| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Free short-term test kits available from the Kentucky Radon Program |
| Time | 2 to 90 days; 2 days to 1 week is most common |
| Who's qualified | Kentucky-certified (NRPP/NRSB) contractors, state-registered per Kentucky Radon Program |
Frankfort, KY: what's different here
Frankfort is the state capital, located in Franklin County, Kentucky. It sits about 29 miles and roughly 33 minutes by car from Lexington via main highway, so a local pro can reach Frankfort homes quickly. Kentucky's state radon office is based in Frankfort and can be reached at 502-782-2782. Like the rest of Kentucky, Frankfort is in EPA Radon Zone 2, with moderate predicted radon potential.
Is radon testing required before selling a home in Frankfort?
No Kentucky statute requires radon testing before a home sale. The law instead requires disclosure if radon testing has occurred in the past. Kentucky's real estate disclosure form was updated to include a radon warning statement so buyers are alerted that homes should be tested as part of the real estate process.
When should radon testing for a home sale happen in Frankfort?
Testing is typically needed during the transaction, or before listing if the seller wants to avoid delays and disclose results upfront. The Kentucky Radon Program recommends all homes be tested regardless of radon zone, because the EPA's zone map should not be used instead of testing during real estate transactions. Kentucky and EPA also recommend long-term testing of 90 days to 1 year when practical.
What happens if a Frankfort home sale test shows high radon?
Kentucky Housing Corporation policy says mitigation is required if results are at or above 4.0 pCi/L. Radon mitigation systems average between $1,200 and $3,000. A running radon fan can add about $30 to $300 per year to the energy bill, since an active fan draws 100 to 300 watts continuously.
How does radon get into Frankfort homes?
Radon enters homes from the ground through cracks in floors, basement walls, or gaps in suspended floors. Kentucky is classified as EPA Radon Zone 2, meaning moderate predicted radon potential with a predicted average indoor screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L. The Kentucky Radon Program says testing is the only way to determine a home's radon level.
Who can perform radon testing for a home sale in Frankfort?
The Kentucky Radon Program says radon contractors must be nationally certified and registered with the state radon program to provide radon measurement, mitigation, or laboratory services in Kentucky. Kentucky work can be verified through the state radon office at radon.ky.gov or 502-782-2782. Ask the pro for proof of licence and insurance.
What to do next
- Order a free short-term radon test kit from the Kentucky Radon Program, funded through an EPA grant.
- Schedule a short-term test of 2 days to 1 week during the transaction, or before listing to disclose results upfront.
- Verify any contractor through the state radon office at radon.ky.gov or 502-782-2782, and ask for proof of licence and insurance.
- If results are at or above 4.0 pCi/L, request a mitigation quote and ask about the typical $1,200 to $3,000 system cost.
- 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.
