Here’s something most people don’t know — October and November are the best months to check for radon in Colorado.
Why? This time of year provides a clear indication of how this radioactive gas acts in your home. Something that is helpful once winter arrives. Knowing how to check for radon and what to do if levels are high is crucial. Here is what every homeowner should know about radon and radon testing.
1. Be Aware Colorado Is in the Danger Zone
Radon is a radioactive gas that enters homes through small cracks, crawl spaces, and around pumps and drains. Researchers classify Colorado as a Zone 1 state for radon risk. Almost half of Colorado homes have levels above the EPA’s actionable 4 pCi/L level. Unmitigated radon causes over 500 lung cancer deaths in the state annually.
2. Radon Testing Kits
While you can buy a short-term radon testing kit that takes a few days, hiring a licensed professional may give you the most reliable results. They will likely recommend a long-term test of 90 days to a year. You could also use both versions for the broadest range of data.
Across Colorado, fluctuating temperatures and sealed homes in early fall make radon testing particularly crucial. Doing this once the weather turns cooler gives you peace of mind long before snow hits the Rockies, while providing the first steps toward radon reduction.
3. Colder Weather Causes Higher Radon Levels
The best way to handle radon is to catch it before levels become problematic. Tightly sealed houses keep residents cozy during winter, but the lack of air flow may allow radon levels to grow to dangerous levels.
Many Colorado homeowners caulk gaps and add weatherproofing to keep warm during frigid winters. Homes become more airtight and natural ventilation decreases. Radon has fewer ways to escape, and the stack effect begins to build. Warm air rises and colder air enters from the bottom levels, increasing the amount of radon gas. The colder the weather, the more the situation intensifies.
4. Balance Energy Costs With Safety
Don’t skimp on replacing drafty windows and adding insulation to keep heating costs to a minimum and remain comfortable in your home. Although improving window insulation increases your home’s energy efficiency, installing new windows or replacing seals is an important fall project. Remember to have a radon inspection to ensure you don’t inadvertently increase the radon risk with the tight seals.
What are the first signs of radon poisoning? Here’s what to watch for after exposure:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
The symptoms are similar to other health-related issues, so be aware of the time of year and the possibility of high radon levels. Does radon rise or fall? Yes, it can fluctuate depending on factors such as weather. Fall is an optimum time to test because if levels are at or above acceptable, they tend to increase during colder weather.
There are ways to remove radon from your home, but you have to be aware of your ranges first. The best tactic is to keep your house comfortable, but test for radon as part of your annual fall checklist. Another option is to install a detector that notifies you if levels rise.
Does radon travel upstairs? Radon levels tend to be highest in basements and crawl spaces, but they can spread through the heating system and reach the upper rooms.
5. Get Rid of Radon in Your Home
Testing in the fall gives you time to make a radon mitigation plan. If your test comes back above 4 pCi/L, the standard threshold experts say to do something about it, you’ll want to:
- Contact a licensed professional – in Colorado, they must be licensed under HB21-1195.
- Secure any permits your city requires.
- Schedule equipment installation before cold weather arrives.
- Retest to ensure mitigation is working to reduce levels.
Act immediately. Waiting until cold weather hits may cost more and make installation more difficult.
6. Prevent Radon in Your Home
If your radon tests come back in the normal range, there are some things you can do to keep it that way:
- Seal cracks in your foundation.
- Open windows on moderate temperature days and use fans to circulate the air.
- Ensure you have proper insulation to protect your home from radon, moisture and bugs.
Awareness is the first step to preventing radon poisoning.
Fall Is the Time to Act
If you’re a Coloradan, testing for radon is more than a home-maintenance chore — it’s a wise investment in your family’s health. The colder months reduce air circulation, so November and October offer the best window to obtain accurate results. If needed, you’ll have time to install a mitigation system before winter conditions worsen. Make radon testing part of your fall checklist routine.
