It is highly recommended that all homeowners test their residence for radon at least twice a year. In regards to that, we are talking about short term tests that are conducted over a series of two to seven days. Long term tests – which are much more accurate – are generally taken over an excess of ninety days. While long term tests do provide a more accurate rating of radon levels in a home throughout the year, short term tests provide results much faster. If you’re moving into a new home, or if you believe there is an exposure problem it’s likely the best option.

What About a Radon Detector?

All that aside if you already live in the home you might be better off picking up a radon detector. There are several different kinds of course, but for the most part they all collect long term readings over an extended period of time. They work exactly like a smoke detector, sending out audio alerts if elevated levels have been found.

Unfortunately, most radon detectors have been designed with professionals in mind – or more specifically contractors and radon mitigators. This can create a difficult installation process for a few different reasons.

First, professional radon detectors must be calibrated before they can provide accurate readings. This usually cannot be done in the home by inexperienced users, so they must be sent out to calibration specialists. This takes time and can cost between $100 to $150 plus shipping for the calibration procedure.

This is why radon testing kits are recommended more often.

One of the best options for consumers and homeowners is the Safety Siren Pro Series brand. It was designed for the average consumer in mind and it has also been evaluated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

How Do They Work?

We’re going to talk about the Safety Siren Pro Series 3 radon gas detector, but there are other models available on the market – most of which work in the same fashion.

The detector can be quickly and easily installed, as it plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. The integrated LED display can output both the short and long term readings of radon gas levels. If the radon levels exceed the recommended limit – 4.0 pCi/L – at any given time then an alarm will sound. You can program the detector to monitor short term, over 48 hours or long term, over a year or more.

One of the best uses for a radon detector is to monitor levels after a radon mitigation system has been installed in a home. Just because a mitigation system has been installed doesn’t mean you should stop testing radon levels. They can still grow to be over the recommended limit, especially if the mitigation system was setup improperly.

Thanks to the easy install feature, you can move the radon detector around your home freely. However, it is essential that you measure the lowest living area where you spend most of your time at least once.

The radon detector should be placed at least 3 feet away from openings in the exterior of the home such as windows, doors or even ventilation exits. It must also be at least one foot from an exterior wall, and at least 20 inches from the floor.

When conducting a short term test, you should keep all windows closed, as well as the doors – whenever possible. You should also turn off all window-based fans. Central air-conditioning units or window air conditioners are surprisingly okay to leave on, however.

After 48 hours or so, the detector will display the initial readings. Over time the reading will be adjusted as the detector continues to monitor levels.

Should I Get a Test Kit or Radon Detector?

The real answer here is that you should probably get both. The testing kit should be used first to find an initial reading then the detector should be installed. It is extremely important that you use a detector or test regularly after a mitigation system has been installed in your home. You want to make sure the system is working properly, and that it continues to do so over time.

As for whether you rely on a standard testing kit or detector – that’s up to you in the end.