When is the Best Time to Test Your Home For Radon Gas

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When is the Best Time of Year to Test Your Home For Radon Gas

Radon gas is colorless, odorless, invisible, and you are constantly surrounded by it especially in your home. The gas is produced naturally from a breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. When the levels of radon gas get too high and infiltrate your home, it can be deadly. Unlike carbon monoxide, there is not a device that you can leave in your home to alert you when conditions become dangerous. While there are monitors homeowners can get, they are often inaccurate and cannot monitor both radon gas and carbon monoxide.

The dangers of radon gas is not well known and is rarely discussed. This poses a large threat as symptoms of radon gas exposure take a long time to detect, so you may not be away that someone in your home is experiencing symptoms. Long term exposure can lead to cancer and even death. In fact, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. The only way to truly protect your home and family is with regular radon gas testing. But how do you know when is the best time of year to have your home tested?

Ideal Conditions for Testing Your Home for Radon

The best time to test is during the fall or winter months since your home is closed up and windows are not kept open. As a result, radon levels will be the highest during these cold months. You can test any time of year so long as windows and doors remain shut for the duration of the test in order to recreate fall and winter conditions. Testing should never be done during snow, rain, or wind storms as this can cause the readings to fluctuate from 2.0 to 6.0 pci/l points. This occurs as a result of negative pressure on the ground which forces more radon to travel up through the cracks and foundation into the home.

Types of Radon Tests


While there are a variety of radon gas testing procedures, they are not equally effective. Most homes will not be able to obtain an accurate result from just one properly executed screening measurement. Homes that are already equipped with a radon mitigation system would only require testing every few years; however, radon gas measurements should be ongoing since radon levels can change constantly

 
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Continuous Monitor by an Inspector

A specially trained and certified home inspector will set up a computerized test for at least 48 hours.  Once the test has concluded, a printout is generated which shows the hour by hour readings which determines the overall average level. These monitors are especially good at determining if the testing conditions are not ideal. For instance, the test will show a drastic drop if a window is opened during the test. If the average goes above 4.0 pci/l, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that a mitigation system be installed. While detailed, a continuous monitor can be expensive with most inspectors charging anywhere from $150-$300. Furthermore, costs could go up as inspectors have to pay to own and maintain the monitor. Monitors are re-calibrated a minimum of once a year and documented by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists.Inspectors are required to show proof of re-calibration and registration. Monitors that are not re-calibrated will undoubtedly result in an inaccurate reading, resulting in a potential loss of $850-$3000 if it is assumed the home needs radon mitigation.


 
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Homeowner Radon Monitor

Homeowners can purchase computerized tests to use in their home to detect radon levels; however, the results may appear misleading as wind, snow, and rain can increase the levels. The monitor may spike up to 9.0 pci/l simply because the wind picked up that hour, not because the levels of radon gas increased. While these monitors will provide an average over a seven day period, they are only about 50% accurate, expensive, and can be tampered with easily.


 
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Charcoal Radon Test Kits

These tests can be purchased at hardware stores, online, or directly from testing labs. American Radon, LLC will send these kits to people living in Colorado absolutely free--including lab fees. They do not require power and are often used the test the accuracy of radon monitors. They can be used during any season so long as all external doors, windows, and vents remain closed for the entire duration of the test. Depending on the test, it should be left in place for 2-8 days and in the lowest livable space.Crawl spaces are not a suitable location for a test as your family does not live in there. However, unfinished basements are suitable as this is an area that is potentially habitable. Once the test is concluded, it must arrive at a lab within 10 days so the radon does not decay and effect the reading. Priority mail will ensure that your test arrives at a lab within 2-3 business days.

 

If you would like to test your home or office for radon give American Radon, LLC a call.  We’ll send you a FREE radon test and if you have elevated levels of radon we can help you control your radon levels with a mitigation system installation.  Call 720-465-1495 for your FREE radon test. We serve all of Colorado including radon mitigation in Broomfield, and all other areas of Colorado.

For more radon tips including symptoms of radon poisoning please check out our blog.

Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Also Detect Radon?

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Carbon monoxide poisoning is a well known threat that residents must take seriously. We know that we need to check our furnaces, water heaters, and other gas-using appliances on a regular basis and that we need to have carbon monoxide detectors in nearly every room of the house. In fact, in many states, carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory by law when buying, selling, or renting a home
– and Colorado is one of them. With constant updates and revisions to Colorado laws it can be tough to keep up with the current requirements. Here is what the current law states:

Carbon Monoxide detector required by law in Colorado. ... All single and multi-family RESIDENCES
that have a fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage that are sold, rented,
remodeled, or repaired after July 1, 2009, must have a carbon monoxide detector.

Because CO detectors are so prevalent, wouldn’t it be nice if they also picked up on other
harmful gases in the home? Over the years, we’ve had a handful of clients ask us if carbon
monoxide detectors can also detect radon, and while we wish the answer was yes, unfortunately
we want to make sure to dispel the notion that CO detectors are able of detecting radon gas.

Colorless and Odorless Doesn’t Mean Equal

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It’s true that both carbon monoxide and radon gas are colorless and odorless – but that’s about all they have in common. CO is detectable by CO detectors – radon requires a different test entirely. Carbon monoxide poisoning results in more immediate reactions:

·       Headaches

·       Weakness

·       Nausea

·       Difficulty breathing

·       Confusion

·       Blurred vision

·       Loss of consciousness

·       Death

Radon poisoning, however, results in more long-term health effects:

·       Coughing

·       Chest pains

·       Recurring respiratory infections

·       Hoarseness

·       Wheezing

·       Difficulty breathing

·       Lung cancer

·       Death

While carbon monoxide poisoning is highly dangerous, it results in around 500 deaths per year in the United States. Radon, however, is estimated to be responsible for 21,000 deaths every year. For this reason, we believe that radon gas poisoning deserves just as much if not more attention than CO poisoning.

