How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost?
How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost?
A radon mitigation system costs $730 to $1,500, with most homeowners spending about $1,100. Depending on the home's design and foundation size, a complex radon reduction system can cost $2,500+. Professional radon-level testing costs $150 per inspection on average.
$730 – $1,500 average cost
A radon mitigation system costs $730 to $1,500, with most homeowners spending about $1,100. Depending on the home's design and foundation size, a complex radon reduction system can cost $2,500+. Professional radon-level testing costs $150 per inspection on average.
Radon Mitigation Costs
A radon mitigation system costs $730 to $1,500, with most homeowners spending about $1,100. Depending on the home's design and foundation size, a complex radon reduction system can cost $2,500+. Professional radon-level testing costs $150 per inspection on average.
| National Average Cost | $1,100 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $4,700 |
| Average Range | $730 to $1,500 |
Radon Remediation System Costs
Radon remediation costs $500 to $2,500 for a gas extraction system and $1,000 to $4,700 for a water treatment solution. For a complete solution, most homeowners spend about $2,000 for radon removal.
Radon remediation is the process to reduce indoor radon contamination issues and is carried out by professionals.
Radon gas itself produces dust particles as it decays which, if inhaled, can also cause lung cancer.
| System | Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gas extraction systems |
|
$500 – $2,500 |
| Water treatment solution |
|
$1,000 – $4,700 |
With modern testing devices and processes to eliminate the seepage, all homes’ radon gas levels are fixable, with most homes fixed within one day.
Radon Testing & Inspection Costs
Across the nation, about 6% of homes have concentrated levels of radon. The detection process begins with testing which costs $20 to $200. A home radon test kit costs less than $20, whereas professional radon-level testing costs $150 per inspection on average.
Home Radon Test Kit – This is a passive, short-term test that costs less than $20 from hardware stores and will deliver quick results. This simplified solution works by leaving the radon sampler in an open area in the lowest part of the home for 2 to 4 days and then mailing off the unit to be tested, with the results e-mailed within 72 hours.
Ongoing Radon Detectors – This is a long-term test that gives a better picture of radon gas in your home as a year-round average. Radon detectors cost $90 and require a power source to deliver continuous testing. This product will continuously sample the air for radon and can include features like showing you the radon level averages for the previous seven days, as well as an audible alarm if the levels rise above the EPA’s safe radon levels of 4 pCi/l.
Professional Radon Level Testing & Inspection – The average radon inspection costs $100 to $200 with most homeowners paying about $150. A professional radon mitigation specialist will detect the levels of radon quickly with a thorough radon inspection. Look for one certified with the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and a member of the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) through the National Environmental Health Association.
Radon Water Testing Kit – Radon water testing kits cost $50 to $200, depending on their features. Typically, it costs $7.50 for the test and $40 for the lab testing.
Radon Test Results
Based on current data, while a large number of states in the US don’t register what would be considered dangerous levels of radon, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends all homes be tested for the presence of radon.
Because you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it without the right equipment, you would never know it is in a home without a test or inspection.
Radon in the air is more of a health risk than radon in the water.
Safe radon levels fall below 2.0 pCi/L, with the average normal level in a home being 1.3 pCi/L.
“The DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend that you take action to mitigate your home if your test results indicate radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L of radon or more.” — State of New Jersey DEP
Radon Levels by Zip Code & State
In the US, the highest concentration of radon levels has been measured in Iowa and the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania. However, each home in the US could have a vastly different amount of radon in it, regardless of where it is.
You can find an interactive map on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website detailing the levels detected for each state, broken down by counties into three different zones.
Radon Mitigation System Costs By Type
The cost of a radon mitigation system is $500 to $4,700 with most homeowners spending $700 to $1,500. Radon mitigation professionals can reduce indoor radon gas contamination issues in the air and the water system in your home with many different methods.
