Radon, an invisible gas, can permeate homes. Understanding how much radon levels can fluctuate is critical, as long-term exposure poses serious health risks. 

So, in this article, we’ll understand why and how radon levels change. We’ll also learn what actions must be taken if levels swing so that you can maintain a radon-safe home.

Why do radon levels show fluctuations within our living spaces? There are two major reasons.

Seasonal Shifts 

During the colder months, homes are often tightly sealed, reducing ventilation. As a result, radon gas can become more concentrated indoors, leading to elevated levels. 

Conversely, in the warmer seasons, increased ventilation occurs naturally, which helps disperse radon gas, resulting in lower indoor concentrations.

Building Characteristics 

Homes with more air leaks, such as older structures or those with inadequate sealing, are more prone to radon infiltration. In these buildings, radon levels tend to rise with warmer outdoor temperatures due to increased airflow through gaps and cracks. 

In contrast, well-sealed and airtight buildings are more effective at retaining radon, leading to a reduction in indoor radon levels as temperatures rise.

To back this up, a study found that outdoor temperature and humidity directly influence these levels. In buildings with more air leaks, radon increases with warmer outdoor temperatures. But in airtight buildings, warmer weather reduces radon. 

Radon levels are sensitive to various outdoor conditions. For example:

• Rain: Saturates the ground, pushing radon towards building foundations. More noticeable during heavy rainfalls, it can cause a temporary spike in indoor radon levels.

• Wind or Storms: Affects air pressure around buildings, creating pathways for radon entry. Strong winds and storms, particularly those changing barometric pressure, can lead to higher indoor radon levels.

• Winter Cold: This leads to homes being sealed tightly to conserve heat, which can trap and increase indoor radon concentrations.

• Summer Heat: Encourages open windows and doors, improving ventilation. This can help dilute and reduce radon levels inside buildings.

• Property Location: Plays a significant role in radon exposure. Areas with high uranium content in the soil are likely to experience elevated radon levels.

Inside homes, certain appliances and activities can influence radon levels by affecting air pressure and ventilation. These are:

• Water Heater: It creates a slight vacuum in the house, potentially drawing radon in from the soil.

• Open Wood Fireplace: Uses indoor air for combustion, creating negative pressure that can pull in radon.

• Vacuum Cleaner: The air movement from vacuums can redistribute radon gas within the home.

• Space Heater: Like water heaters, they can create negative pressure, drawing radon into living spaces.

• Clothes Dryer: When used, dryers exhaust indoor air, which can draw radon in from the ground.

• Bathroom Fan: Extracts air from inside, potentially increasing radon entry from the soil.

Detecting radon levels is only possible with effective testing. 

Short-term radon tests, lasting from a few days up to 90 days, are a great start. They provide a quick snapshot of the current radon levels in your home. This immediate result is especially useful after events that could affect radon levels, such as severe weather changes or significant home renovations.

For a more comprehensive understanding, long-term testing is essential. These tests, which last over 90 days, reveal fluctuations over different seasons. These tests are more reliable as they give you a clearer picture of your long-term radon exposure.

With SunRADON’s testing devices, this important task is simple and accurate. Our kits give you easy use, ensuring you can conduct these tests without hassle.

If you discover fluctuating radon levels in your home, take prompt action. The first and most effective step is to consult a radon mitigation professional. The expert analyzes your radon test results and recommends specific solutions.

For example, if your home shows consistently high radon levels, the professional might suggest installing a sub-slab depressurization system. This system reduces radon by venting it beneath the foundation before entering your living space. 

In contrast, if you detect moderate levels, the expert might suggest simpler methods like sealing foundation cracks or improving ventilation.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The strategy must be tailored to the specific conditions of your home. For instance, homes with crawl spaces require a different approach than those with basements. 

You can make informed decisions to protect your home and health from radon risks only by following expert guidance.

Understanding how much radon levels can fluctuate is key to safeguarding your home. The importance of regular radon testing, through both short-term and long-term approaches, cannot be overstated in managing these risks.

At SunRADON, we specialize in providing you with professional radon testing devices that are key for giving you a healthier home. Our products offer you simplicity in use and confidence in results. Whether assessing your home for the first time or maintaining a long-term radon management plan, SunRADON stands with you.

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