Radon Testing is the Only Foolproof Way to Detect Radon

So, to answer the question of whether or not carbon monoxide detectors also detect radon, the answer is no. CO detectors are made to do just what the name implies: detect carbon monoxide gas. Radon gas can only be detected by a radon test kit, which is a one-time use kit. The kits are
easy to use and are available at your local hardware store, radon mitigation company, or online
lab.

Get Your Free Radon Testing Kit

Call American Radon LLC today and ask about our free radon testing services. We also offer free lab work; meaning you’ll get the results of your test at no cost to you. If your home has dangerously high levels of radon, we’ll assist you in getting the proper mitigation equipment installed. So keep your carbon monoxide test up to date and operational, but don’t forget to test your home for the other deadly gas that could be lingering in your home.

Is Radon Only a Problem in Colorado?

At American Radon LLC, we dedicate a great deal of our time educating our fellow Coloradans about radon gas, its risks, and how to handle it in the home. But is radon gas only a problem in Colorado? What if you move to another state – do you have to worry about radon levels there?

Unfortunately, it’s not just Colorado that has a radon problem.

Radon exists everywhere, and that’s because it’s a naturally occurring biproduct of the radioactive decay of uranium. Huh? Simply put, it means that to varying degrees radon gas is
always present, even when you are outside in the fresh air. Where it gets concerning is when
those levels of radon above 4.0 pci.l (parts per million). It’s these higher concentrations of radon
gas that become dangerous in the home.

Radon Concentrations in the United States

What other states in the U.S. are prone to high radon gas levels? Check out this map of radon concentrations in the United States. You can see that areas shaded with a darker red have the highest radon gas concentrations. In general, radon levels seem to increase when in the central United States, and even more so when you go further north. Looking at this, it’s clear that radon isn’t just a problem in Colorado.

States with higher average radon levels:

·       Colorado

·       Wyoming

·       North Dakota

·       Iowa

·       Pennsylvania

·       Montana

·       Maine

·       Illinois

·       Indiana

·       Ohio

Worldwide Radon Concentrations

What about radon gas in other countries in the world? It can be difficult to find this information, even with thousands of online resources. You can look at this map of worldwide radon concentrations from 2007 for a general idea, though. Many of the countries depicted are missing data, however it’s clear that the U.S. isn’t the only one with a radon gas problem.

Other Countries with high radon levels:

·       South Korea

·       Canada

·       Ireland

·       China

Our hope is that more and more countries are made aware of radon’s dangers so they can also be proactive in removing it from homes, offices, and other indoor areas. As public awareness increases, so will public funding and programs aiming to lessen the impact of radon on our health and daily lives.

We ask that you do your part and share as much information about radon with family and friends – and we promise that we’ll continue to do the same.

Want to Find Out More About Radon? Here's How

At American Radon we consider it part of our job to educate people about the facts and dangers of radon gas.  Below is a guide to the best sources on radon, helping you to find out more about radon for yourself, your family, and friends.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a ton of resources on radon, including a list of local radon zones and contact information, publications on radon research, information on the National Radon Action Plan, information about radon in schools, FAQs, and so much more. If you are looking for a comprehensive resource for all things radon, we recommend visiting this site first. They also have a downloadable map of radon zones in the U.S. so you can check and see if your home state is at risk for high radon levels indoors.

Radon.com from Air Check Inc.

Radon.com is another great resource with helpful information about radon gas. They have a radon fact sheet, information on radon mitigation testing, and a list of useful radon links that can be a great educational resource for kids. Browse through the resources on this site if you want to know more about radon gas in your home or building.

Radon Information provided by American Radon LLC.

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society has a page dedicated to radon since it is the number two leading cause of lung cancer in America, second only to cigarettes. Visit this site to find out more about what radon is, how and where radon exposure occurs, radon induced cancer, and studies to test the cancer-causing effects of radon gas. This page also discusses how to tell if you’ve been exposed, next steps if you suspect you’ve been exposed, and how to avoid exposure altogether. This is definitely a valuable source and one we always recommend to our fellow Coloradoans.

Ask the Professionals

Lastly, know that your local radon mitigation specialists are a resource as well. At American Radon, we’ll continue to provide you with facts about radon, answer your questions, and help you to make your home safer for everyone in it. Call us today and as about our free radon test kits and more!

 

Is Radon Leaking in Through My Crawl Space?

If you live in Colorado, then you’ve undoubtedly heard about radon gas and its dangers. We often talk about radon gas coming up through your home’s foundation or through the basement, but what about your crawl space? Can radon leak in through the crawl space to the rest of your home – and if so, what can you do about it? We’ll address this important question here to provide you with some critical answers.

First Step: Test for Radon

The first and most important step in discovering whether you have radon in your crawl space is to test for radon. You can do this yourself with a radon test kit purchased online or from us for FREE.  We provide all Coloradans with a free radon test kit and even pay for the lab fees.  If the results come back above the EPA recommended level of 4.0 pci/l then it is time to get the estimate for mitigation. 

Will Radon Get to the Rest of My Home?

The short answer is yes. If radon is coming up through your crawl space, it won’t just stay in your crawl space beneath your home, but will find a way to travel up to the rest of your living space. This is why you need to test the livable space ABOVE the crawl space rather than inside of it.  We want to know how much radon is making its way into the living area.

What to Do About Crawl Space Radon

If you’ve tested for high levels of radon in your home or crawl space, then you need to do the following:

·       Call in the professionals

Call a professional radon mitigation specialist in your area. Using the radon results from your pre-mitigation test they'll give you an estimate on a crawl space mitigation system.

