Get matched with top radon detection and reduction specialists in Garnett, KS

You should have a professional test for radon every two to five years. A good rule of thumb is to get testing done every five years if you’ve never had an issue before and every two years if you have. You may also want to schedule testing if you notice symptoms of radon exposure or if you do intermittent DIY radon testing and notice changes in your levels between tests. If you have an active radon monitor, you can schedule testing if you notice levels increasing over time.

It is possible to test for radon yourself using DIY radon test kits, but these at-home test kits should never be a replacement for professional radon testing. DIY test kits can provide some information about radon exposure in your house, but your indoor temperature and humidity can affect the results, as can improper usage of the test kit. You could save yourself some money by hiring a radon professional to begin with, and when it comes to your family’s safety, hiring an experienced professional to do the testing is usually the best option.

You can buy DIY radon test kits from a home improvement store and conduct radon testing, but these tests are often inaccurate. No matter the result, you should supplement DIY testing with professional radon detection and analysis. DIYers only have access to passive radon tests, which aren’t as reliable as active tests that professionals use. Plus, it’s very easy for DIYers to make mistakes during testing, leading to inaccurate results. If you’re moving into a new home, have concerns about radon, or are due for an updated test, hire a professional. 

Professional radon detection involves placing test kits in the lowest lived-in level of the house for a period, usually 48 hours to several months, followed by lab analysis of collected data.