FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that is emitted naturally from a variety of soils. It is always present outdoors, but can become hazardous to your health in high concentrations.

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas which can cause cancer in high concentrations. By nature, it can seep into a home and become concentrated in the lowest areas (typically basements and crawlspaces). “Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung. Long term exposure can lead to lung cancer…” ~National Cancer Institute .

According to the EPA, 15% of homes in the United States have radon concentrations above 4.0 pCi/L. The EPA defines 4.0 pCi/L as the ‘action level’, or the point at which mitigation or reduction is advised. The entire state of Ohio is in EPA Radon Zone 1 or 2, meaning our soil is most likely to contain dangerously high levels of radon.  Some tests we’ve seen in Summit & Stark counties have exceeded 20 pCi/L!

 We aren’t here to ‘sell you’ on the dangers of radon.  We aren’t scientists, but we trust the research of those who are. We suggest you do your own research and come to your own conclusions.  Studies about the health effects of radon  can be found here:

• EPA
• National Cancer Institute
• American Cancer Society
• CDC – US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• American Lung Association

Radon typically enters the ‘building envelope’ through small cracks in basement slabs, crawlspaces, walls, drains, sump pumps and even well water.  Typically, levels are highest during periods of prolonged wet weather.  As the air-space in the soil surrounding the home is filled with water, radon gas is displaced. Because of the pressure differential between your home (low) and the surrounding soils (high), radon gas will find its way in through the smallest of spaces.

We test the concentration of radon in your home over a 48-72 hour period using a continuous monitoring device. The test equipment will be installed in the lower level of your home and retrieved after 2-3 days.  Within 1 business day, a detailed report will be emailed to you or your realtor.  Since radon concentration fluctuates regularly, an average of the entire test-period will be calculated.  The EPA’s ‘action level’ is defined as radon concentration above 4.0 pCi/L.

If you decide to have us install a radon mitigation system, half of the test costs will be credited toward your installation.  To ensure your new system has been installed effectively, we will conduct another 48-72 hours test upon completion. Typically, this second report will be needed to close on a real-estate transaction.

First, radon cannot be entirely ‘eliminated’ from your home as it is exists in the ‘fresh air’ outside of your home.  Learn more about why we guarantee to reduce – not eliminate – radon to acceptable levels here. Here’s another a brief rundown of the radon removal process.

THE PROCESS

Every home is different – construction techniques, materials and layout all affect system design. While the layout and design of every system is different, some sort of sub-slab depressurization system will be installed.

Sub-slab depressurization is a fancy way of saying “We’re going to suck the radon gas from the soil around your home so it doesn’t have a chance to enter!”  If you have a sump pump & crock, we may use a modified lid and use your crock as an access point (called a suction point).  In many cases, we will drill a 4″ hole in your concrete slab or wall to reach the soil below.  Sometimes, more than one suction point is needed.  In other instances, more than one system/fan must be installed to effectively depressurize the surrounding soils.

In every situation, we pledge to install the most effective & cost-efficient system possible.

As part of the reduction-system installation, you’ll see one or more 4″ PVC pipes attached to the ground/walls in your basement or crawlspace.  From there, the pipe will exit the building where it connects to an Energy-Star rated fan.  That fan will exhaust the air from beneath your home through more 4″ PVC pipe.  To operate the fan, an electrical connection and switch will be installed near the fan. Unless there are obstructions or a lack of access to your home’s wiring, there is no extra charge for this portion of the installation.  Holes that are cut in the concrete and exterior of the home will be sealed and surrounding areas cleaned-up prior to completion.  Some homeowners decide to paint the exterior pipes and fan for aesthetics.  Click here for a more detailed mitigation explanation.

Once we’ve installed your system, we will perform a 2-3 day continuous monitor test to ensure levels have been reduced to acceptable levels.  

We can generally provide a mitigation installation quote or begin testing within 48 hours of first speaking with you.

Testing takes 48-72 hours, and results will be emailed within 1 business day of completion.

Installing a mitigation/reduction system will take anywhere from 3-6 hours.  A variety of factors dictate the complexity of each system, so a more accurate estimate will be provided before work begins.

Testing costs between $95-135, depending on location.  If you decide to have us install a radon removal system, 50% of this testing fee will be credited toward your installation.  You can visit our pricing page for details, or call 330-915-4999 for an estimate.

Most single radon mitigation/removal systems we install cost between $900-$1300.  You can visit our pricing page for more details, or call 330-915-4999 for an estimate.

Akron Radon Reduction Systems performs mitigation in services most of Northeast OH, with an office in Summit county.  Our service areas include:

• Summit County – Akron, Copley, Fairlawn, Twinsburg, Northfield, Macedonia, Hudson, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Barberton, Norton & surrounding areas
• Stark County – Canton, North Canton, Jackson, Massillon, Canal Fulton, Louisville, Alliance & more
• Medina County– Medina, Brunswick, Hinckley, Rittman, Wadsworth, Lodi & More
• Portage County– Aurora, Kent, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Tallmadge, Mogadore & More
• Geauga County – Chardon, Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge, Newbury & More
• Cuyahoga County – Cleveland, Parma, Shaker Heights, Strongsville, Westlake, North Olmsted, Brecksville, North Royalton, Solon, Berea, Beachwood, Lyndhurst & more