| Reduction System | Method | Radon Mitigation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| - Sub-slab depressurization - Sub-slab suction - Soil suction - Active soil depressurization (ASD) |
Vent pipe system that suctions and vents radon gas from beneath a home to the outside of the house. |
$500 – $2,500 (depending on the foundation type) |
| Drain-tile suction | Perforated pipes called drain tiles pull radon from the surrounding soil and vent it away from the house. |
$700 – $1,500 (exterior drain system and exhaust fan and water-filled trap) |
| Sealed sump pump hole systems | Much like ASD, an airtight cap is placed on the sump hole to improve suction power. |
$800 – $2,500 (for a sump pump system) |
| Sub-membrane depressurization (SMD) | Cover exposed earth in crawl spaces, basements, or under manufactured homes with plastic sheeting and vent radon gas to the outside of the house. | $100 – $500 |
| Seal gas entry | Seal and caulk all large cracks and openings. |
$50 – $1,000 Foundation repair: $5 – $15,000 |
Best Radon Removal Systems
According to Dr. Tom Greiner at the EPA, State of Iowa, Dept of Public Health, the following radon mitigation methods are the most effective at lowering your radon gas levels in the home [3]:
Sub-slab suction or depressurization Up to 99+%, less if passive
Block-wall ventilation Up to 99+%
Drain-tile suction Up to 99+%
Sub-membrane depressurization (SMD) Site-specific, less if passive
House (basement) pressurization Up to 90%
How To Get Rid Of Radon
Reducing radon gas in the home usually requires a four-pronged attack with different radon remediation systems. Let's go over each step to get rid of radon in your home.
Vent radon gas away from the soil under the home.
Vent radon out of the walls and prevent its entry.
Vent radon out of rooms and prevent its entry.
Filter or vent out radon in water.
Be sure to have a loud or visible warning system installed to alert you if any of the active systems stop working correctly.
Radon Removal Cost by Foundation Type
The first type of radon reduction system we will cover is to vent radon gas away from the soil from under the home. Depending on the type of your foundation, this method can range from $500 to $2,500 for remediation.
Active Sub-Slab Depressurization System Costs
Active sub-slab systems, also called depressurization systems or soil suction systems, cost $500 to $2,500. This is the most popular method of radon mitigation. According to the EPA, this "system is designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan-powered vent drawing air from beneath the slab."
A hole is drilled through the slab to the soil, into which a PVC pipe is installed. An extraction fan is then mounted to it, and both fan and pipes are sealed. The vent pipe then continues to the exit point, where it remains at a position above the roofline before opening.
Passive Sub-Slab Suction or Depressurization (PSSD) is when the vents and pipes are in place, but no section fan is at work.
Drain-Tile Suction
Drain tile suction systems cost $700 to $1,500 for an exterior drain system and $800 to $2,500 for a sump pump system.
Pipes for water drainage are often installed around the foundation when the house is built, and these can fill with radon gas and then enter the home. Many homes will need to have these pipes installed if not present, or an open or incomplete loop of drains completed and closed. A vacuum is applied to this drainage area and, with the help of a sump pump, is extracted and vented to a point above the roofline before opening.
Sealed Sump Pump Hole Systems
A sump pump system costs $800 to $2,500 installed. This system is much like ASD, but an airtight cap is placed on the sump hole to improve suction power.
Sub-Membrane Depressurization (SMD)
Sub-Membrane Depressurization Systems cost $500 to $2,500 to install. The exposed earth in crawl spaces, basements, or under manufactured homes is covered with an impermeable membrane-like airtight poly vapor barrier.
The plastic is caulked to the wall. Ventilation piping is installed through the membrane into the soil which then vents radon gas to the outside of the home with the help of an extraction fan in the attic.
A full crawl space encapsulation costs $1,500 to $15,000 for a drainage system, insulation, vapor barrier, repairs, sealing, and dehumidifier.
Foundation Sealing and Caulking
Properly sealing gas entry costs less than $100 if cracks are small, but large foundation repairs cost $5,000 to $15,000. Gas sealing starts by injecting foundation cracks with polyurethane foam or sealing with flexible caulk.
Then, expansion control joints and floor-to-wall joints are sealed with a compound like ElastiPoxy Crack & Joint Filler. Next, all plumbing pipe entry points are sealed, and the sump pump is covered with an airtight cover and caulk.
