Marketing Advantage:
Homes with radon-resistant features can attract more potential home buyers.
Consumers are becoming more aware that radon is a health risk.
Radon-resistant features will be an advantage during home sale, and increase
future resale value.It
is a good investment for the home buyer:
Building radon-resistant features into the house during construction is
easier and cheaper than fixing a radon problem identified later. On average,
installing radon-resistant features during construction costs $350 - $500 or
even less if you already use some of the techniques for moisture control or
energy efficiency. In some areas, the cost may be as low as $100. A
qualified mitigator will charge about $300 to add a vent fan to a passive
system, making it an active system and further reducing radon levels. In
contrast, retrofitting an existing home will typically cost between $800 -
$2500.
It is effective:
A basic radon reductions sytem effectively reduces radon levels by an
average of about 50% and in most cases to levels below EPA's action level of
4 pCi/L. An upgraded system includes an in-line fan to provide even further
reductions.
It is simple to
install:
All of the techniques and material are commonly used in construction. No
special skills or materials are required.
Upgrading
is easy:
Even if built to be radon-resistant, every new home should be tested for
radon after occupancy. If you have a radon test result of 4 pCi/L or more,
radon reduction features should be added. If radon-reduction methods were
used during construction, then a vent fan can easily be added to the passive
system to make it an active system and further reduce radon levels. The fan
is used by some builders also to control moisture in basements and
crawlspaces.
Increase home comfort:
When installed properly and completely, radon-resistant techniques can
also make your home more energy efficient and help you save on your energy
costs. A radon-resistant home will also decrease the amount of moisture and
other soil gases that enter the home, making your home have a more healthy
indoor air quality.
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