Energy Efficient Home: Radon Levels Increase
Energy Efficient Home: Radon Levels Increase
Home energy upgrades are increasingly popular these days. Tax credits and other incentives help offset the cost of many energy-efficiency upgrades, and people everywhere are interested in making their homes greener by reducing the amount of electricity they use and the quantity of fossil fuel they burn.
One important detail that should not be overlooked when improving energy efficiency is the effect that certain upgrades have on radon levels in the house. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and emanates from rock and soil. Because radon exposure can cause cancer, all houses should be tested to make sure radon levels fall below the maximum acceptable level established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
A house with an acceptable radon level --below 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) -- can see radon levels rise to dangerous levels after it has been air-sealed. Air-sealing is a common first step in making a house more energy efficient, because it eliminates most of the air leaks that allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter the house. A tighter house will be more energy efficient than a leaky house, but it can also enable radon gas to accumulate in higher concentrations. That's why it's important to retest for radon after a house is air-sealed and/or after new insulation is added. If a new radon test shows hazardous levels of radon, don't worry. There are effective, well-established techniques for reducing radon levels, so all you need to do is contact an experienced radon mitigation contractor in your area.
Don't let the potential for higher radon levels deter you from making a leaky, inefficient house tighter and more energy efficient. Energy upgrades like air sealing, insulation, duct sealing, and new HVAC equipment will not only reduce energy use and save money; they'll also improve interior comfort and air quality. But make sure to perform a new radon test after home energy upgrades so you can be sure your family won't be exposed to hazardous radon levels.
