Radon Testing Explained: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Jun 10
4 min read

You can't see it. You can't smell it. You can't taste it. And yet, radon is one of the most serious health risks hiding in homes across North Carolina. The good news? Testing for it is simple, fast, and one of the smartest things you can do. Whether you're buying a home or just want peace of mind in the one you already own.

At RK Home Inspections LLC, we offer professional radon testing as part of our inspection services. Here's a plain-English walkthrough of what radon testing actually involves, how our process works, and why it matters.

What Is Radon, Anyway?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down underground, seeps upward, and can accumulate inside buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other entry points. Once inside, it gets trapped (especially in lower levels of the home) and builds up to concentrations that are dangerous to breathe over time.

According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for about 21,000 deaths per year. It's present in homes in every state, including right here in North Carolina, and you can't predict your levels based on your neighborhood or your home's age. The only way to know is to test.

How We Test: The RK Home Inspections Process

Step 1: Schedule Your Test

Radon testing can be added on to any general home inspection — which is how most of our clients choose to do it. It's a smart, efficient way to get a full picture of the home in one visit. If you'd like radon testing as a standalone service, we offer that too. Online Scheduling Available Here

Step 2: We Place the Device

We use a professional-grade radon monitor that runs for 48 hours. The inspector places the device in the lowest livable area of the home (typically a ground-floor room) following EPA placement guidelines. That means at least 20 inches off the floor, away from exterior walls, drafts, and high-humidity areas like kitchens or bathrooms.

During the test, the home should be kept in closed-house conditions: windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible. This ensures the test captures an accurate reading rather than diluted outdoor air.

Step 3: The Device Runs for 48 Hours

Our 48-hour professional monitor gets the job done quickly, which is especially important during real estate transactions where time is tight. You don't need to change your routine during the test. Just keep the house closed up and let it run.

Step 4: We Pick Up the Device and Deliver Your Report

Once the 48 hours are up, we retrieve the monitor. Your report is delivered within 24 hours of pickup, so you'll have clear, actionable results in hand fast. The report includes your radon level in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and guidance on what the reading means.

Understanding Your Results

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Here's how to read your number:

Below 2 pCi/L — Low levels. No action needed, though retesting every couple of years is a good habit.
2–4 pCi/L — Elevated. The EPA recommends considering mitigation in this range, as levels are above average indoor concentrations.
4 pCi/L or higher — The EPA's action level. You should contact a certified radon mitigation contractor.

If your results come back elevated, don't panic, it's a fixable problem. The most common solution is a sub-slab depressurization system: a vent pipe and fan that draws radon from beneath your foundation and channels it safely outside. These systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. After mitigation, a follow-up test confirms everything is working.

Why Add Radon Testing to Your Home Inspection?

A standard home inspection covers structure, systems, and safety — but it doesn't include radon testing unless you ask for it. Adding radon testing at the time of your general inspection is the most efficient way to handle it.

For buyers, it's a small investment that can have major implications for negotiation and long-term health. For sellers who test before listing, it removes uncertainty and can actually strengthen buyer confidence.

At just $125 as an add-on, radon testing is one of the highest-value items you can include in your inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

"My neighbor tested low — does that mean I'm fine?" Not necessarily. Radon levels can vary dramatically between adjacent properties based on soil composition, foundation type, and how the home is built. Your neighbor's results tell you nothing about your home.

"We have a newer house — doesn't that mean it's built better?" Not when it comes to radon. Tightly built, energy-efficient homes can actually trap radon more effectively than older, draftier construction. Newer doesn't mean safer here.

"We mostly live upstairs." Radon rises and circulates. Even if your main living areas are on upper floors, if radon is accumulating in the basement or ground level, it affects the whole home's air quality.

Ready to Schedule?

Whether you're in the middle of a home purchase or just want

to know what you're breathing, we make radon testing straightforward and fast. RK Home Inspections LLC serves homeowners in Wilson, Nash County, Johnston County, Wake County, Franklin County, and surrounding areas. Wherever you are in the region, we've got you covered!

Book your inspection Here or give us a call at 252-703-1635 to add radon testing to your upcoming inspection. Results in hand within 24 hours of pickup — no waiting, no guessing.

Phone: 252-703-1635

Email: ryan@rkinspectionsnc.com

RK Home Inspections LLC — proudly serving Wilson, Nash County, Johnston County, Wake County, Franklin County, and surrounding areas of North Carolina.