| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $800 to $2,500 per EPA; some estimates run $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Time | Varies by home - confirm timing in your quote |
| Who's qualified | Kentucky requires radon contractors to be licensed by the state |
Frankfort, KY: what's different here
Frankfort sits in Franklin County, where Kentucky Geological Survey material notes radon can be a local problem due to uranium-bearing rock like black shale and phosphatic limestones. The housing stock includes structures built in the 1800s alongside newer builds, and Franklin County saw a 470% increase in single-family housing development between 2012 and 2021. Older homes may need basement or crawl-space mitigation approaches. Frankfort is about 29 miles and roughly 33 minutes from Lexington via I-64 W.
Why radon levels won't go down on their own in Frankfort
Radon is an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas formed when uranium, thorium, or radium break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater. Kentucky has common uranium-bearing rock types like black shale and phosphatic limestones with high radon potential. Until a vent pipe and fan system pulls radon from beneath the home, levels can persist.
What fixes radon levels that won't go down
EPA says radon is reduced by sealing foundation cracks and installing a vent pipe and fan system that pulls radon from beneath the home and vents it outside. If your home has a passive system, a qualified mitigator may charge about $300 to add a vent fan and convert it to an active system. Fan operation can add about $30 to $300 per year to your energy bill.
Does the season or the map explain high readings?
Kentucky's radon potential map is based on bedrock type, not actual home measurements, and in-home levels can vary by season. That means a map alone can't tell you your home's level. Test your home, because the health threat comes from relatively high exposure over long periods.
How do I verify a radon contractor in Kentucky?
Kentucky law requires eight hours of continuing education per year for both measurement and mitigation contractors, and the state requires radon contractors to be licensed. Verify credentials through the state radon office at radon.ky.gov or 502-782-2782. Ask any pro for proof of license and insurance.
What to do next
- Test your home with a radon test kit; EPA says take action at 4 picocuries per liter.
- Verify the contractor's Kentucky license through the state radon office at radon.ky.gov or 502-782-2782.
- Ask for a written quote that lists cost, home size, and the reduction methods needed.
- If you have a passive system, ask whether adding a vent fan (about $300) would convert it to active.
- Call (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.
