Michigan’s Radon Lady

A Dependable Method for Radon Testing in Homes

There are a number of methods and equipment used for testing radon in a home. At Advanced Radon Testing, I use RadStar RS800, which was manufactured by AccuStar.
The radon testing machine is placed in the residential property for a minimum of 48 hours. During this time period and for 12 hours before testing begins, “closed house conditions” must be kept. This means:

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All windows in the house, including upstairs, should be kept closed during the whole testing period.

All exterior doors need to be kept closed. Normal entry and exit are permitted, but you must shut the door behind you.

HVAC systems should be used with the fan in auto mode. It should be in between 67°-77° Fahrenheit.

Whole house fans are not to be used.

Ceilings fans, dehumidifiers, and air filters that are not built-in equipment to the house should not be operated within 20 feet of the radon testing equipment.

Fireplaces should not be used during the test period, and the flu should be kept closed.

Clothes dryers, range hoods, and bathroom fans should be used in moderation. Two to three loads of laundry per day are considered normal.

How the Testing Equipment Works

If a radon mitigation system is already installed in the house, it needs to run for at least 24 hours prior to and during the testing period. It is also best to keep all cellular phones that are in use (receiving or transmitting a call) at least five feet away from all the radon monitors being deployed.
During the test period, the RadStar RS800 is sampling the air for alpha particles, a product of radon decay. It does approximately 23 samples per hour.
After the test is complete, the unit is picked up from the home. The downloaded data and recommended action plan are provided to the homeowner or prospective owner.

Learn More

Radon in excessive amounts can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer. To learn more about radon, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

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