Radon Testing in Ann Arbor, MI

Testing is the only way to know

Radon is colorless and odorless, so the level in your home can't be seen, smelled, or guessed from the neighborhood. Two houses next door to each other can read very differently. A test is the only way to find out where you stand, and it's the sensible first step before spending anything on mitigation.

The EPA's action level is 4 pCi/L. At or above that, mitigation is recommended; the EPA also suggests considering it between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Testing is done in the lowest livable level of the home, since that's where levels tend to be highest.

Short-term vs. long-term

• Short-term tests run from 2 to 90 days and give a quick snapshot
• Long-term tests run more than 90 days and better reflect a year-round average
• Continuous radon monitors log hour-by-hour readings
• Testing in the lowest livable level of the home
• Re-testing every two years, and after any mitigation work

Michigan testing notes

Because Michigan winters keep homes closed up for months, radon often reads higher in the heating season when there's less air exchange, so a mid-winter short-term test can catch a home closer to its worst case. If a short-term test comes back borderline, a longer test or a second short-term test helps confirm the number before you commit to a system. Whatever the result, the test gives you an actual level to work from instead of a guess.