Best Overall
Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector
Best Bang for the Buck
First Alert RD1 Radon Test Kit
Upgrade Pick
Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor
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Radon test kits detect the presence of radon gas pedal , a by-product of uranium decay in rock ‘n’ roll and soil . Radon can enter homes by ooze through cracks in the fundament , lento accumulating until it reaches grave level . prolong exposure to this harmful gaseous state can cause health issues like headaches or even Cancer the Crab .
Radon is tasteless , odorless , and colorless , making it insensible without specialised radon testing equipment . Theseinteriorsafety devices quantify radon grade in picocuries per liter ( pCi / L ) over the course of a few days or month or provide uninterrupted monitoring . Since no point of radon exposure is view safe , have it away which radon sensor you may rely on is essential .
After tapping a home prophylactic expert for insights and testing several pop choice , we choose theAirthings Corentium Home Radon Detectoras the good radon test kit . It ’s portable , has an easy - to - read filmdom , and take multiple measurements to conquer trends . Below , we detail what we like and do n’t care about this product and the rest of our pick so you may choose one of the best radon examination outfit to keep your family safe .
Radon Test Kits Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
After researching dozens of radon test kits and try a few , we recommend the follow six selection for their ease of employment , truth , and value .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Accuracy4.8/5 ; Value5/5
The Corentium Home radon sensor kit out by Airthings is one of the first continuous radon test kit to use barrage fire , grant you to take it into any place that needs examination . The clear digital presentation provides both long- and brusque - full term atomic number 86 grade , give away daily fluctuation as well as overall average . Once you ’ve test your home for at least 30 days , you’re able to generate a free ego - review report through the Airthings website .
To typeset up this atomic number 86 detector , we simply removed a charge card tab and allow for it to calibrate . The equipment began put up readings in less than 24 hours , though the manufacturer recommends wait at least 20 sidereal day before taking action if level appear high . This wait period provides plenty of time for results to stabilize , so you sleep with your readings are authentic . If you want to screen another area after your first test is consummate , simply reset the unit and move it to the fresh location .
This is an stinting yet precise option for agile results and long - term testing . It was one of the soft option to dress up , rescue initial results in a twenty-four hours , and comes at a fair price for those needing ongoing readings .
What our quizzer says:“This radon detector cause it so comfortable to value radon levels that it ’s laborious to imagine go with another option — unless you need a one - time trial run or other air quality measurements . For long - term atomic number 86 spirit level , though , this is my pick , hands - down . ”—Michelle Larson , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Airthings Corentium Home radon psychometric test kit atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orAirthings .
Our rating : comfort of Use4.3/5;Accuracy4.5/5 ; Value5/5
The First Alert RD1 home radon mental testing kit is a simple and good way to observe grave radon gas in your home . It basically serve as a disposable radon demodulator that you let sit for 2 to 4 years and then send away for upshot . outcome are emailed 3 to 5 days after reception .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
This test was incredibly easy to utilise , but we strongly recommend you read the included statement since they encompass a twain of inbuilt steps . First , you ca n’t leave the kit in the examination area for more than 7 days , and 2d , the kit must arrive at the science laboratory within 10 years of testing . While these steps are n’t unmanageable , they require you to keep cart track of how much clock time has go along — something that can be challenging on fussy day . Still , the laboratory returned answer quickly , and the price and truth of this radon detection outfit are hard to beat for those expect for a one - prison term , short - term exam .
Get the First Alert atomic number 86 test kit atAmazon , Lowe’s , orFirst Alert .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Accuracy4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This smart monitor from Airthings makes it sluttish to chequer levels of radon , PM2.5 ( particulate matter affair ) , carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) , volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) , temperature , melodic line pressing , and humidity . It also provides pollen prognosis so those with allergy can stay informed about outside condition . As a uninterrupted atomic number 86 admonisher , this building block has its own display showing current level , and users can also checker the app or Airthings website for long - term reading . It also have a visual indicator with green , yellow , and red position lights for at - a - glance monitoring .
The View Plus is compatible with IFTTT , Homey , Google Assistant , and Amazon Alexa and runs via battery or the include USB - C cable . you’re able to direct it virtually anywhere indoors to try levels in multiple location or mount it to the wall to guarantee continually safe radon levels in a basement.
For a comprehensive overview of aviation quality in your home , the AirThings View Plus is a great option . It provides more readings than any other choice we test , and the results were accurate after just 7 twenty-four hours of calibration .
Get the Airthings View Plus radon test kit atAmazonorAirthings .
Best Smart
Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector
Our Ratings : simpleness of Use4.3/5;Accuracy4/5 ; Value4/5
While the Airthings Wave Plus radon and air timbre admonisher is on the spendy side , it also tests a lot more than just radon . Once countersink up , this social unit provide continuous meter reading for radon flatulence buildup , CO2 , VOCs , humidity , temperature , and air insistency . Just be aware that the calibration process takes a full 30 days .
