Fall and winter are optimal for accurate radon testing in Germansville. During colder months, homes are sealed tight with closed windows and doors, creating conditions that allow radon to accumulate to its highest levels. This gives you the most accurate worst-case scenario reading. Testing should be conducted on the lowest lived-in level of your home for at least 48 hours. For real estate transactions, we can provide same-day testing services year-round with certified equipment.

Radon mitigation uses active soil depressurization (ASD), the most effective method proven by the EPA. Here's how it works:

1. We install a PVC pipe system through your foundation slab to create suction points
2. A specialized radon fan (mounted outside or in attic) creates negative pressure beneath the slab
3. This draws radon gas from under your home and vents it safely above the roofline
4. A U-tube manometer allows you to visually confirm the system is working
5. The system runs 24/7, continuously protecting your home

Most systems reduce radon levels by 90-99%, bringing them well below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

Pennsylvania law requires sellers to complete a Real Estate Seller Disclosure form that includes radon information:

• You must disclose if you're aware of radon gas in the property
• If testing was done, you must disclose the results and when tested
• If mitigation was installed, provide documentation and warranty transfer
• Buyers commonly request testing during inspections in Lehigh County

Pro tip: Get tested before listing. A clean test or existing mitigation system can be a selling point. If levels are high, installing a system before listing shows you're proactive.

Passive systems rely on natural air pressure differences and convection to draw radon out. They have no fan and are sometimes installed during new construction. However, they typically only reduce radon by 30-50% and rarely achieve levels below 4.0 pCi/L.

Active systems use a fan to mechanically draw radon from beneath the foundation. These are significantly more effective (90-99% reduction) and are what we install for most Germansville homes.

Good news: If your home has a passive system that's not performing well, we can convert it to an active system by adding a fan - typically for $350-500. This is much cheaper than installing a new system from scratch.

While DIY kits are inexpensive, professional testing is far more accurate and legally defensible:

For real estate transactions, lenders and title companies require professional testing. It's a small investment ($225+) for accurate information about your family's health.

Operating costs are minimal. Modern radon fans are energy-efficient and run continuously 24/7:

Maintenance costs: We recommend annual inspections ($75-125) to ensure optimal performance. Radon fans typically last 5-10 years before replacement is needed ($350-500).

Bottom line: For less than the cost of a monthly streaming service, you protect your family from the #2 cause of lung cancer. It's one of the best health investments you can make.

While technically possible, DIY radon mitigation is not recommended for several critical reasons:

Our professional installation ($895+) includes proper system design, quality materials, expert installation, post-mitigation testing, 5-year warranty, and full documentation. The peace of mind knowing it's done right is worth far more than any DIY savings.

The EPA's action level is 4.0 pCi/L, meaning mitigation is recommended at or above this level. However, it's important to understand there is no "safe" radon level:

For context: The average outdoor radon level is 0.4 pCi/L. The average indoor level in US homes is 1.3 pCi/L. In Germansville and Lehigh County, it's common to see levels of 8-15 pCi/L in untreated homes due to our geology.