How can I find out if my home has a radon problem?

Anyone can use a "do-it-yourself" test kit to check his or her home. There are short-term and long-term test kits available. Short-term test kits should remain in the home for two to seven days, depending on the device. Weather conditions and opening and closing of windows will affect radon levels within a home. Using the short-term test will give the homeowner a snapshot of the home's radon level. The long-term test (3 to 12 months), gives the user a year-round average level of radon. 


The best way to estimate the year-round average of radon in a home is to test for a full year. Results from long-term radon tests can realistically be used to decide whether or not to mitigate a home. The EPA recommends that for homes, initial measurements be short-term tests placed in the lowest lived-in level. Short-term testing in closed building conditions helps residents quickly learn if a home has high levels of radon. Contact us at 320-968-5087 for more information.

Show All Answers

1. Where is your greatest exposure to radon?
2. How serious a problem is radon in Minnesota?
3. How does radon enter a home?
4. How can I find out if my home has a radon problem?
5. How can I fix my home if it does have elevated levels of radon?
6. How do I choose a radon mitigation contractor? How much will it cost?
7. When building a new home, what can be done to assure reduced radon levels in the future?
8. Where can I purchase a radon kit?