Understanding Radon Testing Basics: What You Can Expect

Whether you're preparing to sell your home and need a radon report or you're just concerned about the radon levels in the house, you may be thinking about scheduling a radon test. While radon tests will tell you what the levels are in your home, the results are only as accurate as the testing process. Understanding the testing process and how to protect its integrity will ensure that you get the most accurate results possible from your radon test.

The Testing Canisters Need to Be Positioned Properly

The first thing that you need to consider when you're conducting a radon test is that the canisters need to sit in the right place for them to gather an accurate reading. The testing canisters should always take their readings from the lowest floor of the home. That means that, if there's a basement, that's where you need to put them. It doesn't matter if the basement is finished or not. The fact that it exists means that you could finish it at some stage, so your radon testing needs to gather readings from there for accuracy.

The House Needs To Be Sealed

One thing that many people overlook when planning radon testing is the effect that open doors, chimneys, air vents, and windows can have on the test results. Radon testing is intended to read the worst possible radon levels in the house over the testing period. That means that you need to allow the radon to accumulate as it would if the home were closed up. Keep all of your windows closed, and make sure that the chimney, air vents, and any other sources of air intake are also blocked off. 

If anyone needs to go in and out of the house during the testing period, make sure that they use the door that's located as far from the radon testing canisters as possible. The key is to minimize the air disturbances as much as you can.

The Testing Runs For A Predetermined Period

Once you've positioned the canisters properly and ensured that you've eliminated any drafts or other air disturbances, you'll just have one final stage for your testing. Make sure that those canisters stay in place for the necessary length of time for a complete reading. Your radon testing contractor will tell you how long the canisters must stay in place, and they will then come back to collect them and assess the results when the testing period is over.

Talk with a radon testing contractor today for more information about your home's radon testing needs.