After reading an article in newspaper about radon in the Twin Cities, Jen thought we should test our basement (since we had just put in a gas fireplace). Test came back with a reading of 10 pCi/L, 4 is the EPA recommended level. So we bought an electronic meter and stayed out of the basement for a week.We placed the sensor in the same location to verify the accuracy with the other test. The reading for the electronic meter came back at 12. The directions say to place the meter 20 inches above the floor, but since we are always crawling around we thought we would get a reading on the floor. On the floor the reading was 25-30 pCi/L.
So after doing some reading I found that typical installation fees for mitigation systems run $800 to $1200, which I thought was a bit excessive for the materials involved. Being a DIY kind of guy I installed the system myself and now the reading is 1.2 pCi/L on the floor! We are very happy.Cost:
- Fan - $100
- Pipe - $50
- Drill rental - $70
- Incidentals - ~$50 ?
So for about $300 I was able to install the system. It wasn't too hard and it was very satisfying to see the reduction in the reading.
6 comments:
How did you instal the radon fan and pipe? I'd love to know, thank you
Drill hole in floor, insert PVC pipe and find a way to run it up to your roof. You can also go out the side of your house.
There are lots of websites that have detailed tutorials. If you have a specific question I would happy to help you out.
Great. How deep is the hole you'll drill in the floor? If we go through the wall, does the end of the pipe just stick out of the wall a few inches? I'm trying to get a good picture of this.
thanks
Once I got through the concrete, I just dug out as much gravel as I could with my hand. I assume most of the air is drawn through the drain tile that is right there as well.
Remember you can't put the Radon fan in a living space. Ours is in our garage, some are in attics, some are outside.
I came out the wall into my garage and ran it up the wall into the garage attic.
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Fan should be in attic space or outdoors to avoid potential for radon level increase if fan develops leaks. That is per national radon mitigation code.
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