When it comes to protecting your family, you can’t afford to overlook the silent threats that might be lurking in your home. One of the most dangerous—and often underestimated—hazards is radon gas. Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon can seep into your home and cause serious health problems without you even knowing it. But there is good news: a certified radon home inspector can be your first and most powerful line of defense.

In this article, we’ll explore why radon is dangerous, how it enters your home, what a certified radon home inspector does, and why hiring a professional could be one of the smartest decisions you ever make for your family’s safety. Let’s dive in.

What Is Radon—and Why Should You Care?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It moves up through the ground and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or even well water.

What makes radon so dangerous is that it’s invisible and odorless—you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Yet prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, right after smoking.

How Radon Gets Into Your Home

Radon gas can infiltrate your home through multiple entry points, including:

• Cracks in basement floors and walls

• Construction joints

• Gaps around service pipes

• Crawl spaces

• Sump pits or drains

• Well water (less common, but still possible)

Once inside, radon gets trapped and can build up to dangerous levels, especially in lower levels of the home where ventilation may be limited.

Symptoms of Radon Exposure: What You Need to Know

Radon exposure doesn't cause immediate symptoms like carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, its effects are long-term and cumulative, leading to serious health problems over time.

Prolonged radon exposure increases your risk of:

• Lung cancer

• Respiratory problems

• Persistent cough or chest pain

If you or your family members are experiencing these symptoms without a clear cause—and you haven’t tested for radon—it might be time to bring in a certified radon home inspector.

What Is a Certified Radon Home Inspector?

A certified radon home inspector is a professional trained and qualified to test homes for radon using specialized equipment and protocols. They are typically certified by organizations such as:

• NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program)

• NRSB (National Radon Safety Board)

These certifications mean the inspector has passed exams, follows strict testing guidelines, and uses accurate, calibrated equipment to assess your home’s radon levels.

Why Certification Matters

Hiring just any home inspector isn’t enough. You want someone who is specifically certified in radon testing, because:

• They understand radon behavior and migration patterns

• They know how to place testing devices for accurate results

• They follow EPA protocols for testing and reporting

• Their assessments are more likely to be accepted in real estate transactions

Bottom line: Certification is a stamp of credibility and competence.

The Radon Testing Process: What to Expect

Hiring a certified radon inspector usually involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation

The inspector will discuss your concerns and evaluate the layout of your home to plan the best testing approach.

2. Test Placement

Testing devices—usually short-term (48-hour) or long-term (90+ days) detectors—are placed in the lowest livable level of your home.

3. Testing Period

You’ll be instructed to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to ensure accurate readings.

4. Results and Recommendations

After collecting data, the inspector will provide a detailed report, often with EPA action level comparisons and mitigation advice if needed.

When Should You Get a Radon Inspection?

Wondering if you need a radon inspection? Here are a few key times when it’s especially important:

• Before buying a new home

• After home renovations or foundation repairs

• If your neighbor’s home tested high for radon

• If your current home has never been tested

• Every 2–5 years as part of routine safety checks

Even if you’ve already had a mitigation system installed, periodic testing ensures that it’s still working correctly.

What Happens If Your Home Has High Radon Levels?

If your radon levels are at or above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you’ll want to install a radon mitigation system. A certified inspector can guide you through:

• Choosing the right system (sub-slab depressurization is most common)

• Finding a qualified mitigation contractor

• Retesting after installation to verify effectiveness

Remember: High radon is a fixable problem. But only if you know it’s there.

Benefits of Hiring a Certified Radon Home Inspector

Still on the fence? Here’s what you get when you hire a pro:

Peace of Mind

You’ll know with confidence whether your home is safe—or if action is needed.

Accurate, Reliable Results

Certified inspectors use industry-grade testing equipment and follow strict standards.

Expert Guidance

From interpreting test results to recommending mitigation, a pro walks you through every step.

Increased Property Value

Homes with documented radon testing and mitigation are often more attractive to buyers.

Better Health Outcomes

The biggest benefit? Reducing your family’s long-term health risks.

DIY Radon Testing vs. Hiring a Professional

Yes, you can buy a DIY radon test kit. But consider this:

For a life-threatening issue like radon, cutting corners isn’t worth it.

How Much Does a Radon Inspection Cost?

The average cost for a certified radon inspection ranges from $150 to $300, depending on:

• Location

• Home size

• Test type (short-term vs. long-term)

It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and a safer home.

Conclusion: Protect What Matters Most

When it comes to your family’s health and safety, radon is not something to take lightly. Because it’s invisible and odorless, many homeowners never even consider it—until it’s too late.

Hiring a certified radon home inspector is a smart, proactive move that can detect this silent threat before it causes harm. You’ll get accurate results, expert advice, and the confidence of knowing your home is safe.

 

So don’t wait. Schedule your radon inspection with Colorado Springs Radon today—and protect your family for tomorrow.