| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $100-$275 for professional testing |
| Time | 48 hours minimum for short-term test |
| Who's qualified | NRPP or NRSB certified measurement professional |
When should I schedule a radon retest in Lexington?
Plan to retest your Lexington home at least every 2 years, as recommended by EPA guidance. If you've recently installed a mitigation system, retest within 30 days of installation, but no sooner than 24 hours after the fan is running. Cold months are the best time because indoor radon levels reach their peak during winter, making it easier to detect elevated levels. Schedule your retest during the heating season when windows and doors are closed, which is also when short-term tests are most accurate.
What fails first in a radon mitigation system during cold weather?
In Lexington's cold months, the fan is the most likely component to fail first, especially if it's not rated for continuous outdoor operation. Ice can also form in the exhaust pipe, blocking airflow and reducing suction. The manometer, which shows system pressure, may drop, indicating a blockage or fan failure. Check the manometer monthly during winter to ensure the system is working properly. If the reading changes, call a Kentucky-certified contractor to inspect the system before retesting.
What is the cost of fixing vs. preventing radon issues in Lexington?
Preventing radon problems is far cheaper than fixing them. A professional radon test costs between $100 and $275, but free test kits are available from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. If levels are high, a mitigation system typically costs between $800 and $1,500, though this varies by home. Retesting every 2 years costs only the price of a test kit, which can be free. Early detection prevents the health risks and higher costs of a system failure.
What should I ask a radon mitigation contractor in Lexington?
Ask the contractor if they are certified by NRPP or NRSB, as Kentucky requires this for radon professionals. Request a written quote that includes the cost of the system, fan, and any sealing work. Ask about the warranty on the fan and labor, and whether they provide a post-installation test to confirm levels are reduced. Also ask if they offer a maintenance plan for annual checks. Verify their certification with the state radon program at (502) 564-4856 before hiring.
What are the warning signs that I need to retest radon sooner?
Retest immediately if you notice a change in your mitigation system's manometer reading, as this indicates a fan or pipe issue. If you've done major renovations, such as adding a room or changing your heating system, retest within 30 days. Also retest if you've sealed cracks or changed ventilation, as these can affect radon entry. If you're buying or selling a home, test before the sale. Finally, if you've never tested, do so now—the only way to know your radon level is to test.
What to do next
- Order a free short-term radon test kit from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department or call the Kentucky Radon Program at (502) 564-4856.
- Place the test kit in the lowest lived-in level of your home, following the instructions for closed-house conditions for 12 hours before and during the 48-hour test.
- If your result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, contact a Kentucky-certified (NRPP/NRSB) radon mitigation contractor for a quote.
- After mitigation, retest within 30 days, but no sooner than 24 hours after the fan is running, to confirm levels are reduced.
- Call or text (859) 249-8571 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a Kentucky-certified (NRPP/NRSB) radon mitigation contractor.
Lexington Radon Pros is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
