As we radon measurement technicians know, NJ MET12754 & IAC2-00-3291, radon levels increase in the winter. Testing for radon levels in your NJ home during the colder months of the year will usually give you the highest average reading. Why?, because the ground being colder is more solid and slows down the radon gas’ ability to rise through it. Then there is the stack effect in the home caused by heating. As your furnace or boiler heats the home the air rises causing a low pressure zone in the lower part of the house and a high pressure zone in the upper floor. Add snow to the ground and night fall and your readings will most likely be at their peak. The concern here is that at this point during the year we spend more time home, windows and doors are closed longer. The house air is not exchanged as often as during the warmer months of the year. Radon gas levels will increase and testing will confirm this. No worries though, if the radon levels are high they can be lowered. A Passive or a Sub-slab suction system installed by a licensed radon mitigation company can help reduce indoor radon levels to below the 4.o pCi/l level set by the EPA as actionable. These systems will help evacuate the air from below your house above your roof line, thereby reducing radon gas levels in your home to an acceptable level. After these systems are installed yearly testing is recommended, a service we can provide.
Questions or concerns? Fell free to contact me at 201.869.3400 or email lmarquez@mrhomeinspector.net