·       Invest in radon mitigation

Once high radon levels are established, your radon specialist will recommend a radon removal method. For crawl spaces, a crawlspace membrane is usually installed which helps prevent radon gas from entering your home. If your crawl space has a concrete floor, your technician will likely recommend sub-slab depressurization.

The bottom line? It’s important to test for radon annually and to take appropriate steps to remove it from your home fast. For more information, give us a call.  

Does Radon Gas Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

There are many things that Colorado residents don’t know about radon, even though we have some of the highest concentrations of radon gas in the U.S. We get calls all the time from people asking us whether this or that could be a sign of radon gas in their home. To be honest, we often get customers asking us if radon gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur or burning or any number of other things. We’re here to answer that question once and for all.

Radon Has No Smell

We hate to break it to you, but radon gas does not smell like rotten eggs. In truth, radon doesn’t smell like anything at all. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, which is what makes it all the more dangerous for you and your home. Only tests designed especially for radon can give you an accurate reading on the level of radon gas in your home.

What Could Be Causing the Rotten Egg Odor?

If you are one of the unlucky ones who has a home smelly awfully eggy, there could be any number of reasons why. A clogged drain or main sewer line can introduce foul odors into the home, and so can debris or dead animals caught in your air ducts. If your home smells bad, make sure to call a service professional in your area to pinpoint the source of the smell and get it resolved. Even if it’s not radon, you still don’t want to let the problem go unfixed.

Why you should still Test for Radon

Okay, so your rotten egg smell isn’t from radon – you’re off the hook, right? Wrong. Because radon gas is so elusive, and because it’s the number two leading cause of lung cancer, and because Colorado has a super high concentration of radon gas, we think you should still go ahead and test for radon. If you don’t currently have a mitigation system in place, then there is no better time than now to ensure that your home is safe from the dangers of radon. Call your nearest professional radon mitigation specialist today and ask about radon testing in your area.

Can Radon Get into My Drinking Water?

We spend a lot of time talking about radon gas seeping into your home from the ground, but are there other ways in which you can be introduced to radon gas? Unfortunately, yes there are. We get quite a lot of people asking us if it can get into my home, can radon also get into my drinking water? The answer is a bit more complex that a simple yes or no. To put it bluntly, yes, radon does have the potential to get into your household water supply. However, radon in drinking water is more of a concern if you have a private well or water supply, and you are also using that water as drinking water. Radon in water can be released whenever you wash clothes, dishes, shower, or any other activity that uses water. While the highest risk for radon gas poisoning is via a foundation crack, every year about 30 in 1800 deaths per year are thought to be caused by radon in a water supply.

How Does Radon Get in My Drinking Water?

There are various ways that radon can contaminate your drinking water. Again, this is more important if you own a home that uses a private well, since the water is coming directly from an underground water source and into your well without being filtered or treated, like city-supplied water. If your groundwater is surrounded by granite or gravel, it’s possible that you have high concentrations of dissolved radon that can leach into your water supply.

How Can I Test for Radon in My Water?

There are many companies that offer radon testing in water. Make sure to choose a state certified and licensed contractor who can professionally test your water supply for radon. If radon is found in your drinking water, the contractor will likely suggest either an aeration treatment or a granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment. These treatment techniques remove radon from your water at the point where it enters your home, ensuring that your whole home is free of radon in the water supply.

Do you suspect that you might have radon in your drinking water? Take action today to have your water tested. American Radon LLC can help refer you to a local contractor who specializes in testing for radon in private wells in Colorado.

Educational Radon Activities for Students

Educational Radon Event for Students EPA

Even though radon awareness month has passed, it’s still a great time of year to educate your families about radon. What are some educational radon activities for students and kids? While the activities you choose will vary based on age or grade level, just taking steps to make your kids radon savvy is a great move on your part, as a parent or an educator. The EPA has provided a useful list of educational radon activities, geared mainly toward middle school aged kids. Consider adapting some of these activities for younger and older grade levels, though, and you’ll be equipped with some great radon educational activities for your class.

Poster Contest

Back in 2011, the EPA posted about the Radon Kids on their blog. Two young kids, aged 10 and 11, worked to start a grassroots movement called RAP (Radon Awareness Project) that would operate in conjunction with Colorado city officials in order to increase awareness of radon in schools. The two young founders also created a radon awareness poster, and we think this is a great way to do something creative, fun, and informative with your kids. Have them work in groups to design posters and challenge them to include at least a few facts in order to help them improve their radon knowledge.

Spelling and Vocabulary

One huge part of becoming radon aware is understanding the vocabulary. Put together a vocabulary list appropriate for your age group (e.g. “poison,” “gas,” and “radon” might be best for younger groups, but “Uranium,” “radioactive decay,” and “atom” might be better for older age groups. Just having students learn to spell and define the words provides an excellent foundation.

Radon Mitigation Education in Colorado

Experiments

The EPA has some awesome ideas for simple experiments students can do in order to understand how radon gas actually works. One idea is to have students think about why some homes have higher radon levels than others. While they come up with ideas, distribute varying soil samples. The idea is that soil that is more permeable (larger chunks of rock or gravel) allows more radon to escape when compared to clay or slate. Help your students brainstorm different ideas and get their brain juices flowing.

Map Coloring

Print out a map of the united states and have students color it according to radon levels in the soil. This will bring awareness of the soil composition in their home state. They’ll quickly see that Colorado and other areas in the northern United States have the highest levels of radon in the soil.

National Radon Action Month: What’s it All About?

