As I shared last week, my husband and I discovered our new home had high levels of radon during our home inspection process. (We opted for a radon test, and our home inspector performed the test and reported the results.)
Because we were aware of the dangers of radon, we wanted to fix the problem before we moved in so our family wouldn’t be exposed to this carcinogen.
Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s state radon contact information, I noted three qualified radon professionals in our area. After calling each for prices and descriptions of their services, then discussing options with two different companies, we chose one. Within a week, a licensed contractor came to our house to correct our radon problem.
After a four-hour process, a basic radon removal system was installed in our basement. Pipes now run from our basement floor up through our garage to the roof. A fan, positioned in the garage attic, sucks the radon up and out of the house.
A plastic cover also was fitted over our sump pump for two reasons: first, to create a good suction, and second, to equalize the pressure in the basement to prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a furnace backdraft.
Once the entire system was installed, a 72-hour radon test was performed. Our radon levels dropped dramatically and are no longer a concern.
Our total cost? One-thousand dollars. But having the system has given me a peace of mind that’s priceless. Since I knew our initial radon levels were high, I would have always worried about letting our children play in our lower level – right where their playroom is. Now, I’m relieved we’ve taken an easy, preventative measure.
How about you?
What has YOUR family’s Accidentally Green week looked like? Please e-mail stories and/or photos to accidentallygreen@gmail.com.
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What a really interesting story! Glad you were able to get the issue taken care of.