qualified technician.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid obstructing vents: Keep vents clear of landscaping, furniture, or other objects.
- Be aware of changes: If you notice a sudden increase in radon levels, contact a professional.
- Consider a radon detector: A continuous radon detector can provide real-time monitoring.
- Painting the radon system: Yes, you can paint the system, but it would be best not to paint the fan. This makes it challenging to validate the warranty with the fan manufacturer. You can paint the exterior pipes and exhaust stack to match the siding of your house.
By following these practices, you can help ensure the long-term effectiveness of your radon mitigation system.