National Radon Action Month - Radon System in Colorado

Some of you may know that January is National Radon Action Month (NRAM), as proclaimed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and various other organizations. However, for every person who knows about radon’s dangers, there are at least a dozen who don’t. Our goal at American Radon LLC. is to spread the word about radon’s dangers, and how we can combat them together. We encourage families and business owners in Colorado to test their properties for radon every other year (if there is not an active system in place), or every three to five years (with active systems). Don't take risks with the health of you and your loved ones! This is one of the reasons we offer FREE radon test kits for all Coloradans. Plus, it's always a great idea to updated records in case you find yourself in a quick real estate transaction.

Colorado’s Stance on Radon Awareness Month

Coloradoans take NRAM seriously. How serious? In January 2017, Chrystine Kelley (Colorado’s radon program manager) released a proclamation signed by the governor of Colorado stating their official participation in radon action and radon awareness month. Here’s a brief outline of the key points of the proclamation:

·       Colorado residents and businesses are encouraged to test for radon

·       Radon gas occurs naturally, is colorless, odorless, and radioactive

·       Radon causes an estimated 500 deaths in Colorado each year

·       50% of homes in CO have high radon levels

·       Radon testing is hassle-free and cheap

The fact that the governor John W. Hickenlooper himself put his name on the proclamation and dedicated January as radon action month for the state of Colorado tells you how serious the issue is. This isn’t just a bunch of service providers trying to scare you into buying their product: it’s a group of professionals voicing concern over the well-being and livelihood of their communities.

What Can You Do?

1.     Test, test, and test again.

Radon levels are always fluctuating. A home that tested within acceptable levels one time of year might yield much higher levels a few months later. Test your home on an annual if you don't already have a system in place.

2.     Look for a National Radon Action Month event near you.

Many organizations put on events for NRAM. Encourage family and friends to attend with you, and bring the kids along too.

3.     Tell your friends and family about radon’s dangers.

There are always people out of the loop when it comes to the dangers of radon poisoning. If you know someone who just moved to CO from another state, tell them about radon mitigation and removal.

4. Call us for a free radon test kit for your own property or for a friend, family member, or neighbor.

We offer radon mitigation in Denver and all over Colorado!

Are Radon Levels Higher in Winter?

radon installation on Littleton, CO home

We spend our days teaching people about the dangers and tell-tale signs of radon gas poisoning – and that means answering a lot of questions about radon. One of the common questions we get is whether or not radon levels fluctuate. But more importantly, are radon levels higher in winter or summer, or somewhere in between? This is an excellent question, and one we want to dive into more deeply here. Not only will the answer affect your radon test results, but it will also influence when and how often you should be testing for dangerously high levels of radon gas in your home or building. But the question of whether or not radon levels are higher in winter definitely has multiple parts. Here are a few things to consider.

1.    Closed windows and doors.

First, we have to consider how we treat our homes differently in winter as opposed to the other seasons. Are you more likely to leave your doors and windows open, or closed? Likely, you’ll keep your home shut tight by closing windows, keeping doors to the outside shut, and even keeping your curtains drawn to increase insulation and improve energy efficiency as you run your furnace.

What does this mean for radon levels?

It means that as radon naturally leaks from the soil and up into your home, it’s going to have nowhere to escape. So don’t be surprised if you tested your home for radon in the summer, spring, or fall and showed safe levels (below 4.0 pCi/L), then retested in winter and showed unsafe radon levels. For this reason, we recommend testing your home at different times during the year to see if your levels are ever reaching unsafe limits.

2.    Blanket effect.

Radon mitigation system installed in Littleton, CO

What’s another thing to consider? Snow. In Colorado, we see quite a lot of it. And what does snow like to do? It likes to create a beautiful winter blanket over the ground. But that very same snow that solicits oohs and aahs can also be causing higher radon gas levels in your home. Because radon gas seeps out from the soil, a snow blanket on top of the ground means there is more of a barrier to its escape. What’s the next easiest path? Through the soil beneath your home. The blanket effect can lead to higher radon levels in winter as radon seeks out the easiest possible escape route. If you live in an area with heavy snow for much of the year, we highly recommend having your home tested or re-tested for radon in winter.

3.    Stack effect.

The stack effect involves differing pressure levels in your home based on temperature. Air near the top of your home is under higher pressure as it tries to escape outside, whereas there is lower pressure near the bottom of your home as air flows inward. The difference in pressure is higher when the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is greater. This means that it’s at its highest in winter time (next highest in summer), thus contributing to increased radon levels in winter.

Colorado Daycare Radon Testing Requirements

Our mission at American Radon LLC is to spread knowledge about the dangers of radon gas, and to also keep the public informed about existing rules and regulations regarding radon that are in place in Colorado in order to help mitigate radon. Every year new regulations are being passed and bills are being written so it can be confusing to know just what is required. However, that means that it is a very exciting time for us as we see more and more people realizing just how crucial it is to keep our homes, schools, and other public spaces free from dangerous radon levels.

One question we are asked quite a bit (especially after we’ve installed a radon mitigation system in a home with young children present) is whether or not daycares in Colorado are required to test for radon.

Do Colorado Daycare Facilities Need to Test for Radon?

Up until recently, the answer to this question was no, there was no requirement in place. 

But a recent rule put in place by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment made it so that all daycare facilities must be tested for radon if they were established before January 14, 2016. These daycare facilities have until May 1, 2017 to test their facilities and to have the proper equipment installed. All other daycares established after January 14, 2016 must have their facilities tested within six months of occupancy.

After testing is completed, the facility managers are required to review their test results and take appropriate actions if high radon levels (above 4.0 pCi/L) are detected. They must also keep their test results on file so you will be able to review the test results for your individual daycare as requested.

What Rooms Need to Be Tested?

Officially only rooms that are considered “frequently occupied spaces” need to be tested. What does that mean? Essentially, any area or room where children, parents, teachers, or other staff members are frequently gathered. This includes the following spaces:

  • Multi-purpose rooms
  • Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Infant rooms
  • Toddler rooms
  • Dining areas

It’s important to note that any room that has frequent use and is located above a basement or crawl space, or whose walls and floors are in contact with the ground, must be tested for radon.

