Choosing your residential radon test doesn’t have to be tricky.
Radon testing can seem intimidating but once you’ve nailed down a few facts, it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve spent some time looking up radon or reading through this site you know that radon fluctuates daily and as such, the long-term average exposure should be considered when deciding whether or not to mitigate, not an increase in levels for a day or even a week.
Residential testing overall falls into two categories: Alpha Track Tests and Digital Monitors. How do you choose what’s the best choice for you? Let’s delve into some basics.
Alpha Track Tests:
Typically, this is the most affordable of home testing options. These black hockey-puck-like devices are single-use monitors left in a single deployment location for the duration of the measurement. Once the measurement has been completed they are shipped to the manufacturer laboratory for analysis. Once analyzed a PDF report is generated and provided by email with one number, the average radon concentration determined by the whole of the measurement period.
Pros: Cost-effective, Easy to use, Accurate, Health Canada recognized device
Cons: Single-use, Unable to compare usage patterns (when radon peaks or dips due to weather or other conditions), cannot be moved to other locations, must send to laboratory for analysis
Digital Monitors:
Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs) offer real-time and long-term radon level tracking. With features like LCDs or Bluetooth connectivity, they provide instant snapshots and cumulative readings. These reusable devices can be moved between rooms or properties and often include sensors for humidity, temperature, VOCs, and barometric pressure.
Some models also graph data to reveal patterns linked to weather or home activity. While readings can start within 10 minutes, reliable mitigation decisions should be based on long-term trends, which most devices deliver weekly to your phone or computer.
Pros: Easy to use, Accurate, Repositionable for diagnostics, no laboratory analysis required
Cons: Slightly more expensive, not yet recognized by Health Canada
You can find options for testing on our webstore at https://radoncare.ca/shop/category/radon-tests/.
Either test type will provide you with an accurate measurement to assist in your decision on whether or not to mitigate. It is important to follow placement instructions and best testing practices. If you have questions, feel free to reach out – our technicians are always happy to lend a hand!