How much does a radon mitigation system cost?
How much does a radon mitigation system cost?
$1,200 – $2,000 average cost installed
Radon mitigation cost
A radon mitigation system costs $1,200 to $2,000 installed on average. The cost of radon mitigation depends on the home size, design, and system type. Most systems feature a pipe in the basement or crawl space with an internal fan to redirect harmful radon gas away from the home.
| National Average Cost | $1,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $8,000 |
| Average Range | $1,200 to $2,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Radon is a colorless, odorless natural gas that exists in the rocks, soil, and water and can rise through the ground into your home.
Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1 in every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. However, radon levels in a home are easily fixable with a mitigation system.
Radon mitigation cost by system type
An active soil depressurization system is by far the most common type of radon mitigation system installed in residential homes. Other foundation-, wall-, and ventilation-based systems often cost more but may be required in homes where an active soil depressurization system isn't possible.
| System type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Active soil depressurization system | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Other foundation-based system | $900 – $8,000 |
| Wall-based system | $500 – $3,000 |
| Ventilation system | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| Water mitigation system | $1,200 – $5,000 |
Active soil depressurization system
An active soil depressurization system costs $1,200 to $2,000 installed on average but can cost $2,500+ for larger homes. This type of system uses an exhaust fan to move the radon gas from the soil below the home's foundation, draw it up a pipe, and vent it outdoors above the roofline.
Other foundation-based systems
Though active soil depressurization systems are the most common, a radon mitigation specialist may determine another type of foundation-based system is more suitable for your home. Other types include:
Crawl space sealing – Crawl space encapsulation costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average or $3 to $7 per square foot. Encapsulation involves wrapping the crawl space floors and walls with a vapor barrier.
Basement sealing – Basement waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000 on average and typically includes filling cracks and holes with caulk or polyurethane foam. The work also includes applying a sealing compound to joints and plumbing entry points.
Drain-tile suction system – These systems cost $900 to $1,800 installed for homes with a preexisting perimeter drain or French Drain. A vacuum attached to the drain can extract radon and vent it outside the home.
Sump pit & sump crock sealing – Sealing the area around the sump pump and installing a cover costs $900 to $2,500. Radon can enter your home through the gravel around the sump pit, also called a sump crock.
Wall-based systems
Wall-based radon mitigation systems cost $500 to $3,000 installed but may not be as effective at removing radon from your home.
| Wall-based system type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Block-wall depressurization (BWD) | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Above-slab air pressure differential barrier (ASAPDB) | $500 – $1,200 |
Block-wall depressurization (BWD) systems cost $1,800 to $3,000 installed and are designed for homes with block-wall foundations. These systems use a pipe and fan to draw radon gas through the cracks in the walls and direct it outside your home.
Above-slab air pressure differential barrier (ASAPDB) systems cost $500 to $1,200 installed and feature a small blower that removes radon gas from drywall cavities and ductwork in the home.
Ventilation systems
Standard ventilation systems that remove stale air from your home will also reduce radon levels but aren't as effective as other systems. Contractors typically only use these standard ventilation methods if your home doesn't have enough room for an active soil depressurization system.
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems cost $1,500 to $2,500 installed and improve the air quality in your home. An ERV system features two fans, one that draws fresh air into the home and another that draws stale air out.
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems cost $1,300 to $2,200 installed. An HRV system draws stale air out of your home and brings clean air into the home. During the winter, the system captures heat from the exhaust air and uses it to prewarm the incoming cold air.
Opening the windows and doors of your home provides natural ventilation, which reduces radon levels slightly. However, this method isn't an effective long-term solution.
Water mitigation systems
Water mitigation systems remove the radon from groundwater and well water before it enters your home. The two most common types are carbon scrubbing systems and aeration systems:
Carbon and charcoal scrubbing systems cost $1,200 to $1,800 installed and use activated carbon filters to capture radon from water passing through. However, these systems aren't as effective as aeration systems.
Aeration systems cost $4,000 to $5,000 installed and work by injecting air into the water, capturing the radon in air bubbles, and venting it outside the home.