The Wave Plus radon gas varan runs on bombardment and is easy to mount on a wall or cap . Its on - unit color - coded display signal whether atmosphere timbre is good ( light-green ) , fair ( yellowish ) , or bad ( crimson ) . It pairs with the Airthings app via Bluetooth for material - prison term reading and tips on how to improve indoor air caliber .
We test the Wave Plus in a home where radon was antecedently notice and is being treated . Because of the known radon way out , the homeowners have a professional radon detector , so we were able to liken the readings of the Wave Plus with their professional model . We positioned it in the basement of the home and left it there for a hebdomad .
Upon our return , we agree the Airthings app and found a radon interpretation of 3.5pCi / litre — exactly what the professional radon detector was showing . When we took the Wave Plus outdoors in the fresh air , the radon grade degenerate , and the light turn green to indicate tidy air . We also try its power to detect VOCs and CO2 . Overall , it ’s not just a safe atomic number 86 detector , but also one of thebest air lineament monitors .
Get the Airthings Wave Plus radon trial kit atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Short-Term
Health Metric Charcoal Radon Test Kit
The Health Metric charcoal Rn mental testing is a quick and promiscuous way to measure radon in your plate . Simply put the kit in your cellar or whichever floor is lowest , wait 2 to 4 day , and send it in using the offer mailer . transport cost extra , but lab fees to analyse your final result are part of the initial price .
Once the lab receives your outfit , which take almost a workweek during our tryout , you ’ll pick up the results via email in 3 to 5 days . Ours were right on time at 3 days , and we even bring forth a text alerting us they were ready . Like the other post - in kit we tested , however , you need to stay on on top of timing to check the validity of your results .
You have to try for at least 2 days , but not more than 7 , and the science laboratory want your outfit in handwriting within 10 daytime of your stop date . Still , if prison term direction is n’t an issue for you , this cheap forgetful - term test is an fantabulous way to get the info you call for .
Get the Health Metric radon test kit atWalmartorAmazon(2 - pack with postpaid shipping ) .
Best Long-Term
Ecosense RadonEye Radon Sensor & Detector
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Accuracy4.8/5 ; Value4.5/5
The EcoSense electronic Rn detector hold 30 sovereign counts of pCi / L grade every hour , and the manufacturer say that it delivers the first reading within 10 minutes of frame-up . We plugged it in , set it on a flat surface to begin compile data , and waitress for a recitation . We also downloaded the RadonEye app , which promptly found and pair with our detection unit . In just 10 proceedings , we did indeed have our first reading from this radon gasoline detector .
actual - prison term results are displayed on the social unit ’s OLED filmdom , and as we checked the app over our 30 - twenty-four hour period examination period , we saw updated information every 10 minutes alongside our peak time value , plus casual and monthly averages . Should peak levels exceed 4 pCi / L , the whole sounds an consternation and sends a apprisal via the app .
Get the Ecosense radon mental testing kit atAmazon , Walmart , orEcosense .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Radon Test Kits
When gathering products for testing , we in the main considered the most important aspects of radon dwelling house kits — accuracy and ease of usance . We select a variety of units that make it simple totest for radon , take a few one - time kit that postulate to be sent to a laboratory as well as several that bid instant access to results via the unit itself or an app .
found on our initial product inquiry , we take six radon kits to test and set them together on a ledge in our cellar . Each outfit stay undisturbed for between 4 days and 30 days , as apprize by the manufacturer . If the kit had a comparable app , we installed and paired it , and if not , we just waited the recommended amount of time before mailing it in for result . We then rated each kit based on how sluttish it was to mark up , how accurate its results were , and whether it offered a honorable value for householder looking to quiz forcancer - causing radon gas .
What to Consider When Choosing a Radon Test Kit
To select one of the best atomic number 86 kit for your penury , consider test type , accuracy , rest of use , and installation .
Types of Radon Test Kits
A radon trial kit will use one of several method to quiz the air in your home for sublime radon levels . Regardless of which case of radon monitor you pick out , these helpful devices are the only way to determine your family appendage ’ exposure to this harmful gas other than aprofessional radon inspection .
Radon kit for short - term use garner readings from your home over a 2- to 90 - day geological period and must then be air to a lab for the results to be read . The lab fees necessary for proper testing are likely include with your leverage , though shipping generally costs extra .
Because short - term radon test outfit are the firm and least expensive test option , real estate agents often utilize them to check forsafe radon levelsbefore selling a home . However , since radon levels fluctuate , scant - term test kit are not the most accurate testing method acting . For unequivocal answer , retentive - term examination is necessary .
As their name indicates , farsighted - term radon test kits are designed to test levels ofradon gasover a longer menses , such as week , months , or years . Like short - terminus tests , some are single - use gimmick that must be send to a laboratory to be take , though others have screens or Bluetooth connectivity that countenance you to monitor levels yourself .
Since a long - term radon test kit collects a greater volume of data point , periodic spike that naturally occur are less likely to raise unneeded alarms , which may materialize with more limited readings . The downside of this type of detector is that it will typically be more expensive than a one - meter use or short - term kit and may not be necessary if radon levels are systematically low-pitched than 4 pCi / L.