Who Does the Testing?

There are a couple of options here: A) you can opt to do the testing yourself, which requires purchasing enough radon test kits for your space; or B) you can hire a certified radon testing contractor to do the testing for you. Because radon testing is so critical, we recommend having a licensed professional do it for you. American Radon, LLC offers radon testing and removal in Denver and all over Colorado.  It will give you peace of mind knowing that the testing was accurate, and that your facility and its occupants are safe. All testing should be in accordance with EPA guidelines.

As more and more people are made aware of the dangers of radon in Colorado, we expect to see more legislature passed to include radon testing for all buildings. For now rest assured that the daycare centers of Colorado are being tested for radon and that your children are safe to spend many hours inside these buildings.  Give us a call for a radon testing consultation or free estimate for radon mitigation in Parker, radon mitigation in Denver, radon mitigation in Westminster and anywhere in Colorado.

American Radon Partners with Homes for Heroes

At American Radon, we care about giving back to our community. We are proud to announce our recent partnership with Homes for Heroes, a program that provides discounted rates on home investment services to firefighters, law enforcement officials, military, teachers, and healthcare workers all across the country. This is our way of saying thank you to those of you who make a difference in our lives and the lives of our community members every single day.

What is the Program?

Homes for Heros partnering with American Radon in Littleton, CO

Homes for Heroes was established just after 9/11 by a network of real estate and local business representatives. Not only does Homes for Heroes provide discounted rates to service men and women, but a portion of each sale is then donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a funding source to help out other teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officials in need of financial assistance. The Homes for Heroes organization has received many awards since its foundation, including the Red Cross Community Hero Award and the MN Business Magazine Award for Social Entrepreneurship.

 

Homes for Heroes isn’t just offered in Colorado, it’s offered nationwide. Check out the Homes for Heroes website here to look up the deals offered in your location.

What discounts does American Radon offer?

American Radon LLC offers free radon testing and a $50 discount through the Homes for Heroes Program. We are proud to be able to give a little bit back to the heroes who have been helping our local Colorado community day in and day out. Through our offer, they can get free radon testing in their home to ensure that dangerous levels of radon aren’t present. If radon mitigation equipment is required, they’ll get a discount no matter what.

How do I take advantage of the program?

To take advantage of the Homes for Heroes offer above, visit their website and click “Get Offer.” You’ll be directed to a PDF that you can print or save directly to your smartphone. Schedule your free radon test with American Radon, and present the coupon at your appointment. We’ll handle the rest!


American Radon LLC is looking forward to helping out our local heroes with our radon mitigation and testing services. Call us today to schedule your testing appointment!

A Look at the Northern Colorado Housing Boom

It’s been a hot topic for the past few years, but the truth remains - housing prices in Northern Colorado continue to increase. An example of the rule of supply and demand; more and more people are migrating to Colorado for jobs and to start families (take out comma) yet the number of available homes isn’t increasing at the same rate. This means that if you’re trying to sell your home, you’re in luck - but buying a new one is a different story.

What It Means for Homeowners

According to the Coloradoan, home value in Fort Collins will double over the next 10 years, with prices rising to rates comparable those in Boulder today. So your single family home that is currently worth $250,000 can easily be worth $500,000 or more in just a decade. Similar price increases are expected for Longmont and Loveland. This is great news for anyone who recently purchased or is looking to purchase a new home (take out comma) since the investment value will be extremely high.

(Note: be sure to educate yourself on what it takes to buy or sell a home with high radon levels)

What It Means for Home Buyers

However, there are also those who caution against too much excitement. Eric Thompson of Windermere Real Estate notes that while housing prices may continue to increase, we also need to keep an eye on the inflation rate. Thompson makes a point when he says that “we also need wage growth to keep up. We need enough people in the population to be able to afford to pay those prices.” If potential home buyers don’t see adequate wage increases, they may not be able to afford to buy a home in Northern Colorado for very much longer.

As more and more people move to Northern Colorado from out of state, it’s important to realize the impact this will have on the radon mitigation industry. First of all, Colorado is unique in that it has extremely high levels of radon compared to the rest of the United States. Someone moving from the west or east coast into Colorado may have zero knowledge about radon gas, radon poisoning, or the importance of radon mitigation in Longmont or other areas. And remember, radon testing is not currently mandated by law in Colorado, so this is something that a potential home buyer will have to figure out along the way.

What It Means for Job Seekers

So what exactly needs to happen in order to keep up with rising housing prices in Northern Colorado? The simple answer is more jobs. Luckily, there’s some good news on that front, too.

Interior vs Exterior Radon Mitigation Systems

When it comes time for you to choose which radon mitigation system to install, you’ll be given the option of choosing between interior vs exterior radon mitigation systems. Exterior radon mitigations are far more common than interior ones, but it’s still useful to understand the pros and cons of each so as to better make a decision for your home and personal needs.

Internal Radon Removal Systems

Some of our customers ask us about internal radon mitigation equipment, mainly because they are worried that an external system will be unsightly or difficult to maintain. The main benefit of an internal radon remediation setup is that it is overall more aesthetically pleasing. You don’t have any exposed pipes on the outside of your home, and the pipes simple exit through a small hole in the roof.

However, the pros might not be worth it when exploring the potential drawbacks of an internal radon mitigation system. First of all, internal systems require a lot more work to install - and they are therefore more costly. Pipes must be routed through your home, and often times that means through your garage, closets, and sometimes even your bedroom. And because the pipes are within the walls of your home, they can be potential fire hazards. Lastly, internal radon mitigation equipment requires more piping with more sharp bends. Each bend results in more restricted airflow and less efficiency in allowing radon gases to escape from your home.

