Today’s topic is Radon, and whether you need to test for it in Minneapolis. Radon levels are high in every state in the U.S. In Minnesota alone, two out of every five homes will have a significantly high risk for unhealthy radon levels.
So yes, please test your home for Radon. It is usually the highest in the heating months, when you have your furnace running. Therefore, you want to conduct your test during the months that you use your heat so you can get an accurate Radon reading.
Re-test your home every two to five years. If you have any questions about Radon or how to conduct a test, please contact us at HandyQuick Home Maintenance Services.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that all Minnesota Property Owners test for Radon. There are two basic types of Radon testing, a short term test, and a long term test. The short term test generally takes 2 to 7 days to conduct and can be accomplished with a test kit that you can get from your local hardware store. Once completed it will give you an indication as to whether your home is at risk for higher than normal levels of Radon, and also to determine if a long-term test (90 days) is warranted.
Safe levels for Radon are indicated when test results show less than 4.0 picocuries/liter (pCi/L). While any amount of Radon carries some risk, generally when levels fall above this amount, a mitigation systems is needed.
More information on testing can be found at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/radon/radontestresults.html?utm_source=print&utm_medium=report$utm_campaign=airchek
A Radon mitigation system can be installed by a licensed contractor, and can help reduce significantly the amount of Radon that enters your property. The system essentially allows for venting of the foundation below the basement floor to the exterior of the home. Some systems use core drilled holes in the foundation to attach the vent pipes, and some systems are passive while others are powered by vent fans. It is not generally recommended to use a sump pump cavity for the connection of a discharge vent, as leaks in the cover seal can reduce or eliminate the venting action, and thus prevent the system from 
functioning properly.
For more information on Radon, testing, and mitigation systems, please contact HandyQuick. We would be happy to one of our licensed Minneapolis Minnesota Handyman Contractors provide a Radon Testing Service and system as required, to help protect you and your family.