The alpha - track radon test kit is a retentive - terminal figure run that measures level of radon using polycarbonate plastic sheets placed in the down livable level of the domicile . If radon accelerator pedal is present , it will breathe alpha particles that create tracks on these sheets , with higher stratum of flatulency bring forth greater numbers of caterpillar tread . Once the test kit has pull in data for the suggested amount of clock time , it is send in to be record . Generally speak , alpha - cut mental testing are more accurate than short - term test kit but do n’t provide the ongoing measurements pop the question by long - full term detectors .
Photo: Amazon
Charcoal Rn mental testing outfit are short - term alternative that sour similarly to alpha - track units , though they use charcoal grey rather than polycarbonate plastic to mensurate levels . Generally speak , they ’re also meretricious and quicker since they only supervise radon throttle for between 2 and 90 days . For this reason , they are less precise since they are susceptible to radon spikes and possible disturbance during shipping .
Digital radon tryout kits are also known as radon detectors or radon gas monitoring machine , and they are the most expensive case of radon tester for home base use . Most digital building block can be mount to the rampart or ceiling , or only placed in the low stage of the house .
However , installation requirement typically extend well beyond mounting , as most of these outfit use Bluetooth connectivity to deliver detailed readings to an app . Some digital kits also offer recent readings directly on the tryout unit , though their screens are n’t often big enough to display the farseeing - term datum that realise digital trial so valuable . Further adding to their deserving , many digital kit alsotest home air qualitylevels of humidness , carbon dioxide , volatile organic compounds , and more .
Photo: Amazon
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when select a radon tryout . more often than not speaking , the longer a radon test kit collects data , the more accurate the outcome will be . This is because increased testing time allows you to determine mean pCi / L horizontal surface without the influence of random prescribed or negative spikes .
Since curt - term atomic number 86 tests are susceptible to spikes in radon levels that can skew the norm , they are deliberate the least accurate test pick . Because they collect more data , long - term and continuous tests are the most accurate radon psychometric test kit available .
Ease of Use and Installation
Radon mental testing kits are design to be gentle to use , both for the consumer ’s welfare and to ensure accurate results . inactive radon examination kits , like charcoal and alpha - track mental testing kits , are well-fixed to set up but must be sent to a research laboratory for results . On the other paw , fighting radon test kits , like digital radon detectors , are a spot more involved in setup but relatively easy to apply after that . More advanced saucy detectors command additional technical know - how for on-going use . It ’s a practiced mind to deliberate your atomic number 86 testing needs and comfort using engineering science before select a test kit .
FAQs
The following section can aid answer question like , “ What is radon examination ? ” or “ How much does a radon extenuation organization price ? ”
Radon tests work by appraise the amount of radon in the air . Charcoal devices absorb radon , enable lab techs to consider radioactive atom to estimate tier . Alpha - track kit must also be read in labs , but they utilise a plastic film that produces marks when radon gas strikes it . Digital detectors have sensors that detect and weigh alpha subatomic particle before displaying them on the gimmick or in an app .
Radon trial kit are broadly used by opening a sealed computer software and leaving the test kit exposed to the air for a sure amount of time . Some must be charge in to be read , while others provide mensuration you could get at yourself .
Photo: Amazon
Radon trial run should be placed on the lowest occupied level of the home . Most producer recommend setting them on a surface a few feet off the storey or mounting them to a rampart so they wo n’t be accidentally disturb or knocked over by kids or pets .
If a test let out mellow levels ofradon in your home , contact a qualified radon moderation contractor . They can ply an estimate for installing a radon extenuation organization that will continually remove excess Rn from your home plate .
While buildings and home on hillsides may be more probable to be affected by radon , any social organisation can be subject to radon contamination . Kevin Feak , Senior Fire Protection Engineer for the computer architecture and planning firmLaBella , say , “ Radon is heavier than room air and will move to the lowest surface area . Areas below ground level , such as basements or crawl space , are at the highest risk . ”
Photo: Amazon
TheEnvironmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) pathfinder to radonrecommends testing for radon at least every 2 years . The EPA also suggests testing if you repair your home or are considering sell it , as you will need to provide test solvent to the buyer .
allot to licensed Professional Engineer Kevin Feak , “ The first step in determining your radon risk is to habituate theEPA ’s Radon Zone Map . The second footfall is testing for atomic number 86 with either a base psychometric test or call a professional . Lastly , a mitigation organisation can be used to remove radon from your home or business . ”
unlike case of dwelling radon test kits have unlike levels of dependableness , with long - terminus test being the most reliable and short - term mental testing being less honest . Still , since forgetful - term tests are typically less expensive , using them to perform more frequent run over time can be an economic way to quantify radon level .
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson is a health- and home - focus author with over a tenner of experience . She particularize in testing and reviewing products that help oneself homeowners and other DIY novices get projects done quickly and well , even if they ’re also figure things out as they go .
extra enquiry provided by Timothy Dale .
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
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Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
