Radon gas is a silent intruder, invisible to the eye and undetected by human senses, yet it poses a significant threat to our health.
This naturally occurring radioactive gas, produced by decaying radioactive material in soil, rock, and water, can seep into your home and lead to serious health risks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is a severe carcinogen, and exposure to it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Understanding your home's radon exposure risks and how to eliminate them effectively is crucial for homeowners. In this guide, homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and real estate professionals will learn how to choose the right radon mitigation fan for their homes.
- How Does Radon Enter the Home?
- What is a Radon Mitigation Fan?
- How to Know if You Need a Radon Mitigation Fan
- Are Some Areas More Prone to Radon Exposure Than Others?
- Frequently Asked Questions about Radon Mitigation Fans
- Sylvane's Top Radon Mitigation Fans
- Does My Home Need a Radon Mitigation Fan?
How Does Radon Enter the Home?
Radon, produced by the breakdown of uranium, thorium, and radium, can enter homes through various entry points, including cracks in solid floors and walls, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, and cavities inside walls. The resulting indoor radon levels can vary based on several factors, such as the soil composition beneath the home, the building materials and construction methods used, and differences in ventilation and air pressure.
What is a Radon Mitigation Fan?
Radon mitigation systems are designed to reduce indoor radon levels by venting the gas away from the home before it can enter the space. This process typically involves creating a vacuum beneath a building's foundation to pull radon up and out through the fan.
There are two types of radon mitigation fans: sidewall radon mitigation fans and in-line radon mitigation fans. Both of these systems collect radon gas from a home's foundation, but while in-line radon fans vent through the roof of a house, sidewall radon fans vent directly through a side wall.
We recommend seeking the services of a professional to determine what type of radon mitigation fan your home needs or how it should be installed.
How to Know if You Need a Radon Mitigation Fan
Testing all homes for radon is crucial. Short-term and long-term tests are available to measure radon levels accurately. Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and the EPA recommends action if they exceed 4 pCi/L. For reference, outdoor air typically has a radon level of about 0.4 pCi/L. Get a Radon Test Kit here.
Even if your home's radon levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L, you may want to consider investing in a Radon Mitigation Fan. Take a look at our Why You Should Test for Radon in Your Home article for more information.
Are Some Areas More Prone to Radon Exposure Than Others?
In the United States, some areas are more likely to have a risk of radon exposure. The EPA has divided the nation into three zones with rising levels of radon risk. Homeowners should be aware of what zone they live in and what their risk is.
- Zone 1: This area has the highest level of risk, with average indoor radon levels possibly greater than 4 pCi/L. This zone makes up much of the north and midwest, as well as parts of Appalachia and the western states.
- Zone 2: A moderate risk area, with average indoor radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. This zone makes up most of the western and midwestern United States.
- Zone 3: An area of low risk, with average indoor radon levels less than 2 pCi/L. This zone includes the southern United States, with some sections in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions about Radon Mitigation Fans
How often should I test my radon levels?
Homeowners should conduct tests every two years or after significant home renovations.
Do radon fans really work?
When properly installed, radon mitigation fans effectively reduce radon levels. The EPA estimates that a capable mitigation system can minimize home radon levels by as much as 99 percent.
How loud is a radon mitigation fan?
Most radon mitigation fans operate quietly, though the exact noise levels will vary by model and location in the home.
How much does a radon mitigation fan cost?
The cost of a radon mitigation system ranges from $150 to $500, but that cost does not include testing and the cost of installation, which a professional must complete.
Do radon mitigation fans run constantly?
Yes, they are designed to run continuously to vent air and reduce radon levels constantly.
Sylvane's Top Radon Mitigation Fans
Tjernlund RADON VAC Side Wall Radon Mitigation System
This side-wall fan from Tjernlund provides powerful suction with a convenient design. It has an airflow capacity of 160 CFM and draws just 50 watts of power. With this system, customers may also want to consider the Tjernlund Radon Mitigation Booster Fan, which helps to boost airflow and gas removal.
S&P PRF-100 4-inch 169 CFM Radon Mitigation Fan
The S&P PRF-100 is an inline radon mitigation fan with a backward inclined centrifugal blower/motor that can handle 1 inch of static pressure at up to 169 CFM. This model is a heavy-duty radon mitigation option with a totally enclosed air over, a watertight electrical box and thermal overload protection. It is cETLus Certified and has HVI Certified Performance.
Suncourt Radon Fan Mitigation Kit
The Suncourt Radon Fan Mitigation Kit is a complete package for removing dangerous radon gas. The kit includes a Suncourt RDK04 or RDK04-3 Radon Mitigation Fan and all the hardware needed to install it. The Suncourt Radon Mitigation fan has an airflow capacity of up to 200 CFM and a power draw of about 77 watts.
Does My Home Need a Radon Mitigation Fan?
Radon mitigation is essential in safeguarding your family's health. If you're unsure whether your home needs a radon mitigation fan, we recommend testing your radon levels today and contacting a radon professional.
For more assistance finding the best radon mitigation system for your home, contact Sylvane's product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194. Protect your home, invest in a radon solution, and breathe easy.
