Some of the most common questions we receive are in regards to radon testing. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know what testing option is the best for you. We are Iowa’s #1 radon expert. Let us help!

Question:   Can I test radon levels myself or is it better to hire a professional?
Question:   Should I take a short-term radon test or long-term radon test?
Question:   Where can I buy DIY radon test kits?

We like to save people money whenever we can, so for the average homeowner wanting to test their own radon levels, a short-term do-it-yourself (DIY) test kit is the best option. There are many different types of DIY kits on the market. Most range from 2-7 days to run the test, costs around $10, and has a turn around time of about one business week to get results once the test kit is sent in to the lab. When the instructions on the kit are followed, the DIY test kits are generally just as accurate as a professional test.

The main reason to conduct a professional test (which usually runs around $100) is for real estate transactions. This is due to the extreme speed (2 day test with results immediately) and is generally paired with a home inspection to ensure the test is not tampered with.

It is rare that we encourage people to undergo a long-term radon test. If you have high levels of radon in your home, it is best to take a short-term test and receive results right away so you can take actions to mitigate and lower your radiation exposure as soon as possible. If you want a better understanding of radon levels of your home, take a short term test at different times of the year, as radon levels tend to fluctuate (Winter is generally the worst time of year for indoor radon levels; summer is the second worst.) Testing during these times of year will give you a good idea of the highest levels of radon in your home.

Short-term charcoal test kits are available for $10/each here. The tests we offer are the same test kits offered through the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Lung Association. The $10 covers everything; the cost of the kit, shipping, postage to the lab, and laboratory analysis.

You can also buy DIY radon test kits from your local hardware store, but be sure to read the fine print. Some test kits will say, “Laboratory analysis NOT included” and you don’t want to get home with the test kit to realize you have to pay additional lab or postage fees above and beyond the cost of the kit!

If you have any questions about what type of test is right for your house, give us a call at 515-278-1884 or send us a message. We love to talk about radon and can help you pick the right course of action to move forward.

The charcoal in our test kits comes from ground-up coconut shells!

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