The Only Way to Know Is to Test
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground and can build up inside homes. Also, elevated levels are common across Kentucky, and a simple test tells you where your home stands.
- Continuous electronic radon monitor
- Minimum 48-hour test, per EPA guidance
- Results compared to the EPA 4 pCi/L action level
- Easy to add to your home inspection
Radon testing measures the level of radon gas inside a home using a continuous electronic monitor for a minimum of 48 hours. In addition, Lee compares your results with the U.S. EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Because elevated radon is common in Kentucky, Lee’s Home Inspections recommends radon testing for homes in Louisville and the surrounding counties, especially during a real estate transaction.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Plus, it is invisible, odorless and tasteless, and it can enter a home through foundation cracks, sump pits, crawlspaces, gaps around pipes and other openings. Once inside, it can build up to high levels.
According to the U.S. EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. Furthermore, the only way to know a home’s radon level is to test it.
Why Radon Testing Matters in Kentucky
Much of Kentucky sits on geology that can produce elevated radon, and homes throughout the Louisville region and surrounding counties often show high readings. Levels can vary greatly from one house to the next, even on the same street, so a neighbor’s result does not tell you anything about your home.
How Radon Testing Works
- Lee places a continuous electronic radon monitor in the lowest livable level of the home.
- The test runs for a minimum of 48 hours, following EPA guidance for short-term tests.
- Closed-house conditions are maintained: windows and exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit.
- The monitor records radon levels throughout the test and reports an average result in pCi/L.
- You receive a clear report comparing your result with the EPA action level.
Understanding Your Radon Testing Results
The EPA recommends fixing a home if the average radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and suggests considering mitigation for levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Elevated radon is a fixable problem. Also, a radon mitigation system, typically a vent pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath the home and vents it outside, can reduce levels significantly.
Radon Testing During a Home Purchase
Radon testing fits easily into your inspection period. The monitor is set when your buyer’s home inspection begins and collected once the test is complete. If results are elevated, you have time to negotiate mitigation with the seller. Sellers can also test in advance as part of a pre-listing inspection.
Lee’s Home Inspections provides radon testing in Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Hardin, Nelson, Henry and Trimble Counties. Call or text Lee 7 days a week, 7am to 10pm.
The U.S. In addition, EPA recommends radon testing for every home, regardless of its age or location.
Have questions first? Browse our home inspection FAQ, meet Lee Wiard, or see all home inspection services.
At a Glance
- Minimum 48-hour test
- EPA action level: 4 pCi/L
- Add to any home inspection
- Louisville + 9 Kentucky counties
- Call or text (502) 376-0856
What Every Kentucky Homeowner Should Know
You cannot see, smell or taste radon.
A leading cause of lung cancer per the EPA.
Produced by uranium in soil and rock.
New or old, with or without a basement.
Neighboring homes can test very differently.
Mitigation systems reduce radon levels.
Radon Testing, Step by Step
From your first call to your final question, every step is simple and clear so you can focus on your move.
Call or text Lee at (502) 376-0856, or send a request online. Plus, Lee answers calls and texts 7 days a week.
Lee inspects the home from top to bottom, usually in 2 to 4 hours. Furthermore, you are welcome to attend and ask questions.
A clear, photo-rich digital report with a summary of key findings, ready to share with your agent.
Questions after the inspection? Call Lee. He is happy to walk you through any finding in the report.
You May Also Need
Inspections and tests that pair well with this service. Buying? Also, see our buyer’s home inspection. Buying? In addition, see our buyer’s home inspection. Request your inspection online any day of the week.
A complete roof-to-foundation inspection before you buy.
Lab-analyzed air and surface sampling.
Pre-pour to 11-month warranty inspections.
Radon Testing FAQ
What is a safe radon level?
The U.S. EPA recommends fixing a home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, and suggests considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L. There is no known completely safe level of radon. Musty odors? Plus, consider mold and air quality testing.
How long does a radon test take?
A short-term test runs for a minimum of 48 hours under closed-house conditions, meaning windows and exterior doors stay closed except for normal entry and exit. Building new? Furthermore, ask about new construction inspections.
Do newer homes need radon testing?
Yes. Radon depends on the soil and geology beneath the home, not its age. Also, new and old homes, with or without basements, can have elevated radon levels. In addition, more answers are in our home inspection FAQ.
What happens if my radon level is high?
High radon levels can be reduced with a radon mitigation system, typically installed by a qualified mitigation contractor. Many buyers negotiate mitigation as part of the purchase. Plus, meet Lee Wiard, owner and lead inspector. Buying? Furthermore, see our buyer’s home inspection.
Can radon testing be done during my home inspection?
Yes. The monitor is placed at the start of your home inspection and picked up after the test period ends, so there is no extra visit to schedule on your end. Meet Lee Wiard, owner and lead inspector.
Schedule Radon Testing Today
Call or text Lee at (502) 376-0856 or request your inspection online. Calls answered 7 days a week, 7am to 10pm.