Home Services
Radon Testing and Mitigation
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground into homes. You can't see, smell, or taste it. Nearly 1 in 15 U.S. homes has high levels, and the EPA says radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who don't smoke.
Testing is the only way to know. If your level is 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA says to fix it. A mitigation system usually costs about $805 to $1,326.
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Why radon matters
According to the EPA:
- Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause overall.
- It's linked to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year, including about 2,900 among people who never smoked.
- Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Any home can have it: new or old, with or without a basement.
How to test for radon
The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor.
- Short-term tests stay in your home for 2 to 90 days. They're a quick first check.
- Long-term tests stay for more than 90 days. They give a better picture of your year-round average.
- Do-it-yourself kits are sold at hardware stores and online. Follow the directions closely. Place the test in the lowest lived-in level of your home, with windows and doors kept closed.
- Professional testing is another option, and it's often used when buying or selling a home.
Test again after any major renovation, and after a mitigation system is installed.
What your results mean
| Result | What the EPA says |
|---|---|
| 4 pCi/L or higher | Fix your home. |
| 2 to 4 pCi/L | Consider fixing it. |
| Below 2 pCi/L | Hard to reduce further. |
pCi/L (picocuries per liter) is how radon levels are measured in the U.S.
How radon mitigation works
The most common system is called active soil depressurization. A contractor drills a hole through the basement floor or slab, then runs a pipe up to a fan that pulls radon from under the house and vents it above the roof. Cracks and openings in the foundation are sealed too.
The fan runs all the time. Ask how much electricity it uses. Retest after installation to make sure it worked.
What radon mitigation costs
Price range
A radon mitigation system costs about $805 to $1,326, with an average of $1,043. Professional radon testing runs about $150 to $700, and permits about $25 to $150 where they're required.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the contractor. Source: Angi, 2026.
What moves the number
- Your foundation type. Basements, slabs, and crawl spaces need different setups.
- Your home's size and layout.
- How high your level is.
- Where the pipe and fan go. Running a pipe through the house instead of up the outside wall adds labor.
How to choose a radon contractor
- Ask about certification. Your state radon office can help you find qualified contractors. Some states require a license.
- Get a written estimate that includes where the pipe and fan will go, sealing work, and a follow-up test.
- Ask about a warranty on the fan and on reaching your target level.
- Consider your own follow-up test with a kit or a separate tester, so you have a second result that doesn't depend on the installer.
What to ask
- "Are you certified or licensed to do radon mitigation in this state?"
- "What level do you guarantee after installation?"
- "Where will the pipe and fan go?"
- "How long is the fan warranty, and what does a replacement cost?"
- "Do you include a follow-up test?"
The catch: a mitigation system only works while the fan runs. Most have a gauge on the pipe that shows it's working. Check it now and then, and retest every couple of years.
Keep reading
Buying a home? See home inspection. Sealing up the basement? See basement waterproofing.
Protect and repair your home: Foundation repair · Water damage restoration · Basement waterproofing · Mold remediation · Pest control · Home inspection · Home security · Home warranty · Is a home warranty worth it? · Chimney repair · All home projects
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