Protect Your Family – Radon Testing in Fort Collins, CO

January is Radon Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to address a critical issue that every Colorado homeowner and homebuyer should be aware of: radon exposure.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. What’s even more alarming is that radon can be present in any home, regardless of age or location — including homes in Fort Collins.

Many homeowners are unaware of radon risks until it’s too late. Whether you're buying a home or already living in one, it’s essential to test for radon to ensure your family’s safety.

Why Testing for Radon is So Important in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is located in EPA Zone 1, a region with the highest potential for elevated radon levels. Unfortunately, many people still don’t test for radon when buying or selling a home. Without testing, there’s no way to know whether the home has elevated radon levels.

The Truth About Radon Testing

Even if you’re purchasing a home with a radon mitigation system, you must still test the radon levels. A mitigation system may lower radon levels, but it doesn’t guarantee that the system is functioning properly or that the levels are safe. Without a test, you won’t know if the home is still at risk.

Case Study: The Cost of Ignoring Radon Testing

Let’s take a look at a real-world example to understand the impact of skipping radon testing.

A family member of mine purchased a home years ago without conducting a radon test. After living there for four years, they decided to test for radon, only to discover elevated levels that required a $4,000 radon mitigation system.

Had they tested for radon during their home inspection, they could have easily negotiated with the seller to include the cost of testing and mitigation as part of the sale. Instead, they had to shoulder the cost of installing the system themselves.

This experience highlights the critical importance of radon testing during home inspections. If they had known about the radon risk upfront, they could have avoided the added expense and stress of mitigation.

Fort Collins Radon Levels: How Serious is the Risk?

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), radon is prevalent in 1 out of every 3 homes in Colorado. With the Fort Collins area sitting in a high-risk zone, it’s crucial for homebuyers and homeowners to get their homes tested regularly.

If you are purchasing a home in Fort Collins, even if there is an existing radon mitigation system, you still need to conduct a new test. Radon levels can fluctuate, and a mitigation system may not be running optimally.

How Radon Testing Works

The radon testing process is simple and non-intrusive. During the testing period:

• Radon monitors are placed in the lowest livable area of the home (usually the basement or main floor).

• The monitoring period lasts 48 hours or more to ensure accurate results.

• Once the test is complete, the inspector provides a detailed report, indicating whether the home’s radon levels are safe or need further action.

Radon Levels and Mitigation

If your home’s radon level is at or above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system. A well-functioning mitigation system typically lowers the radon levels to around 1.0 pCi/L, which is considered safe. However, without regular testing, you won’t know if the system is still working properly.

Why It’s Time to Make Radon Testing Part of Your New Year’s Checklist

As part of your New Year’s resolutions, why not commit to protecting your home and family by making radon testing a priority in 2025?

Whether you're planning to buy a home or live in your current one for the long term, radon testing is essential. The cost of testing is minimal compared to the potential cost of radon-related health issues or the expenses involved in installing a mitigation system later on.

Schedule Your Radon Test Today!

Don’t wait until it’s too late — schedule your radon test now and ensure the safety of your home and family.

📞 Call or Text Now: (970) 430-1819

🗓️ Book Your Radon Inspection Today!

FAQ

Q1: Why should I test for radon if I already have a mitigation system?

Even homes with radon mitigation systems should be tested periodically to ensure the system is functioning correctly and that levels are within safe limits.

Q2: Can radon levels change over time?

Yes. Radon levels can fluctuate based on various factors, including weather and changes in the home’s foundation or ventilation.

Q3: How much does radon testing cost in Fort Collins?

Radon testing typically costs between $100 and $200, a small price to pay for the safety and health of your family.

Q4: How long does it take to get results from a radon test?

The test takes about 48 hours, and you’ll receive your results the same day the test is completed.