Why Every Cedar Rapids Home Needs Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings in the lowest level of your home. In Linn County, nearly seven out of every ten homes tested have radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, professional testing is the only way to know whether your family is at risk. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend that every home in Iowa be tested for radon, regardless of age, construction type, or whether a neighbor's results came back low.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Radon Testing
We offer both short-term and long-term radon testing to give Cedar Rapids homeowners the clearest picture of their indoor air quality. A short-term test uses a charcoal canister or continuous radon monitor placed in the lowest livable area of your home for 48 to 96 hours. This delivers fast, reliable results and is ideal for real estate transactions or an initial screening. Long-term testing, which spans 90 days or more, captures seasonal fluctuations in radon levels and provides the most accurate annual average. We recommend long-term testing for homeowners who want a comprehensive understanding of their exposure over time.
Our Radon Testing Process
When you schedule a radon test with Five Seasons Radon, one of our certified technicians will visit your home and place a professional-grade continuous radon monitor (CRM) in the lowest livable level. Closed-house conditions must be maintained during the testing period, meaning windows and exterior doors stay shut except for normal entry and exit. After the test period, we retrieve the monitor and provide you with a detailed report showing hourly radon readings, the average concentration, and a clear recommendation on whether mitigation is needed. If your results come back at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, we will walk you through your mitigation options and provide a free installation estimate on the spot.
Iowa consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for elevated radon levels. The geology beneath Cedar Rapids, rich in glacial till and fractured limestone, creates ideal conditions for radon to accumulate underground and migrate into structures above. Whether you are buying a new home, selling your current property, or simply want peace of mind, radon testing is a fast and affordable step that can protect your family from the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
What's Included with Our Radon Testing Service
- Professional-grade continuous radon monitor (CRM) deployment
- 48-hour or 96-hour short-term testing options
- Long-term testing kits (90+ days) available upon request
- Detailed written report with hourly radon readings
- Clear explanation of results and EPA guidelines
- Free mitigation estimate if levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- Real estate transaction testing with fast turnaround
- Licensed and insured technicians