How Do I Test My Home for Radon in Wisconsin?
Buy a radon test kit, set it in the lowest lived-in level of your home for the time the kit says, and mail it to the lab named on the kit. Short-term kits take 2 to 7 days and are the quickest way to find out if you have a problem. Wisconsin offers reduced-cost kits through its regional Radon Information Centers, listed on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services radon page.
Short-term or long-term test?
| Test | How long | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term | 2 to 90 days (most kits 2 to 7 days) | A fast first check, or a home sale on a deadline |
| Long-term | More than 90 days | Your true year-round average, since radon rises and falls with weather and seasons |
Many people start with a short-term test. If it's high, they either retest or move straight to mitigation, depending on how high the number is.
Where to place a radon test
- In the lowest level you use or could use as living space, often the basement.
- About 20 inches or more above the floor, away from outside walls.
- Not in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or crawl space, and not near a sump pit, furnace or drafts.
- For a short-term test, keep windows and outside doors closed (except normal coming and going) for 12 hours before and during the test.
- Don't move the kit once it starts. Write down the start and end time exactly.
What does my radon number mean?
Radon results are reported in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L.
- Under 2 pCi/L: Low. Retest every couple of years or after big changes to the home.
- 2 to 4 pCi/L: The EPA suggests you consider fixing your home, since there is no known safe level.
- 4 pCi/L or higher: The EPA recommends fixing your home. A certified contractor can design a system for your house.
Professional radon testing
You can also hire a certified radon measurement professional, which is common during home sales. They use continuous monitors that record hour-by-hour readings and can show whether the test was disturbed.
When should I test again?
- After a mitigation system is installed, to confirm it worked.
- Every two years or so, even with a system.
- After you finish a basement, add an addition, or replace windows, doors or the furnace.
- Before you buy or sell a home.
High result? Request a free quote and one certified contractor will contact you.
Get a free radon mitigation quote
Takes about 1 minute. One certified local contractor follows up with you.
Frequently asked questions
Are home radon test kits accurate?
Yes, when you follow the directions closely. Mistakes like a moved kit, open windows or a missed mailing date are the most common reasons for a bad result.
Can my neighbor's radon test tell me my level?
No. Radon levels can be very different from one house to the next, even on the same street. Every home needs its own test.
What time of year is best to test?
You can test any time. Levels are often higher in the heating season, when windows stay closed, so a winter test tends to show a worst case.
Do newer homes need testing?
Yes. Any home can have high radon, whether it's new or old, with or without a basement.