Radon Mitigation Installation Services for Maryland Homeowners
We provide Radon Mitigation Services in Maryland
We install radon mitigation systems for homes. These systems are designed to reduce the amounts of radon gasses within occupied spaces.
Our Mission to Improve Indoor Air Quality
We provide radon mitigation system installation services as part of a comprehensive approach to improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) for homeowners. The other services we provide to improve indoor air quality of homes are installation of humidification, dehumidification, filtration, and eradication of air borne contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and other harmful indoor pollutants.
While we had always focused on improving indoor air quality for our customers by installing HVAC related equipment to filter the air, we realized there was another serious contaminant present within the home – radon. Our HVAC systems are not designed to mitigate radon. And although the HVAC equipment IAQ systems were filtering the air of harmful particulates and organisms, these radon gasses remained in the home and were being blown around the house by the central air system.
A Complete Indoor Air Quality Approach
We began providing radon mitigation system installations to target the gasses at the source and to remove these gasses from within the home to the outside. Now, we are able to provide a holistic approach to addressing all of the indoor air health concerns.
All-Air Systems holds the highest license in Maryland for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). The purpose of the HVAC industry is to provide comfort and indoor air quality to increase the health of occupants. We have received extensive training on construction processes and the rules for proper ventilation and air removal.
What levels of radon are unsafe?
The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on when radon levels are unsafe for human occupancy. A great resource by the EPA is called the Homebuyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon. Although prepared to accompany the sale of a home, it is a well known source from the EPA which outlines many good considerations when it comes to radon in homes.
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when levels are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. However, the EPA has also recognized that homeowner’s may still be at risk even when levels are below 4 pCi/L.1
There are several organizations that believe mitigation actions should be taken even when lower radon readings are recorded. These organizations include the National Radon Proficiency Program, National Radon Safety Board, and the World Health Organization.
Although the State of Maryland requires licenses for contractors to perform several types of services (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), it does not require a license or make it mandatory to attend a privately organized “fee for certification” class offered by the private market.
All-Air Systems is trained and licensed in techniques of proper ventilation. Our trade (HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) teaches us how to perform the steps necessary in radon mitigation.
Two Mitigation Systems that Aim to Reduce Radon in Your Home
Our professional radon mitigation system installation experts typically install two types of reduction systems.
Sump Pit – Houses having sump pits lend themselves to the option of actually piping the radon mitigation system to the pit. We install a sealed cover over the pit. A pipe is installed coming out of the pit. Then, an inline fan is installed to pull the air from the pit and from under the slab through the drain tile corrugated piping. The air is then expelled to the outside up through more piping that is installed to vent above the roof line.
Bore hole in slab – Houses without a sump pit lend themselves to this type of mitigation system. This system involves drilling a hole in the concrete slab and installing piping and a fan to pull air out from underneath the slab at a single or multiple point. If there is a sump pit it should be covered and sealed so that the system pulls air from underneath the slab only and not basement air being pulled down into the pit.
*There are also “passive” systems that do not include fans.
Taking Preliminary Radon readings on your Own
One way to get a preliminary reading on the radon levels in your home is by use of a readily available device from the company Airthings. It is great because you do not have to mail samples for testing. Also, it gives you an on screen reading of the radon levels. The device allows you to re-calibrate and take readings in different rooms in the house. This device can be used to get a better idea of or to confirm the likely areas where radon gasses are entering the home at greater rates.
It is important for you as the homeowner to be well informed of the amount of radon levels in your home. Performing your own tests will give you first hand knowledge of the results. The next step would be to contact a professional when you are not comfortable with the levels you find and you want a properly designed mitigation system installed that will be maximized in its effectiveness.
When you are ready to explore your options give us a call
We will help you better understand how radon can be reduced including:
Obtaining the specific details about your home
The types of mitigation systems that your home would benefit from
The proper fan that is best suited for your uniquely designed system
The best option for installing the system in the least obtrusive way
Contact us and let one of our Radon Mitigation specialists guide you through your options. Call us or schedule a visit.
We also service radon mitigation systems. This includes performing:
- service calls
- airflow assessments
- fan replacements and upgrades
- piping repair
