Radon Mitigation System Cost Breakdown
Proper radon gas mitigation is designed specifically for the home it’s installed in, so your costs may differ from the national average. How much a radon mitigation system costs depends on the chosen method, the price of materials and labor in your area, and various other factors broken down below.
System Type
A radon mitigation system consists of vent fans and pipes, and the use of higher-quality schedule 40 PVC pipe tends to drive up costs. There are also two different effective types of radon mitigation systems:
Depressurization is the most common method and costs $800 to $2500 to install. It uses a continuously running fan to create a vacuum under the foundation that removes radon gas and funnels away from the inside of the house.
Lower-level pressurization costs $500 to $1,000 to install. It involves sealing a home’s basement or lower levels and blowing air in. This method is best for airtight homes in certain climates and geographic locations.
Size
The larger a home, the more materials and time are needed to install a radon mitigation system. Large basements, additional crawl spaces, and multiple stories are all factors that can increase costs due to added equipment needs. Your radon mitigation pro will need to see your home to give an accurate estimate.
Testing Materials and Inspection
Before having a radon mitigation system installed, you’ll need to start by testing your home for radon. DIY testing kits are widely available online and from home improvement retailers, ranging in price from $12 to $250. For more thorough and accurate results, you can pay $150 to $800 to hire a top-rated professional radon inspector near you.
Alternatively, Kansas State University’s National Radon Program Services group offers discounted radon test kits for purchase, from $17 for short-term kits to $27 for long-term ones. Finally, according to the EPA, you may be able to find free tests available at local and state health departments.
Labor
Most radon mitigation pros don’t break down the total cost for their services between labor and materials when providing quotes. However, know that more experienced contractors will charge more for their expertise. Because radon gas poses a health risk, you don’t want to cut corners when it comes to experience and work quality.
Location
Where you live can impact your radon mitigation costs. The prevalence of radon in your area, your local cost of living, the number of nearby specialists, and region-specific EPA regulations all impact mitigation rates. Methods may also vary by climate. For example, you may need extra insulation on sewer lines and pipes in colder climates to account for the added ventilation.
Permits
Some cities and towns may require a permit before radon mitigation work can begin. Expect a fee of $25 to $150 in these cases. If your project involves any electrical work, such as wiring and installing a radon fan, you may also need to secure additional permits and inspections as well hire a licensed local electrician.
Foundation
Your home’s foundation helps determine which radon mitigation method is the most effective. Unfinished basements may need sealing and a ventilation system, which costs about $4,600. A crawl space without a foundation slab may need additional encapsulation that costs $1,500 to $15,000, but you may get a price break if you bundle crawl space encapsulation with mitigation.
Cost of Radon Mitigation Systems By Method
Radon mitigation systems can take one of three approaches: sealing the basement, depressurization, and lower-level pressurization. The depressurization method happens in one of two types: active suction (soil depressurization) or passive depressurization. Each of these approaches has a different average cost range.
Sealing the Basement
By itself, this method is about half as effective as the others, although you can combine methods for better results. You’ll probably need to reseal your home regularly to keep radon levels low. Sealing the basement costs $4,600 on average, although the DIY version costs $400 to $1,500 on average using commercially available products.
Active Suction Soil Depressurization
Depressurization mitigation systems, also called “subslab” or “soil suction” mitigation, cost between $1,000 and $3,000. They act like a vacuum to remove gas trapped beneath your basement floor or crawl space. PVC pipe and a constantly running fan create suction that prevents radon from entering your house through foundation cracks.
Passive Depressurization
Averaging $500 to $2,500, passive depressurization works similarly to active suction at a lower cost. It involves a PVC pipe running beneath the foundation or crawl space and up through exterior walls. However, it doesn’t utilize a fan for suction. Instead, passive methods like stacking draw radon from under the home to vent safely out over the roof.
Lower-Level Pressurization
Reducing the amount of radon in your home through lower-level pressurization costs around $500 to $1,000. It works by sealing off the lower levels of your home (usually the basement, if you have one), then forcing air into sealed-off levels, creating a vacuum to keep radon from seeping into your home through the foundation.
If your home is drafty, this method may not be very effective. It can also increase your electricity costs by $200 to $300. However, many pros recommend lower-level pressurization as a stopgap measure while you explore other radon mitigation methods.
Additional Costs to Consider
Here are a few additional cost factors to consider when budgeting for a radon mitigation system.
Basement Sealing
Professional basement sealing costs $4,600 on average. You can seal an unfinished basement as a DIY project for $400 to $1,000, though it typically only works if you also have a radon mitigation system installed.
Energy Costs
The suction needed to redirect radon gas may also ventilate heated or cooled air out of your home. This can affect your energy bill, though an experienced radon mitigation pro should be able to minimize this type of energy loss.
Warranty
Radon is a serious threat, so you may want to purchase a warranty for peace of mind. If something goes wrong with your radon mitigation system and the work is guaranteed by the pro that installed it, you can have repairs made at no extra cost.
Cost to Install a Radon Mitigation System Yourself
DIY radon mitigation is not recommended. Aside from the specialized skills and tools required, an incorrectly installed system can compromise the air quality in your home and create a dangerous environment for everyone in your household. Hiring a local radon mitigation specialist can save you time and ensure a more thorough result.
Tips to Save Money When Installing a Radon Mitigation System
The costs of home radon mitigation can add up quickly. Here are a few tips to help you save without cutting corners on this important project.
Use a home testing kit to see if you have enough radon for pro testing and mitigation.
DIY seal an unfinished basement prior to mitigation.
Get three or more written quotes from local pros to ensure you get a competitive price.
See if companies offer referral programs or discounted rates for new customers.
Talk to your tax professional about the possible tax benefits of paying using a health savings account or flexible spending account (HSA/FSA).
Find out if you qualify for tax advantages or home repair grants in your local area.