Pros

  • They look nice

  • Blend in with existing roofline

Cons

  • More expensive to install

  • Fans can get too hot in summer

  • Might require running pipe through rooms/closets

  • Must run piping through your garage

  • Requires more 90 degree bends, lowering efficiency

  • More detailed building codes to follow

External Radon Removal Systems

In light of all the extra complications that installing an internal radon mitigation system involves, many customers opt for an external radon removal system. These systems, while not as outwardly pleasing to the eye, provide a host of benefits (and honestly, they aren’t that distracting from your home’s facade). They are easily serviced, since all parts are readily accessible. They require fewer sharp bands, and are therefore more efficient in letting of radon gases. And the external radon remediation equipment is much less invasive, and won’t have to be run through your garage, closets, or bedrooms.

Pros

  • Servicing and inspection is easy

  • Parts are readily accessible

  • Don’t have to tear up the roof to install

  • No piping running through your rooms or garage

  • Fewer 90 degree bends, increasing efficiency

  • Better airflow for radon gas to escape

Cons

  • They don’t look as nice

  • Fans can potentially freeze up in winter

Other Factors to Consider

If you live in a town home, apartment, or condominium complex, it could be more difficult to get a radon mitigation system installed. We wrote earlier about an instance where a Stapleton resident was denied permission to install a radon mitigation system by her Homeowner’s Association. Regardless of which radon mitigation system you choose to install, you’ll have to jump through some hoops to get approval and to make sure everything is completed up to code.

If you think you're home or office might have high levels of radon give us a call today for a free test.  We offer radon mitigation in Longmont, radon mitigation in Denver, radon removal in fort collins and many more places.

New Regulations Could Help Low Income Households Pay for Radiation Mitigation in Colorado

New Regulations Could Help Low Income Households Pay for Radiation Mitigation in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is proposing a new regulation that would help lower income families pay for radon testing and radon mitigation equipment. This new regulation, called the Colorado Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance (LIMA) Program could help thousands of families  This would make for an exciting turn

What is the Proposed LIMA Program?

The Colorado LIMA Program would allocate funding that would allow for certified radon mitigation contractors to provide subsidized installation for families who could not otherwise afford radon mitigation testing and equipment. The proposed regulation (also known as Part 21) would cover initial radon testing, radon equipment installation, and follow up radon testing to ensure that radon levels are below 4 pCi/L. Homeowners meeting a certain income criteria would simply need to file appropriate paperwork in order to receive approved radon equipment installation assistance.

What are the Benefits of the Part 21 Regulation?

The proposed Part 21 regulation would be a huge step forward for American Radon’s personal goal of providing radon testing and mitigation services to every household and businessowner in Colorado. Radon poisoning is, as our customers know, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. While some financial assistance initiatives are in place, they pale in comparison to the proposed LIMA program. One main goal of the proposed regulation is to reduce the rate of radon-induced cancers, especially in low income homes in Colorado.

Who Would Be Affected by the Proposed LIMA Program?

Residents

As can be expected, individuals in low income housing would be primarily affected by the proposed LIMA regulation. Low income homeowners would be able to sign up for assistance and have radon testing performed in their home. If their home tests above 4.0 pCi/L for radon, they could then qualify for subsequent radon mitigation services from a qualified radon contractor in their area.

Contractors

If a contractor wants to be listed as a LIMA certified mitigation contractor, they would need to meet certain criteria and file paperwork. All other contractors not wishing to be part of the proposed LIMA program would not be affected.

At American Radon LLC, we are excited about the proposed low income radon mitigation assistance program, and we hope to share new developments about the LIMA program with you as they unfold.  As always call us for any radon mitigation in Denver, radon mitigation in Broomfield, and radon mitigation in Westminster needs.

 

HOA Association Denies Radon Mitigation Installation in Denver

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Recently, a story has hit the news regarding a woman in Stapleton, CO, whose efforts to install a radon mitigation system have been blocked by her Homeowner’s Association. Despite showing an initial indoor radon level of 4.0 pCi/L (right at the cusp of being a hazardous level), the HOA denied her request stating that the equipment would be unsightly and dangerous to other homes.

The situation is ongoing, but the homeowner, Melissa Crowder, has already suffered the consequences of her HOA’s lack of approval. While her home could still sell, she won’t be getting anywhere near the original offer price (at least $5,000 less).

Seeing as how we at American Radon, LLC are experts in the radon mitigation department, we are taking this news story as an opportunity to dispel some misconceptions about radon mitigation and radon levels.

But Wait - Doesn’t Radon Cause Cancer?

Yes. Radon poisoning is the second leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. That’s why various health officials were concerned about Crowder’s story. Crowder even obtained a letter from Chrystine Kelley, the Radon Program Manager for the state of Colorado, who stated that the HOA’s concerns about indoor air quality and radon leaking into nearby homes was not a legitimate concern.

Radon Levels Fluctuate, Right?

Indeed they do. We recently wrote about several causes of radon level fluctuation, which can change based on wind, rain, winter cold, or even summer heat. We can’t stress enough how important it is to test and retest your home for dangerous radon levels.

Crowder’s HOA did have her retest her home for radon. While the initial test showed a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L, the second showed radon levels of 2.7 pCi/L. However, the original buyer was already on the alert from the initial test results, which were high enough to warrant the installation of a mitigation system.

Currently, there is no known “safe” radon level

Because the results of second test were drastically different from the first, we would have recommended getting yet another test done to better assess the situation. But what would have been the best solution? We err on the side of caution, and because radon levels are always changing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

We know that exposure to higher levels increases the risk of lung cancer. If your home ever tests high, it’s best to have a mitigation system put into place.