Radon Reduction System Costs - Walls & Entry Prevention
Another type of reduction system is to vent radon out of the walls and prevent its entry into the home.
| Reduction System | Method | Radon Mitigation Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
-Block-wall ventilation -Wall suction -Block-wall depressurization |
A ventilator draws radon from the spaces within basement concrete block walls before it can enter the house. | $1,500 – $2,500 $2,000+ for a baseboard collection system |
| Above-slab air-pressure differential barrier technology (ASAPDB) | A small blower extracts and vents radon gas from drywall cavities and ductwork to the outside of the home. | $250 – $1,000 |
Block-Wall Depressurization (BWD), Ventilation, or Suction
Blockwall depressurization and suction systems cost $1,500 to $2,500 to install. This radon remediation method is for homes with block-wall foundations. Radon can travel through the hollow parts of the brick or block and into the house.
Once all visible cracks, holes, and pipe entry points are sealed, pipes are installed in the walls so radon can be suctioned out with a mitigation fan and vented away from the home.
Some homeowners prefer to install metal baseboard ducts in the walls for a more uniform look.
BWD is usually done in conjunction with other mitigation methods as it is less effective than sub-slab systems.
Above Slab Air-Pressure Differential Barrier Technology (ASAPDB)
An above-slab air-pressure barrier system, or ASAPDB system, costs $250 to $1,000. This system vents and exhausts the radon-laden air from well-sealed drywall cavities and ductwork and exhausts it outside the home. Minimal negative pressures are created to prevent the entry of radon-rich air into the wall cavities and ducts.
The ASAPDB system is often a more effective method for removing radon from high-rise condominiums, as it does not increase indoor humidity levels.
Air can also be blown into the drywall cavities to prevent radon from entering the high-pressure environment.
Ventilation & Filtration Radon Abatement Methods
Variable rate mechanical ventilation systems cost $500 to $1,400 per unit and help vent radon out of rooms and prevent its entry. The radon-filled air coming up from the soil is usually high in moisture vapor, so the goal is to keep the incoming air at an acceptable level of low moisture/humidity to prevent or reduce the amount of radon released inside the home.
| Reduction System | Method | Radon Mitigation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Heat recovery ventilation – a variable-rate mechanical ventilation system | Prevents indoor relative humidity from rising above a preset upper limit by transferring outgoing heat in stale air into the incoming fresh air | $500 – $1,400 per unit |
| Energy recovery ventilation – a variable-rate mechanical ventilation system | Prevents indoor relative humidity from falling below a preset upper limit by transferring moisture from outgoing air into the incoming air | $400 – $1,200 per unit |
| Vent in outdoor air - prevention of house depressurization |
Supplies outdoor air to household combustion units; ductwork or piping run from any suitable exterior wall near the combustion unit. |
Cost varies |
| Lower level pressurization - prevention of house depressurization | Keeps basement pressure higher than soil pressure below 70–90% radon reduction |
$1,500 – $2,500 to install a ventilation system |
| Natural ventilation | Allows radon gas to be released from the home’s interior | Free |
Heat Recovery Ventilation – $800 to $2,000 installed Wall mounted or ducted, the system extracts heat from outgoing air and uses it to warm the air coming into the home without the two airstreams coming in contact with each other.
Energy Recovery Ventilation – $700 to $1,750 installed Wall mounted or ducted, the system extracts moisture from outgoing air and uses it to humidify the air coming into the home without the two airstreams coming in contact with each other.
Natural Ventilation – Ventilate the house by opening windows and vents for a free method of radon remediation. This can reduce the radon levels by up to 90%, but in extreme climates, you run the risk of negating the effects of your heating or cooling efforts and increasing your energy costs. If you have a basement, one option is to close off the basement and ventilate that. If ventilating your first floor, be sure to open windows and vents on all sides of the house to ensure equal ventilation and avoid depressurization. If you have an enclosed crawlspace, adding vents can reduce radon buildup.
Radon Fan or Pump Prices
A window fan for radon mitigation costs about $20 per year to run, while a central furnace fan costs about $275 per year, and a fan used to depressurize a basement can cost up to $500 per year to run because you have to keep the radon fan running.
Exhaust fans and furnaces can lower the air pressure in the home, thus creating a suction inside the house which draws radon gas upwards from the underlying soil. The solution is to install an outdoor air supply with ducts or pipes near the fan or furnace.
Install a damper and screen in the ductwork to prevent bugs, debris, and cold air from entering the home when the system is not being used.
Seal off any cold-air return registers that are located in the basement.
Levels of radon gas reduction will depend on the time of year, and the amount the furnace or exhaust fan is used. These fans are most effective in very hot, humid climates or very cold climates.
