Radon Monitoring Made Easy for Homeowners

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that forms naturally in the earth as uranium breaks down in the soil. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, basements, and crawl spaces—and over time, exposure to high levels of radon can lead to serious health risks, including lung cancer. For years, the only way to accurately measure radon was through professional testing. But today, technology has evolved. At-home radon monitors are gaining popularity, giving homeowners the tools to keep tabs on their radon levels regularly and conveniently.

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Why Regular Monitoring Matters

One of the most important things to understand about radon is that it doesn’t stay static. Levels can change from year to year—and even from season to season—because of the ongoing decay process of uranium in the soil. On top of that, every home is different. Factors like how a home was built, what materials were used, and even how it's used day-to-day (opening windows, running HVAC systems, etc.) can all impact radon levels.

Because of these constant changes, a single radon test may not tell the full story. That’s where at-home radon monitors come in.

Radon Monitoring vs. Radon Testing: What’s the Difference?

While the terms "monitoring" and "testing" might sound similar, they serve different purposes and vary in accuracy and application.

Radon Testing:

Conducted by a certified radon measurement professional.
Certification typically comes through organizations like the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
Uses professional-grade tools like Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs) which are calibrated annually.
Devices are placed in the home for 48 hours or more, measuring radon levels on an hourly basis.
Provides highly accurate, short-term data ideal for real estate transactions or official diagnostics.

Radon Monitoring:

Can be done by homeowners using affordable, user-friendly devices purchased online or at hardware stores.
Monitors are maintenance-free and designed for continuous, long-term use.
While not as precise in every situation as a professional CRM, they provide valuable insights over time.
Great for keeping an eye on fluctuations and understanding how lifestyle or environmental changes affect radon levels in the home.

In short: professional testing offers high-accuracy, short-term snapshots; monitoring provides general, ongoing awareness.

Tips for Using At-Home Radon Monitors

If you’re ready to start monitoring radon in your home, here are a few tips to get the most accurate and useful data:

Placement Matters: Place your monitor in the lowest livable level of your home—typically a basement or ground floor. Avoid crawlspaces, as these aren’t considered livable areas.
Use Under Normal Conditions: To get a true picture of your home’s radon levels, live as you normally would—keep windows and doors closed or open as you typically do, and use your HVAC systems as usual. Avoid running tests right after something like leaving a door open for several hours.
Think Long Term: The most useful data comes from monitoring radon over time—ideally days, weeks, or even months. A couple of days of monitoring may show a snapshot, but it might miss key changes brought on by events like heavy rainfall or seasonal shifts.
Track Trends: Most at-home monitors allow you to see daily averages, weekly changes, and long-term trends. Keep a log, or use a model that connects to your smartphone so you can easily monitor changes.

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Bottom Line

At-home radon monitors are an excellent tool for homeowners who want to stay proactive about their indoor air quality. While they don’t replace professional testing in all scenarios—especially when buying or selling a home—they are a smart, accessible way to stay informed and safe.

If you’ve never checked your home’s radon levels before, or if it’s been a few years since your last test, a home monitor can be a great first step in understanding where you stand.