Additional radon mitigation cost factors
The following factors also affect the cost of radon mitigation:
Radon test – Professional radon testing costs $125 to $400 on average, including the testing device, pro setup and pickup, and the lab processing fees. A home radon test kit costs $10 to $30, and some states provide free DIY short-term test kits.
Permits – A permit to install a radon mitigation system costs $25 to $150, depending on your location. Most mitigation contractors include this fee in their estimate.
Radon detector – A digital radon detector costs $150 to $300, depending on the features. Digital detectors continuously monitor the radon levels in your home, similar to carbon monoxide detectors.
Ongoing energy costs to run the system – The fan in a radon mitigation system uses about the same electricity as a 60-watt light bulb, with energy costs of around $70 to $80 per year.
Radon levels by location
Though radon is present everywhere and elevated levels of radon gas can occur in homes in any part of the United States, high radon concentrations are more prevalent in cold climates with rocky or dry soil.
The EPA map below shows the radon potential for counties throughout the country. However, homes with elevated levels of radon are present in all three zones. A radon test is the only way to confirm the levels in your home.
Radon gas can enter any home, regardless of how old or new the house is.
Radon mitigation FAQs
What is radon, and why is it dangerous?
Radon is a radioactive gas that exists in the rocks, soil, and water. This colorless and odorless gas rises through the soil, foundation cracks, and gaps into your home. Because radon is present everywhere in the earth, people constantly receive low levels of exposure.
However, radon trapped indoors becomes concentrated enough to cause dangerous health issues. Radon is carcinogenic, and ongoing exposure to high levels of the gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer universally and the number one cause in non-smokers.
Children are more sensitive to radon than adults even when exposed to the same radon levels for the same length of time, putting them at greater danger.
Is a radon mitigation system worth it?
If testing indicates the radon levels in your home are above 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a radon mitigation system is worth it to protect you and your family from lung cancer. An active soil depressurization system can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
How does a radon mitigation system work?
Most radon mitigation systems work by using a fan installed outside the home to continuously pull radon gas up from below the basement, crawlspace, or slab. The fan draws the radon gas upward through piping and vents it above the roofline where it's no longer a threat.
How long does a radon mitigation system last?
A radon mitigation system's piping lasts 20 to 50+ years. However, the exhaust fan may require repair or replacement after 5 to 10 years, depending on the system's design, placement, and sun exposure. Most manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty on radon fans for professionally installed systems.
Where is the best place to put a radon mitigation system?
The best places to put a radon mitigation system are in the basement or crawl space to capture the radon gas before it rises and enters the living space. A fan installed in the attic or outside the house pulls the gas up through a pipe and directs it away from the home.
Who pays for radon mitigation, the home buyer or seller?
The home seller typically pays for a radon mitigation system. However, this arrangement is negotiable between the buyer and seller because the seller isn't legally obligated to pay for the system in most cases. Check your state laws to see if radon testing is a requirement before selling a home.
Is radon mitigation covered by homeowners insurance?
No, homeowners insurance doesn't cover radon mitigation or testing since they're part of ongoing home maintenance. Most standard home warranties also don't cover radon mitigation or testing.
Getting estimates from radon mitigation companies near you
Follow these guidelines to find the best radon mitigation specialists near you:
Get 3 or more estimates for similar systems to compare.
Look for mitigation specialists certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Confirm the estimate includes follow-up testing to ensure the system is working.
Never pay in full before installation. Make a partial deposit instead and get a receipt.
Questions to ask radon mitigation contractors
Ask these questions when hiring a radon mitigation company:
How many radon mitigation systems have you installed in the past year?
Are you NRPP or NRSB certified?
How much does diagnostic testing and the initial inspection cost?
What type of system do you recommend for my home, and why?
How much will the system reduce the radon levels in my home?
Does the installation cost include follow-up testing to ensure the system is working effectively?
Will you include a digital monitor to track radon levels throughout the year?
How long will the system last?
What maintenance will the system require?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.