Performing Radon Testing Colorado Springs are a good idea for any homeowner who has concerns about radon levels in their home. The health effects of radon are serious and can be caused by exposure to radon in the air. Using a radon mitigation system can reduce radon levels in a home’s air, making it safer to live in.
Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may have a choice between short-term and long-term tests for radon. Short-term tests are usually only done as part of a home inspection or real estate transaction. Long-term tests are usually done on a more regular basis. They are much more accurate, allowing you to determine the level of radon in your home. In addition, long-term tests account for fluctuations in radon levels.
In a short-term test, the measurements are not meant to be taken for more than 48 hours. This test is often used during real estate transactions, as it provides a quick indication of whether or not a home has a radon problem. It is not a good basis for radon mitigation decisions, however. If a short-term test shows high radon levels, you may need to consider purchasing a long-term test kit.
The most common long-term test is done using an electret ion chamber detector. This device is normally placed in the basement or the lowest living space of the home. The device is then analyzed over a period of approximately 90 days. Long-term test results are usually a bit better than those of a short-term test, as it gives you an idea of what your average radon level is over a period of several months. Long-term tests are also used to test radon in multi-unit buildings.
Unlike short-term tests, long-term test kits are able to provide you with an accurate representation of your radon level over a period of several months. It is also much more likely that a long-term test will show your home’s year-round average radon level. This is because your home will usually be closed up in the winter months. Weather conditions can also affect radon levels in a home. You may see a rise or a fall in radon levels due to severe weather. A long-term test may be necessary if your home is located in an area with exposed rock. This is because radon in permeable sediments can be harder to detect.
It’s not uncommon to see an average radon level that is higher than that of a short-term test, so it’s important to have both types of tests done. The annual average exposure test is typically performed as a follow-up to a short-term test. The annual test will take into account your home’s use and the weather throughout the year. The short-term test is the opposite of the annual test. This is because a short-term test only provides a snapshot of radon levels and does not account for fluctuations over time.
In addition to a short-term and long-term test, you may also want to consider a combination of both tests. For example, if your short-term test shows a radon level of over four pCi/L, you may want to consider getting a long-term test kit. This may allow you to save money and time in the long run.
Whether you are buying a new home or you are already living in it, you need to perform a radon test. There are several types of radon measuring devices, both passive and active, that can be used for radon testing. The best approach for your radon measurement will depend on the type of device you are using and the level of predictive value.
The most commonly used radon measuring devices are charcoal liquid scintillation detectors, alpha-track detectors, current or pulse ionization chambers, and electret ion chamber detectors. These devices are typically used for short-term testing, but they are also used for long-term testing.
Short-term test devices are designed to detect radon concentrations for a few hours or days. Compared to long-term measurement devices, these devices are not as accurate. Because of the high temporal variation of indoor radon, short-term measurements are not usually reliable.
Long-term measurement devices are designed to measure radon for three to 12 months. This is a more reliable method because it allows the concentration of radon to be integrated over time. These devices also require a calibration process. This includes checking circuitry voltage, wave patterns, and discriminator settings. Some devices have internal checks that automatically perform these checks. However, these devices must be calibrated over a wide range of conditions and durations.