Radon Mitigation FAQs | Radon Testing MN | American Radon Mitigation

FAQs

American Radon Mitigation is here to help you breathe confidently.

Don’t settle for less. Here are some questions to ask when choosing your radon mitigation contractor.

American Radon Mitigation
American Radon Mitigation
I am purchasing a home that has tested high for radon. How can I be certain the seller will choose a quality contractor?

Sellers often pay closer attention to cost than quality when making this decision. Many do not keep the buyer’s best interest in mind. American Radon Mitigation is not interested in cutting corners to be the lowest bid, especially when it comes to your family’s health. We treat your home as if it were our own, aiming to reduce radon to its lowest possible level.

As the buyer, you can request that we install a personalized mitigation system in your new home so you can be confident in the air you breathe for years to come. Another option is to ask the seller to take some money off the price of the home so that you can install a quality radon reduction system. Most buyers, once educated, are more than willing to pay the difference to have it done the right way.

Will American Radon perform all necessary diagnostics to determine the suction point location and correct pipe and fan sizes?

Yes. The key to getting your radon levels as low as possible is to create a vacuum under your entire home. American Radon Mitigation performs a thorough diagnostic process often overlooked by other contractors called Diagnostic Testing and Pressure Field Extension (PFE) testing.

To test PFE, we establish suction points and drill a few small holes through the concrete floor in different areas of your home. We use a gauge that measures pressure (or vacuum) to ensure we’re creating enough suction in that area of the building. This gauge helps us decide:

  • Where the best location for a suction point is
  • If any additional suction points are necessary
  • What size vent pipe is needed
  • What adjustments are needed to control pressure using valves on each suction point
  • Which radon fan is the best choice for your home
Who is responsible for obtaining permits, if required?

American Radon is licensed, bonded, and insured and will obtain a permit for radon mitigation if required by your city. Permits typically range from $50 to $150. Once the work is completed, an inspector from the city will come out and inspect the radon reduction system to be sure it was correctly installed.

Some mitigation companies do not pull permits. That can be an issue when you go to sell your home. You are required to answer the following question on the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement: “Are you aware of any work performed on the property for which appropriate permits were not obtained?”

Will I be provided with a contract?

Yes, American Radon will provide a written estimate to be signed before work begins.

Who will do the electrical work, if necessary?

DO NOT allow a radon contractor to wire the fan themselves. This could be a fire hazard, and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover any damage, as a licensed electrician did not complete the work.

American Radon can arrange for a licensed electrician to wire your radon fan. The licensed electrician will pull the necessary permits and inspect their work. The typical charge is generally between $275 and $475.

If the radon fan is in the attic, it needs an outlet within 6 feet of the fan. If the fan is outside, all wiring is required to be protected in conduit, unless otherwise permitted by local code, and should not be a plugged disconnect. Your radon fan cannot be plugged into an extension cord.

Is there a warranty on materials or workmanship? If so, how long does the warranty last?

American Radon Mitigation Inc. has a five-year warranty for materials and workmanship. Most radon fans carry a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

How will my radon system be evaluated?

American Radon records the negative pressures from the test holes once the system is installed and leaves a copy with you. We provide you with a free post-mitigation test kit to verify radon levels have been reduced.

Will American Radon offer me training on the radon mitigation system operation and troubleshooting?

Yes. American Radon takes the time to educate all homeowners on system operations and what to do if they encounter a problem.

Do you guarantee my home's radon levels will be brought below the EPA's recommended action level of 4 pCi/L?

Our goal is to protect you and your family by reducing your radon levels as low as possible. We guarantee that your home’s annual average radon level will not exceed 1.5 pCi/L for five years, beginning on the installation date, so long as all items on the bid are selected. The 1.5 pCi/L guarantee does not apply to homes with sub-slab ductwork, aftermarket drain tile, untreated crawl spaces, multi-family homes, or inaccessible air leaks to the soil. The average outdoor radon level in the Midwest is between 0.3 and 0.7. It is not possible to reduce indoor radon levels below outside concentrations. However, our average radon level with mitigation is 0.4 pCi/L.

What will you do if post-mitigation radon levels are not below the EPA's recommended action level?

