Get matched with top radon detection and reduction specialists in Old Town, ME

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.

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.

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. 

Radon testing costs around $450 on average, but you could pay between $150 and $800 for testing, depending on a few factors. The size of your house is one of the most significant cost factors, as your radon professional will have to set up additional tests for homes with larger footprints. The type of test can also have an impact on the cost. Finally, some radon testing companies will include a recommended protocol for radon mitigation, while others might charge $50 to $100 extra.