Radon is a serious health hazard that many homeowners don't take very seriously. It's important that you understand the risks of radon exposure and the ideal times for radon testing. Testing is the only way to identify radon in your home. Here's a look at some of the things that every homeowner should understand about radon risk and testing.

New Home Construction Increases Radon Risk

One of the things that many homeowners don't realize is that the evolution of new home construction actually increases your radon exposure risk. Homes are constructed to be more energy-efficient, which means better insulation, sealed windows, and no drafts. Unfortunately, this creates a type of suction that can draw radon into your home without any draft outlet for it to dissipate. When your home is closed up, like it often is through the winter and spring seasons, you may struggle with radon exposure.

Professional Radon Testing Is Important

You may think that, if you can find DIY radon testing kits, it's easy enough to test your home yourself. The truth is that you should leave the radon testing to professionals if you want to be sure that you're getting the most accurate results possible. Professionals will know the proper placement of the testing equipment, keeping it out of drafts, and ensuring that it's somewhere where the readings will be comprehensive.

Radon Testing Should Be Done At The Right Time Of Year

Most radon testing cycles are a couple of days, and you need to make sure that you choose the right time of year for accurate results. Remember that you want to avoid drafts and air movement if you want the most accurate results, so test during the winter or the peak of the summer, when you have your windows and doors closed. Avoid opening windows and only open doors when absolutely necessary for going in and out. These things will ensure that your test results are as accurate as possible.

If you're concerned about radon exposure in your home for any reason, it's important for you to be proactive about testing. Understanding these key considerations about radon testing and working with a professional radon testing and mitigation contractor can help ensure that your home is safe for you and your family. Reach out to a local radon testing professional today for more help and information, or to book your next radon test for your home.