I thought Radon Mitigation Was Required by Law?

Actually, radon testing is not required by law, and neither is radon mitigation equipment. But it might be very soon. Our goal, and the goal of many other activists such as the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSar), is to increase the awareness of radon danger and to help people take steps to protect their loved ones and their homes by installing radon mitigation equipment in Colorado.

Won’t Selling My Home be Easier with Radon Equipment Installed?

Absolutely. As Crowder’s situation demonstrates, a radon mitigation system can make or break a sale when it comes time to put your house on the market. It is possible to buy and sell a home with high radon levels, however, as long as you’re willing to put the proper mitigation system in place (and your efforts aren’t blocked by your HOA).

Your Health is the First Priority

One big takeaway we want our readers to have is not only that a radon mitigation system doesn’t have to be expensive or ugly, but also that your health is the ultimate priority. Protect your family from radon poisoning and invest in radon mitigation today, whether you’re in need of Denver radon removal, Radon mitigation in Aurora, or Longmont radon testing.

 

Buying and Selling a Home with High Radon Levels

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Buying and Selling a Home with High Radon Levels

One common question we get at American Radon, LLC. is what to do when buying or selling a home with high radon levels. Radon is everywhere, regardless of where you live. But in Colorado, certain areas are known to be particularly high in radon - so high that it is dangerous to your health if exposed to these areas for long periods of time. However radon mitigation equipment can solve this problem eliminating negative health side effects.

So what should I do when I go to buy or sell a home in Colorado?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

We’ll go over what to do when putting your home on the market and shopping around for a new home in Colorado. The home buying process doesn’t have to be scary or stressful if you follow our simple advice.

Can I sell my home that has high radon levels?

The first thing you need to do is have your home tested for dangerous levels of radon. Even if your home has been tested for safe radon levels in the past it’s a good idea to have your home tested every year - or at least every two years.

Why do we recommend frequent radon testing?

Not only does testing assure that your home is safe to live in, but it proves to future potential buyers that your home doesn’t have high radon levels - and hasn’t for X number of years. Current tests results also confirm that your home is below the EPA recommended level for action; therefore if you do not have a radon system installed you have the test results to explain why.

So - can you sell your home that has tested high for radon?

Absolutely. Currently there are no laws in Colorado forcing homes on the market to be mitigated, but that could change soon. You’ll just be better off handling the situation before putting your home on the market. If you’ve tested high for radon in your home, then contact your local radon mitigation specialist and schedule an estimate for mitigationOnce the radon mitigation system has been installed you will have the post-mitigation test to prove the home is safe.  This can be a huge weight off the potential buyer's back and can help the sale of your home go smoothly. 

Should I buy a house that has high radon levels?

Yes - of course. The question is whether or not you want to pay for the appropriate radon mitigation installation yourself. Talk to your realtor about getting the previous owner to pay for the radon reduction equipment, and get it installed prior to moving into the home. Or you can have the money for the mitigation system in Escrow which will then be directly paid to the installer when you are ready to schedule the work, whether that be before or after your move in.

Remember - radon is everywhere. A home with high radon levels is still a viable option, as long as proper radon mitigation equipment is put in place and the post mitigation test results show that the home is at safe levels.  American Radon, LLC. is your trusted radon removal contractor for all of Colorado including radon removal in Fort Collinsradon removal in Colorado Springs, and radon removal in Aurora.

What can I do about dangerous radon levels?

Here are the straight facts about buying or selling a home with dangerously high radon levels.

You should only buy a home in Colorado that has been recently radon tested.

Better safe than sorry, right? Know what future costs you’re up against by asking that the seller provide radon testing results before signing the deal.

You should fix your radon problem before putting your home on the market.

Having the radon mitigation system already installed before listing alleviates one extra obstacle when selling your home. In fact, having a working system with low results during the inspection process can sometimes even be a selling point. With the Colorado market as competitive as it is, this can give you a leg up by eliminating another project for a potential buyer. The straight truth is that your home will be more likely to sell if you’ve already taken care of any radon issues. It makes the buyer more comfortable and spares him or her from expenses after buying.

Not sure if your home has high radon levels? Get it tested for free today.

Contact your local radon mitigation specialist for a radon test. At American Radon, we provide initial radon tests and results for free. 

Test and test again.

Even after you’ve made sure that your home has the proper mitigation equipment, you should  re-test every two years to ensure that everything is in proper working order.  Trust us - you’ll be grateful for the peace of mind it gives you, and you'll have current test records in case you find yourself selling your home. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Radon Poisoning?

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What are the symptoms of radon poisoning?

As the second largest cause of lung  cancer in the United States, it’s important to understand what radon is, what the dangers are, and what actions to take if you show signs of radon poisoning.

We also want our clients to know the dangers of radon poisoning and to understand the radon poisoning signs so that they can keep their homes and families safe and healthy.

In this blog we will go over some of the symptoms of radon poisoning and radon exposure symptoms, how to handle radon exposure, and ways you can protect your home from radon. Staying informed about the signs of radon gas exposure and symptoms of radon gas poisoning will make it so that you can seek medical attention faster if need be and prevent exposure.

Symptoms of Radon Poisoning and Radon Exposure

Signs of radon poisoning symptoms closely resemble those of lung cancer – which is no surprise since both affect the lungs primarily. Here are symptoms you should look out for:

  • A cough that won’t go away

  • Trouble breathing

  • Blood in mucus when coughing

  • Chest pains

  • Wheezing

  • Frequent respiratory infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.)

Additional, long term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.  It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer. Radon exposure symptoms can disguise themselves as typical cold symptoms, or may seem like they are not that big of a deal. It is crucial that you seek medical attention if you start to notice these signs. If you or a family member has been exposed to radon, then follow the steps below. 

