Seeing a radon result above the action level can be unsettling. The good news is that elevated radon is one of the most fixable problems a house can have. This guide explains what your number means, how a mitigation system is designed for a York home, and the retest step that confirms everything is working.
Official source: EPA radon guidance for homeowners
What happens after an elevated radon test in York?
After an elevated radon test in York, the next steps are to review how the test was done, request a written quote, and choose a mitigation design. A local contractor looks at your foundation, checks how air moves under the slab, and recommends a system, usually sub-slab suction with a fan venting above the roof. Once it is installed, a short-term retest confirms the level has dropped below the action level.
Reading Your Number
Radon results are reported in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. The EPA recommends fixing homes at 4 pCi/L or above and suggests considering a fix between 2 and 4. Lower is always better.
Context matters. A short-term test runs for a few days and gives a snapshot. A long-term test runs for months and gives a better average. Placement matters too: a kit in the basement usually reads higher than one upstairs.
If your short-term result is just over the line, a second test can help you decide. If it is well above 4, most homeowners go straight to an estimate. Either way, keep the report. The contractor will want to see the number and where the kit was placed.
From Estimate to Design
During the estimate, the contractor looks at the house the way radon sees it: where soil gas collects, how it gets inside, and how to pull it away. They check the slab, the sump, the walls, any crawl space, and the possible pipe routes.
Most homes end up with active soil depressurization. A suction point under the slab or under a crawl space membrane connects to a fan that vents above the roof. Openings such as an open sump or large cracks are sealed so the fan can work efficiently.
The contractor may drill a small test hole to see how easily air moves under the slab. That simple test helps decide whether one suction point is enough or whether the house needs more.
Confirming the Result
The retest is the step that turns an install into an answer. Many guides suggest letting the fan run at least a full day, then testing within the first month. Place the kit in the lowest lived in level, keep windows and doors closed, and follow the directions.
A successful system brings the level well below the action level. If the result is still high, the contractor checks suction and looks for leaks or missed openings, then adjusts.
After that, check the gauge regularly and retest every couple of years. Retest after big changes like finishing the basement or replacing the heating system. Keep every result with your home records. They tell the story of your system and help any future buyer feel confident.
A Clear Path From Number to Fix
An elevated radon result is the start of a well understood process: estimate, design, install, and retest. If your York home tested high, call us and we will connect you with a local contractor who will walk you through each step and put the plan in writing. Having the plan in writing makes the decision easier and the follow-up simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I retest before calling a contractor?
If your result is just above 4 pCi/L, a second short-term test or a long-term test can help confirm it. If the result is well above the action level, many homeowners skip straight to an estimate. Either way, a contractor can explain your options during a free visit.
Does a higher number mean a bigger system?
Not always. How easily air moves under the slab often matters more than the starting number. Some very high homes are fixed with a single suction point, while some moderate ones need two. The contractor tests the slab to decide.
How low should radon be after mitigation?
The goal is to bring the level well below the 4 pCi/L action level, and many systems bring it much lower. Your retest result will show where your home landed. If it is not below the action level, the contractor should check and adjust the system.