Radon tests come in two broad types:
1. Short Term
A short term radon test remains in your home for anywhere from a few days to three months. It is unobtrusive, inexpensive, does not require input from you, and is easy to set up. After the test is completed, you must, however, send it to a lab for test results. But, if you're going to use a short-term radon test, remember to place it in the right spot!
Short-term radon test kits are even available on Amazon.
2. Long Term
A long term radon test—which is any test that stays in your house for over three months—is more accurate and more expensive than a short term kit. The results you get with a long term radon test are, however, a better reflection of your yearly radon levels. In the winter, for example, when ventilation is worse than in the summer, radon levels will be higher.
Lone-term radon test kits should be purchased with more care than short term kits, and from a reputable maker. It's your future that's at stake!
So, which type of radon test should you choose?
The general consensus is that a short-term test is a quick and easy way to find out if you have a radon gas problem—or, in other words, if you need to do a long term test. If the short term radon test results come back sufficiently high, then a long-term test should be used as a more accurate follow-up.
1. Short Term
A short term radon test remains in your home for anywhere from a few days to three months. It is unobtrusive, inexpensive, does not require input from you, and is easy to set up. After the test is completed, you must, however, send it to a lab for test results. But, if you're going to use a short-term radon test, remember to place it in the right spot!
Short-term radon test kits are even available on Amazon.
2. Long Term
A long term radon test—which is any test that stays in your house for over three months—is more accurate and more expensive than a short term kit. The results you get with a long term radon test are, however, a better reflection of your yearly radon levels. In the winter, for example, when ventilation is worse than in the summer, radon levels will be higher.
Lone-term radon test kits should be purchased with more care than short term kits, and from a reputable maker. It's your future that's at stake!
So, which type of radon test should you choose?
The general consensus is that a short-term test is a quick and easy way to find out if you have a radon gas problem—or, in other words, if you need to do a long term test. If the short term radon test results come back sufficiently high, then a long-term test should be used as a more accurate follow-up.