Have you been considering Palm Desert Radon Testing, but you’re not sure what it is or if it’s necessary? It’s perfectly natural to have questions—not many people know what radon does, where it comes from, and what makes it harmful. 

That’s why we’re here; at Home Sweet Home Inspections, we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have about Palm Desert radon testing. To talk to a member of our staff, all you have to do is call 760-282-3534. You can also reach us by email at dan@homesweethomeinspections.com.

If you’d like to learn more about radon testing, we’ve complied a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on the subject.

FAQs About Palm Desert Radon Testing

To help you gain a better understanding of radon and why testing is so important, here are answers to a few of the many questions we receive about Palm Desert radon testing.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless; it’s generated whenever the naturally occurring uranium in soil, rock, or water starts to break down. 

How Does Radon Enter My Palm Desert Home? 

Because radon is a gas, it can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Once it’s in your home, radon is hard to get rid of; it can build up to high levels that may cause health issues.

What are the Health Risks of Radon?

When radon gas enters your home through cracks and other openings in the foundation, it can increase your risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Symptoms of radon exposure include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away and contact a professional to test your home for radon.

What Types of Radon Testing Are There?

There are essentially two types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests. With a short-term test, you can get results either immediately (from a professional inspector) or in several days (from a lab). Long-term tests are generally left in your house for between three months to a year. Because radon levels can fluctuate from day to day, the long-term reading is more accurate and will give you a better idea of how much radon is present in your home.

Why Should Palm Desert Homeowners Invest in Professional Radon Testing?

Both long-term and short-term tests can either be done by a professional or purchased on your own. There are several reasons why hiring a professional is preferable to the do-it-yourself route:

• Professional testing equipment is more accurate than tests you can buy at the store.
• You can get your results faster—almost immediately—with professional radon testing.
• Professional radon testers know exactly what they’re looking for and how to conduct the test, which ensures better accuracy.
• If your home has radon, a professional inspector can advise you on the next steps to take to improve the safety of your home.

How Often Should My Palm Desert Home be Tested for Radon?

The EPA recommends that homeowners test for radon at least once every two years. You should also invest in radon testing if you’re considering renovating your home, adding to it, or refinishing the basement. In addition, radon testing is recommended for those who have recently purchased a new home—that way you can know upfront if your home has been affected by radon and take care of the problem before it has a chance to harm you and your family. 

How Can I Reduce Radon Levels in My Home?

While it may be difficult to eradicate radon completely, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of radon in your home, such as:

1. Sealing Potential Access Points: Sealing and caulking cracks in your floors, walls, and foundation can help prevent radon from entering your home.
2. Ventilating Your Home’s Crawl Space: Most crawl spaces have dirt floors, which is a prime source of radon. To keep radon from building up in your crawl space and seeping into your home, keep the space ventilated. 
3. Investing in a Radon Mitigation System: There are two types of radon mitigation systems available on the market: pressurization systems and active suction systems. Both methods are effective; ask a professional to determine which one would work best in your home.

Contact Us for Palm Desert Radon Testing

Radon testing is essential to ensure the safety of your home and family against this radioactive gas that can seep in through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes and wires. If you’re ready for the peace of mind that comes with professional radon testing, contact Home Sweet Home Inspections. You can make an appointment for Palm Desert radon testing by completing the form on our scheduling page or calling 760-282-3534.