“Many combustion units are designed to accept outside air, but for many others, a modification is not only illegal but may be unsafe. Gas furnaces are a prime example. In this case, directing outdoor air to a point near the furnace or enclosing the furnace in a room that is vented outdoors are appropriate measures.” — Dr. Tom Greiner
Lower Level Pressurization
A lower level pressurization ventilation system costs $1,500 to $2,500 to install. This system keeps basement pressure higher than the soil pressure below to prevent radon from entering the home by blowing air into the basement or crawl space from a fan(s) set up at the basement entrance.
The basement must first be tightly sealed with windows kept closed, and then upstairs air is blown in. This can end up being costly because the fan needs to run continuously to maintain the 70 to 90% reduction levels, costing up to $500 per year to keep it running. This can also work for an enclosed crawlspace.
Radon Water Mitigation Costs
Radon water mitigation systems cost $1,100 to $4,700 with the average homeowner spending about $1,700 for a charcoal scrubbing system. Water treatment solutions are either GAC or aeration devices. In treating water for radon contamination, systems called point-of-entry devices are put in place between the water main supply and your home.
| Point of Entry Device | Method | Radon Mitigation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon & Charcoal Scrubbing System* | Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are the least expensive of the two and use carbon to filter out the radon as it passes through the filter. Removes about 80% of the radon. | $1,000 – $1,650 |
| Aeration or bubble-up system | Aeration devices send a stream of bubbles through the water, radon moves into the air bubbles, and extractor fans carry the radon gas out into the outside air. Removes about 90 – 99% of the radon. | $4,500 – $4,900 |
| Point of Use Device | ||
| Faucet filter | Treats your tap water only. | $80 – $140 |
Surface water which comes from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is generally not a source for radon gas delivery because the radon gets released into the air. You can also be confident that your local water municipality has taken care of getting water to your home radon free, but water contamination might occur if your water source is a well or draws from an aquifer.
Carbon & Charcoal Scrubbing System
The average cost for a carbon or charcoal scrubbing system is $1,700 for two 9 x 48 tanks, GAC, tank hardware, fittings, two in-line filters and elements, and plumbing. While GAC filtration systems are less expensive, tests show that fewer than 15 percent are still reducing radon levels by 90% or better after being in service for one year. [4]
This shows that the system’s efficiency decreases over time, requiring yearly carbon replacement. Most used carbon filters are then radioactive and might require special disposal measures. The EPA has guidelines to monitor safe usage and ensure proper timing for re-testing and tank replacement.
The EPA does not recommend the use of carbon filtration for waterborne radon levels exceeding 5,000 pCi/L.
Aeration or Bubble Up System
An Aeration or bubble-up system costs $4,500 to $4,900 for the unit, an outside venting line, electrical hookup, and plumbing. This method is effective and reliable with 95% to 99% radon removal rates. While the upfront costs are high, the long-term prices are lower. Also, there’s no need for state or EPA measures.
Radon Monitors and Smart Devices
Radon monitoring devices typically cost $120 to $230 each. The latest radon gas detectors will digitally display the short- and long-term radon gas levels in your home with automated self-tests. They can run on battery power or be wired as fixed installations. To get the most accurate results, install them in areas of the home away from windows, areas with high humidity levels, crawl spaces, construction joints, and sump pumps. According to SafeWise, the top three digital radon detectors are:
Family Safety Products Safety Siren Pro Series3 Radon Gas Detector – $120 to $160
AirThings Corentium Home Radon Gas Detector – $140 to $200
Radon Eye RD200 Smart Radon Monitor Detector – $150 to $230, or $410 for the RD200 Plus.
Radon Mitigation Code Requirements
It’s much easier and cheaper to build in a sub-slab radon reduction system before the slab is poured than to retrofit a home later. While there are no federal laws about making a new home radon-resistant, there are often state or local laws. See if your state does here.
Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) usually only adds $250 to $750 to the building cost vs. $800 to $2,500 to retrofit a home. RRNC immediately takes care of about 50% of the radon gas in the soil. Later on, if interior gas levels are tested as being too high, the passive system can be upgraded to an active one by adding a fan that’s vented through the attic and out.
