How Much Does Radon Testing Cost? [2025 Data]

Radon Testing Cost Factors

Types

If you’re wondering how to test for radon, there are two testing methods: DIY or hire a professional to come to your home and perform the test. Radon is a radioactive gas that can originate from things you see everyday—dirt, water, stones, etc. Our bodies are used to radon in low levels, but sometimes it can pool inside a home, which is when it becomes dangerous.

As you can see, performing tests with kits is much more cost-effective, but also less accurate. The exact type of test performed matters as well, as radon can be tested for a period of time lasting from two days to more than one year. The average person won’t know which type of test to use, which is why it’s highly recommended you hire a professional radon testing business near you.

Short-Term Radon Testing

Short-term testing is good for discovering if you have a high level of radon in your home, but it won’t be as reliable as a long-term test. Confirming radon is one thing but having accurate measurements over time is preferable.

If you have a positive result from a short-term kit, that usually means the radon is well above the normal range. However, false negatives are much more common in short-term tests vs. long-term tests. This is why it’s a good idea to hire a pro, because they will know which type of test to use, and where to place it.

Common short-term testing kits are:

• Charcoal canisters

• Electret ion detector 

These types of tests are more affected by environmental factors when compared to long-term tests. Shifts in humidity and temperature can eschew results.  A negative result does not mean there are no dangerous levels of radon in your home.

Long-Term Radon Testing 

Long-Term results are much more consistent than short-term, which is why most pros prefer—and/or only employ—long-term tests. Professionals need to be accurate, so they will use the best methods available, and for radon testing, that usually means Alpha Track Detection. 

Alpha Track Detection measures the alpha particles emitted during the decay of radon gas. This method can also be used for short-term testing but is generally left for longer periods. There is a plastic film inside the test kit that is analyzed after the testing period. 

The kits are generally sealed in a way that prevents them from external influences like those that affect short-term tests. They very rarely malfunction, and with a confirmed radon presence, you can get rid of the radon faster. 

Continuous Radon Monitors

Continuous radon monitors, or CRMs, are plugged into the wall and measure radon levels. These are convenient for a number of reasons, mainly:

• They are small, and either run on batteries or are plugged directly into the wall.

• They often have accompanying apps, so you can check whenever in Bluetooth range. 

• They can be reset and moved to different rooms to test. 

• They are easy to use and generally don’t require specialized knowledge.

• You can track radon fluctuations.

Some CRMs have both short-term and long-term readouts which make for a solid range of results to compare against other testing methods. CRMs are somewhere between the reliable test results of a professional long-term test and a short-term DIY kit.

Water Testing

You can often test water for radon with a CRM, but it’s a better idea to hire a pro or reach out to either The Safe Drinking Water Hotline or the EPA. You can also call your state’s radon office and they would be able to advise you on the best way to go about testing your water. 

Radon is much more common in well water than it is in reverse osmosis-filtered city water. There is a much greater chance of your water containing dangerous levels if you live on a farm or pull water from a nearby well. While boiling water does remove radon gas from the liquid itself, it evaporates and remains in the air afterward.

Labor

When you hire a professional for testing, their time and expertise is what you’re paying for. Labor costs are included in the cost of testing, but it’s safe to assume you will pay around $70 to $110 an hour. This will include examining your home to determine the best location (or locations) for testing, setting up the equipment, and returning to collect samples and remove equipment.

DIY Radon Testing vs. Hiring a Pro

You can perform radon testing yourself but it isn’t necessarily the best idea. Remember that radon test results are sometimes required when selling property or dealing with insurance, and a DIY result won’t be approved.

There’s also the consideration that in certain states, radon test results are required when building homes. There are commercial applications as well that require licensed results. DIY test results can certainly save you money, but there are very few cases where it makes more sense than hiring a pro. It’s recommended that you only consider DIY testing as a last resort—if, say, your local pro has no immediate availability—remembering that every day you’re exposed to radon is bad for your health. 

Tips to Reduce Cost While Radon Testing 

While it’s best to leave radon testing to the professionals, there are a few ways to save money:

• DIY testing kits: While they’re not as accurate as professional testing, they’re much less expensive. 

• Price compare: Get quotes from multiple radon testing companies to get the lowest price. 

• Prep the area: Ask your pro if you can take on some of the manual labor before testing, such as clearing the area of furniture.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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