What to Do if You are Exposed to Radon

Even if your home goes through radon gas mitigation to remove toxic radon gas, it can take a great deal of time for symptoms of radon gas poisoning to arrive. Health problems, including lung cancer, can arise after years of initial exposure. First, you may have an incessant cough or find that you get short of breath really easily. You could also have blood come up when you cough, experience chest pain, or find yourself losing weight without ever really trying. While you can have your home tested for radon gas levels, there is currently no way to test if you have physically been exposed to radon. Unfortunately, there is also not a way to clean radon gas out of your body. However, there are some actions you can take if you suspect you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon or are showing symptoms of radon gas poisoning.

  1. Quit smoking. Smokers who have also been exposed to radon have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.

  2. See a medical professional. If you notice any of the signs above, it’s critical that you see a doctor and express your concerns. Your doctor will conduct the appropriate medical tests in order to get you back on your feet.

  3. Have your home tested for radon. Radon mitigation is important because it is the best method to rid your house of radon gas if your home is displaying signs of radon in your home. Call a professional radon mitigation company, such as American Radon, for radon testing today. 

Symptoms of High Radon in Your Home

The most frustrating and alarming things about radon gas is that it is impossible to discover from just your senses. Because it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and does not stain, it shows zeros signs to inform you of its presence. Radon gas will seep its way into your home through cracks in the foundations, or gaps between pipes, or through cracked windows. If you discover any openings like those in your home, you should be extremely cautious of potential signs of radon poisoning. It can be difficult to know if you or a family member has been exposed to radon gas, so be mindful if you start to notice symptoms of radon gas poisoning like chest pain, or radon cough which would look like a cough that does not seem to go away.

How To Tell If Your Home Has Radon Gas

Given the fact that radon gas is invisible and has no smell, the only way to determine if your home has been infiltrated by radon gas is to go through testing. A radon gas test will determine the levels of radon gas and can determine if your home needs radon mitigation to decrease the amount in your home. A common, basic testing kit is a do-it-yourself charcoal test. In these kits, charcoal absorbs the gas and then is evaluated at a lab to determine the exact levels in your home. Radon gas can fluctuate over time, so these tests only observe radon gas over the span of two to four days. The charcoal test kits can be obtained from a radon testing company or hardware store and can provide faster results so you can mitigate radon gas as quickly as possible before it does irreversible damage.

Invest in Radon Mitigation Today

Because the health risks of radon exposure are so great, it’s best to have your home tested for radon on a yearly basis, and if needed call for radon removal if those tests come back showing high levels. If your radon levels are high (above 4.0 pCi/L), a trained radon mitigation specialist will install the appropriate radon mitigation equipment. Even if you already have existing radon mitigation equipment, we recommend that our clients have their homes tested for radon every two years or more. This ensures that your home is safe, your family is healthy, and your property records are up to date in case you sell your home. The radon fan that is installed on an active system is the only “moving” part of the system, so keep an eye out for any changes in the low humming sound of the fan motor. If there is any kind of grinding or screeching sounds, or if the motor is no longer running at all,  be sure to call a local radon company right away.

Call Your Local Radon Testing and Mitigation Company

With knowledge of radon gas and its dangers becoming more widespread, there are more and more companies that have made it their mission to educate the public and help keep people safe from this dangerous and potentially deadly gas. Since radon gas is naturally occurring and invisible, it takes experts with knowledge and experience to test for its presence and they equipping the necessary tools to remove it. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, right after smoking. Keep your family safe by calling your local radon testing and mitigation company. If you are in Colorado, look no further than the dedicated team at American Radon, LLC. Their mission is to keep people safe and educate them about radon gas. With honesty and customer satisfaction at their top priority, American Radon LLC offers free radon testing kits. Talk to their friendly customer service representatives at (720) 465-1495, for radon mitigation in Denver and the rest of Colorado or send them an email at info@americanradonllc.com.


5 Things to Know About Radon Removal in Colorado Springs

  1. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. While cigarette smoke is by far the largest leading cause of lung cancer, radon comes in at number two. This is disturbing because many individuals have never heard of radon, or if they have, they don’t understand its risks.
  2. Colorado has some of the highest radon levels in the United States. Check this map for proof. Because Colorado has large amounts of naturally-occurring radon in the soil, it is especially important that those living here are aware of radon and its risks. Anything above 4.0 pCi/L is considered unsafe, yet many counties in Colorado have averages well above that number.
  3. Radon testing isn’t required by law – but it should be. Home and property owners aren’t required by law to test for radon. This means that you could be going to a school or purchasing a home that has dangerous levels of radon. Even if you already own a home, it’s important to get tested at least every other year to ensure that your radon levels are at a safe level – and stay that way. Make sure to always request a radon test before buying a home, and keep a record of previous test results for when you sell your home in the future.
  4. Radon mitigation equipment is easy to maintain. Radon mitigation might sound like a scary and expensive term. However, once installed, radon mitigation equipment is very easy to maintain. All of the parts (except for the fan) we install at American Radon come with a lifetime warranty. As long as you hear the fan humming, then you know that your mitigation equipment is working. If it ever fails, call us immediately to get a technician to the site to inspect and repair the equipment as needed. It’s that easy.
  5. Already have a radon mitigation system? You still need to test. Even if you have had your home tested in the past, have installed mitigation equipment, and have consistently obtained safe radon level scores (below 4.0 pCi/L), you still need to keep testing. By obtaining yearly or bi-annual test scores, you are ensuring that your home is safe to live in – and you are creating a record to show future homebuyers. 

Remember – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You should routinely test your home or commercial building for dangerous levels of radon. The peace of mind you receive will be well worth it.  Give American Radon, LLC a call today for all your radon mitigation in Colorado Springs needs.