DIY Radon Mitigation
The DIY cost for radon mitigation depends on how much of the work you plan to do yourself, and if that work will help or harm the goal of reducing radon gas levels in the home. “If you don't do it right, you might actually increase the level of radon or compromise the air quality in your house.” — Bill Wehrum, Administrator, EPA Office of Air and Radiation
Radon Mitigation FAQs
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas. High levels of radon in homes can rise up through the soil into any crack in the foundation, walls, wall cavities, construction joints, spaces in suspended floors, and the water supply.
Depending on the cracks in the rock under a home, the levels of concentration will vary—anywhere from your entire property, to one corner of your garage, or only under your yard. Levels will vary and change throughout a home based on the ventilation flow.
"Radon is actually the leading environmental cause of cancer mortality in the United States. About 21,000 people die each year from it. People really underestimate its importance." — Bill Field, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa
What is radon testing?
Radon testing is either done by the homeowner or a professional using an active (requires power) or passive (no power needed) testing method to determine how much radon gas is in the home. The longer the period the testing is done over, the more accurate the results.
“The DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend that you take action to mitigate your home if your test results indicate radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L of radon or more.” — State of New Jersey DEP
How do I know if I have radon in my home or water supply?
Use a home testing kit or hire a professional inspector to test your home for radon gas levels. A professional radon inspection costs $150 on average.
Are radon inspectors and radon treatment professionals the same?
Radon inspectors inspect radon gas levels while radon treatment professionals work on reducing radon gas levels in the home, but radon treatment professionals usually also offer inspection services, as do home inspection professionals.
How much does radon fan replacement cost?
Most radon fan replacements cost $120 to $600 including installation—which should be low because all the existing pipes and vents are already in place. Prices vary depending on the duct width and couplings needed.
Will installing a mitigation unit fix my radon problem?
Some units will reduce radon levels by up to 99% if you have also sealed the home, while others will only achieve a 50% to 90% reduction. You often need to combine reduction methods to reach the 99% result for your home’s particular needs.
How much electricity does a radon fan use?
A window fan can cost about $20 per year to run.
A central furnace fan can cost about $275 per year.
A fan used to depressurize a basement can cost up to $500 per year to run because you have to keep the radon fan running.
Do open windows help get rid of radon gas?
Absolutely, but due to the four seasons and fluctuating temps, you might not want to open them in freezing temps or temps higher than 90° F. You also need to be sure to open windows on all sides of the house and at all levels for proper airflow.
Do new homes have radon systems?
According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 96% of new single-family homes built in 2013 were built using green products or practices to help prevent radon.
How do I treat radon?
As far as immediate action, you can open the windows, but it’s an interim measure, not a long-term solution. You might need to close off your basement until the problem is fixed, as the radon is coming from the soil under your home. All of the radon reduction methods mentioned above are much more efficient with a “tight house”—one appropriately sealed.
Radon gas will be reduced by 50% to 75% from sealing work alone, or more if the correct sealing work is done in conjunction with other methods.
Hiring a Radon Mitigation Professional
Overall, many of the proposed radon system mitigation costs are high up front. Most of the methods will reduce your radon gas levels in the home enough, but think about the long-term effects—will the lower gas levels be maintained by your new system, and at what utility cost? You might end up paying more over the years in utility costs compared to upfront costs for a passive system.
Keep the following points in mind when reading reviews about radon mitigation specialists you are thinking of hiring:
Look for specialists that are licensed, bonded, insured, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Even if you have conducted testing, or a previous resident has had radon testing carried out, good contractors will do their own testing.
In addition to testing, they will do a complete visual inspection, including the foundation and home structure, to determine the most suitable system needed to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the home. Consider using a contractor familiar with all aspects of home inspection.
They will provide recommendations for the installation of a radon mitigation system that complies with all EPA guidelines and regulations specific to your geographic location.
They will leave the system installed, with all relevant labels attached, and provide instructions on its use.
After the radon mitigation system has been installed, they will run another set of tests to verify the effectiveness of the installed system, when the results are compared to the first set of test results.
“Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified or registered, and to install radon mitigation systems that meet state requirements. In states that don’t regulate radon services, ask the contractor if they hold a professional proficiency or certification credential, and if they follow industry credential standards, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Standard Practice for Installing Radon Mitigation Systems in Existing Low-Rise Residential Buildings, E2121.” — EPA, “A Consumer’s Guide to Radon”
