Radon FAQ
Certified Radon Testing & Mitigation for Reno, Sparks & the Truckee Meadows
Have questions about cost, timeline, or whether your specific situation needs mitigation instead of just testing? Below are a few answers to the most common questions we receive.
Does Reno actually have a radon problem?
Yes. Washoe County has one of the highest radon testing volumes in Nevada, and county-level data puts the average test result close to the EPA’s 4.0 pCi/L action level — with individual homes measuring well above 10 pCi/L in some cases. Radon potential varies block by block and even house to house, so a neighbor’s clean test doesn’t guarantee yours will be too.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Reno?
Cost depends on your home’s foundation type (basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade), the vent pipe route required, and whether any additional sealing work is needed. Call for a free estimate specific to your property and a radon contractor can usually give you an accurate number after a brief inspection.
How long does a radon test take?
Short-term tests run 2 to 7 days and are the most common option for homeowners who want a quick answer or are working within a real estate closing timeline. Long-term tests run 90 days or more and account for seasonal changes in radon levels.
How long does mitigation system installation take?
Many residential installs are completed in a single day, including sealing major foundation openings that could let soil gas bypass the system.
Will my homeowners insurance cover radon mitigation?
Typically not, since radon mitigation is considered a preventive home improvement rather than damage from a covered event. Some sellers negotiate mitigation costs into a real estate transaction instead of paying out of pocket, which our team can help document for closing.
I'm renting — do I need to worry about radon?
Radon testing responsibility depends on your lease and state/local law, but if you’re concerned, a short-term test is inexpensive and gives you a clear answer. Talk to your landlord if a test comes back elevated, since ventilation and foundation access for mitigation typically require the property owner’s involvement.
Do I need to retest every year?
Radon levels can change due to foundation settling, remodeling, or changes in home ventilation, so retesting every 2 years (or after any major renovation) is a reasonable practice even with a working mitigation system installed.
Can I install a radon mitigation system myself?
Technically yes, but improperly sized or placed systems are a common reason mitigation fails to bring levels below the action level. Because pipe routing, fan sizing, and seal quality all affect performance, most homeowners get a more reliable result – and one that holds up for real estate documentation – from a certified radon mitigation installer.
Do all homes in Reno and Sparks need a mitigation system?
No, only homes that test at or above the 4.0 pCi/L action level need mitigation. Testing first is always the right starting point; installing a system without a documented elevated test isn’t necessary and won’t have anything to verify against afterward.
What certifications should a radon mitigation contractor have?
Look for current NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB certification, which confirms a radon contractor has been trained and tested on measurement or mitigation standards. Certification also typically means the contractor’s documentation will be accepted for real estate transactions and lender requirements without additional back-and-forth.
Does radon affect home value or resale in Reno?
An elevated radon test doesn’t have to derail a sale — a documented mitigation system with post-installation verification is generally treated as a solved problem by buyers and agents, not an ongoing red flag. Homes that skip testing entirely, or that have a known elevated result with no mitigation, tend to create more friction during negotiations than ones with a completed, documented fix.
What's the difference between radon testing and radon mitigation?
Radon testing measures the radon level currently present in your home. Radon mitigation is the system installed to reduce that level if a test comes back elevated. Post-mitigation testing then confirms the installed system actually worked.