With diagnostic testing, we can design a system for you based on data, not guesswork. If a post-mitigation radon test reveals elevated levels, American Radon will recommend additional sealing, suction points, and/or fan upgrades.

Can you provide your certification number and references?

American Radon would be happy to provide our certification numbers, reviews, and references at your request.

Is the quoted price guaranteed?

We like to take a phased approach when quoting and designing your radon system. This allows us to potentially save you money by not mitigating areas (such as crawl spaces and garages) that may not be the source of your radon.

Will you use fire stop collars if you need to route the vent pipe through the garage?

Yes. Fire stop collars prevent a fire from spreading from the garage to the house. Unfortunately, we often see contractors skip this crucial step. We take your family’s safety seriously and never bypass important measures such as this.

Are the materials used in the radon mitigation system safe?

American Radon uses environmentally friendly products that are virtually odorless, non-flammable, and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) whenever possible.
Some sealing products, such as polyurethane caulk, PVC glue, and primer, leave your family’s health at risk while they cure. 

Are the materials used in the radon mitigation system high-quality?

Yes, American Radon uses only the highest-quality materials in all our systems.

For example:

  • Our sump basket covers are clear Lexan and can support the weight of an adult.
  • All roof flashing carries a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
  • A majority of the radon fans we use have long-lasting, German-made motors.
What type and size of pipe will be used in my radon system?

Many contractors use thin-wall PVC pipe that becomes brittle and cracks easily when cold. American Radon uses only schedule 40 PVC pipe, which is higher quality and longer-lasting.

Typically, we use a 4-inch pipe when higher airflow is required; systems requiring high suction and low flow utilize 2-inch and 3-inch pipe. When pipes will be exposed to the cold, we always use 4-inch, as it is less susceptible to freeze in the winter.

Why does the pipe have to exhaust one foot above the roof?

The pipe must exhaust one foot above the roof, at least 10 feet above the ground, and 2 feet above any window within 10 feet, according to code. This prevents high radon concentrations from re-entering a building or being inhaled while outdoors on a patio or deck.

Do you test for back draft?

Yes. Back drafting is the reverse flow of exhaust gases from fuel-fired appliances (such as water heaters and furnaces) that results in a buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home—American Radon tests for back draft and seals air leaks to fix most back draft issues. Additional makeup air is sometimes required.

Do you clean up after you've finished the job?

Yes, American Radon will leave your home as clean, if not cleaner than the way we found it.

How loud is the radon fan?

Some fans are louder than others. When we visit your home, we bring a fan for an estimate so you can hear what it sounds like. We also offer a noise suppressor, which reduces the noise by approximately 75 percent.

Do you offer any system accessories?

Yes, we offer a variety of accessories, including:

  • Low airflow alarms
  • Water alarms
  • Noise suppressors
  • Digital radon monitors
Do you install a rain cap on the system?

No. The goal is for radon-laden air to move up and away from your home. Rain caps are a magnet for ice buildup and can allow radon to re-enter your home through nearby windows. The small amount of rain that does enter the system will flow into the soil since the pipe is pitched to allow condensation to drain. We do install a critter guard to keep small animals and birds from entering the system.

Why can't the radon fan be inside my home?

Indoor radon fans are against code. If the vent pipe or fan were ever to develop a leak on the exhaust side of the fan, it would pump high levels of radon into the home.

Where is the best spot to put the radon fan?

Depending on your property, the order of preference is typically:

  1. Garage attic: It’s less invasive, quieter, protected from outdoor elements, and aesthetically pleasing.
  2. House attic: It’s protected from outdoor elements and aesthetically pleasing.
  3. Exterior of the home: The least favorable option because it results in a shorter fan life, is more susceptible to freezing up, and is not aesthetically pleasing.
Do you insulate the vent pipe?

Yes, as code requires, we insulate all pipes in garages and attics. This helps prevent system freeze-up and any water damage due to condensation on the pipe dripping onto the drywall.

American Radon Mitigation
American Radon Mitigation provides professional certified radon testing and mitigation for Minneapolis, MN and surrounding areas.
21352 Tulip St. NW
Anoka, MN
55303
US
Phone: (612) 790-2928

Keep your family safe & healthy.
Test your home for radon & mitigate if needed.

Call 612.474.1004 or fill out the the form for a free radon mitigation estimate or certified radon testing.

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