Radon is an extremely toxic, cancer-causing, radioactive gas found in nearly 80 percent of Minnesota counties. All major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association, agree that radon presents a significant health risk for the general population. When inhaled, the gas gives off radioactive particles that damage cells lining the lungs. In general, there is no safe level of radon. Even breathing low levels of radon carries risk. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesota homes should be tested for radon every two to five years—and whenever a new heating system or central air conditioning system is installed.
High Radon Zones in Minnesota
About 40 percent of all homes in Minnesota have dangerous, elevated levels of radon. Luckily, there are two ways to protect your family—with radon testing and radon mitigation, both available services from 4Front Energy, a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer.
Testing by Our Certified Professionals Is Easy, Quick, and Free
Radon generally comes from porous soil under and around your home’s foundation, and can accumulate in low spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. It’s a potential problem in all types of homes, whether your home has a basement or doesn’t, is old or new, drafty or tightly insulated. The good news is the invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas can be detected with a simple test and fixed through inexpensive venting techniques. Testing can be performed quickly and effortlessly by the trained and certified radon testing professionals at 4Front Energy.
Accuracy Counts
The lower the radon level in your home, the lower your family’s risk. We place a tester in your home, leave it for 48 hours, and return to pick it up. If levels are unsafe at four picocuries per liter or higher (4 pCi/L), we will determine the appropriate method for reducing levels, something that requires technical knowledge and special skills. We work to bring it down so that it’s between 2 and 4 pCi/L. 4Front Energy offers the test equipment, the testing process, and the estimate for mitigation service, if needed, at no cost to its customers. Because the amount of radon in homes is usually highest during the heating season, we recommend you have us test during both heating and non-heating seasons for more accurate readings.
Reducing the Radon Levels
If we find elevated levels in your home, we perform radon mitigation by pulling the radon out of the soil, and using a venting pipe and an exhaust fan to direct the gas away from your home. Your radon levels will then meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended levels. Be sure to also ask us about installing a ventilator which can help to reduce radon concentrations and improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Interested in scheduling an appointment with 4Front Energy? Contact us at (952) 933-1868 or get started by scheduling your service online today!
