EcoSpect, Inc. Basement Solutions
For All Your Basement Needs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Gas Testing or Mitigation in Syracuse, Ithaca & Binghamton NY
What is radon gas?
According to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking. Radon is tasteless, odorless, colorless and the only way to know the radon level in your home is to test.
Can I reduce radon levels simply by sealing cracks and covering my sump pump?
Sealing your basement is not an approved method for radon mitigation. Radon gas enters the home through positive air pressure from the earth. This air is pressured into your home along with whatever contaminants are in the air, such as radon gas. Sealing a crack or covering your sump pump will simply divert the radon entering to other weak points. The only way to effectively mitigate radon gas is to install an approved mitigation system.
My neighbor has high level (low level) results should I have a test conducted?
The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test. Using your neighbor’s results is not a good indicator of radon gas levels in your home as there are several variables that can influence a home’s radon levels. In fact, a more energy efficient home is more likely to have elevated levels than a drafty home with more natural changes per hour. The more "drafty" your home is the more radon levels are diluted. For example, a farm house, in its original form, is going to be naturally drafty. But if new windows and an insulation package is installed it is likely the radon levels will increase based on the improvements because now the air coming into the home is not diluted.
Schedule a FREE Estimate
My home does not have a full basement or a basement at all so why would I need a test done?
The foundation type is not relevant to the radon levels of a home. A slab on grade construction can be elevated just the same as a full basement. One exception is with a vented crawl space (such as a single or double wide manufactured home). With a vented crawl space the radon entering the crawl space from the soil substrates is diluted from the outside air being vented into the crawl space. Note: It should not be assumed a crawl space home will not have elevated radon gas levels.
What is the average installation cost?
Average radon installations range from $1,300 - $1,500. Costs will vary depending on the age and size of the home, the condition of the concrete slab and the presence of a crawl space. EcoSpect has installed complex systems in large multi-family homes and commercial buildings/churches where installation costs are considerably more than average.
How does a system work?
Radon mitigation systems are scientifically proven to reduce radon gas to within acceptable levels as per EPA recommendations. Simply put, piping and an inline fan are installed in the lowest level of the home. The fan draws the air from under the slab and pushes it along the piping. The piping runs along the exterior of the home and expels any gasses pulled from under the home above the roofline thereby reducing radon levels in the home.
How long does it take to install a radon mitigation system?
An average installation can be completed within one day. Larger systems can vary.
How will the installation change the ‘face’ of my home?
EcoSpect is considerate of your home’s aesthetics and strives to locate the radon system in the least intrusive location as possible. We make the best efforts to run the fan system opposite the front of the home, main entrance, or hang out areas. Ideally, the piping can follow a chase way and run through the roof line with the fan located in the attic space. This installation method tends to add some costs and is most commonly practiced when there is an attached garage.
What is the maintenance requirements after installation?
There is no scheduled annual maintenance. The only mechanical part of the system is the radon fan. Although it is common for the fan to run more than 10 years, the manufacturer’s warranty is 5 years. Fans are generally easily replaced.
If you are in need of radon gas testing or mitigation services in Syracuse, Ithaca & Binghamton NY, call 315-210-4243 or go to our contact us page today for a FREE ESTIMATE!
Contact us today if your home is in need of basement or crawl space repairs!
Free Estimate!
