.jpg)
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into homes from the surrounding soil, and it's worth understanding as part of a broader conversation about indoor air quality. Old Glory Air Conditioning and Heating shares what homeowners should generally know about this topic.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas that forms from the natural decay of uranium found in soil and rock, and it can enter homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, or other openings connecting to the ground below.
Radon levels vary significantly based on local geology, meaning some areas naturally have higher radon potential than others. Testing is the only reliable way to know your specific home's radon levels, since it can't be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Radon testing typically involves a specialized test kit placed in the lowest livable level of your home for a set period, after which the results indicate the radon concentration present, measured in a standard unit specific to radon measurement.
While radon mitigation, if needed, typically involves a dedicated system separate from your standard HVAC equipment, overall home ventilation can play a role in how radon and other soil gases behave within your living space.
Both older and newer homes can have radon issues, since the presence of radon relates more to local soil conditions and how a specific home was constructed than to the age of the structure itself.
If testing reveals elevated radon levels, a radon mitigation system, typically involving a vent pipe and fan system, can be installed to redirect radon gas away from your home before it accumulates indoors.
Because radon mitigation involves specific techniques different from general HVAC service, this work is typically performed by a specialized radon mitigation contractor rather than a standard heating and cooling company.
While radon is addressed through specialized mitigation rather than standard HVAC equipment, being aware of radon as part of your overall indoor air quality picture rounds out a homeowner's understanding of the various factors affecting their home's air.
If you're curious about radon levels in your specific area, your local health department or environmental agency can typically provide general information about regional radon potential and testing resources.
While our team focuses on HVAC-related indoor air quality solutions like filtration and ventilation, we're happy to discuss how your overall home comfort and air quality strategy fits alongside other considerations like radon testing.
