Remember that as a homeowner, you are responsible for the safety of your own home. Thus, any element that will pose a health risk is something that you should address as soon as possible. One of these is radon, a radioactive gas that could cause a lot of damage to our lungs once inhaled. But in order to detect the presence of radon in your home, you need to have the best radon detector.
In this article, we’re going to talk more about radon detectors and why you should invest in a radon detector just you do with any home security system. In addition, we’re going to review some of the best radon detectors in the market today. Hopefully, we can help make your selection process easier given the wide range of radon detectors that are available.
What is a Radon Gas Detector?
A radon detector is exactly what it sounds like – a device that’s capable of detecting the presence of radon gas. There are radon gas detectors that are designed for home use and there are also others that are intended for commercial use. The EPA or US Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing your home or commercial premises for the presence of radon gas.
Detecting radon using a gas detector shouldn’t be a one-time exercise. That’s because the level of radon gas in a particular building could change from time to time. Experts recommend testing the presence of radon for a minimum period of one week in order to achieve greater accuracy.
If you need to get results fast, you can carry out a short-term test that will take a couple of days. However, it’s recommended that you follow this up with a second test. Carrying out regular tests will allow you to determine the average radon level in your home or building.
When looking for the best radon detector, you should know that there are several different types of them. These devices are available in different sizes and shapes and are designed for one-time use while others are intended for continuous testing.
For a start, you can try using an affordable test kit. If the test resulted in a somewhat concerning level, then you can upgrade to electronic radon detectors that you can use to continuously monitor the presence of radon in your home.
So these are the different types of radon detectors.
Electronic Radon Detectors
If the report indicates that there’s a high level of radon in your home or office, you should immediately take the proper steps to lower the level of radon gas to ensure your safety and that of the other people that frequent the place.
You can hire a qualified or professional radon contractor that can keep your home protected against radon leaks. Perhaps, they can add ventilation to minimize the level of radon.
It’s also necessary that you continue to monitor the presence of radon and the electronic radon detector would be the best tool for this. This is to also check if the preventative measures that were put in place are indeed effective.
The electronic radon detector can provide radon readings all throughout the day and other models can also provide a report on the average level of radon in the period of one month or more.
Smart Radon Detectors
You must have a smart security system installed in your home, which is usually connected to your mobile device. If so, then why don’t you get a smart radon detector as well? Just like the smart security system, these detectors use apps to determine the level of radon contamination in your home or office premises.
Short-Term Radon Test Kits
If you need fast results, the short-term radon detector kit would be an ideal tool to use. This is recommended if you’re pressed for time or if you are planning to sell your home or office building soon. Or perhaps, you just purchased a new home and are in the process of moving, yet you would like to be certain that it’s free from radon before you actually move in.
The short-term radon test kits use charcoal in absorbing the radon radiation. These kits will normally require 2-90 days in order to get the most accurate results. You’re free to decide for how long you want to conduct the test, depending on your situation. But remember that the longer you’re going to conduct the test, the more accurate the results will turn out.
When the period of testing is over, simply send the kit to a lab and a technician will detect the radioactive particles that the charcoal has emitted. The results will normally be sent to you through email within a week.
Long-Term Radon Test Kits
For those who would prefer a more reliable result for the presence of radon in their home, a long-term radon test kit would be a great tool to use. These kits use a process known as alpha track to check the level of radon gas in the area.
Usually, this will take three months up to a year. Once the alpha particles get into the foil sheet of the kit, they will leave pockmarks. When the results get to the lab, the technicians will determine the number of pockmarks in order to find out the average level of radon gas in your home.
Long-term kits come with a higher price tag. Yet, they are guaranteed to give more accurate results since they measure the level of radon for a much longer period.
Professional Radon Detectors
Professional radon detectors use their own high-tech devices in determining the presence of radon in a particular place. Most of them would use a device known as the AlphaGuard. This device weighs around 14 lbs. and costs around $1,500-$13,000!
Big companies that need to regularly detect the presence of radon in their premises use the AlphaGuard. Some companies that are in the business of producing radon-detecting devices also use this tool in calibrating their products. It might be expensive but it’s definitely more powerful compared to the best radon gas detector out there.
How to Use a Radon Detector
When using a radon detector to determine the presence of radon gas in your house, it’s recommended to use it at the lowest part of your house. As mentioned, radon gas is exceptionally dense and usually sinks in the ground.
It’s also recommended that you place the tester at around 20-72 inches from the ground. For those with basements in their home, it may be best to head downstairs to conduct the test. It’s also possible to place the device at the crawlspace to detect the radon level. If you’ve got a standard foundation, you can use the device in almost any room in your home. You just need to follow certain guidelines.
For homeowners with multiple types of foundations, it’s recommended to use more than one kit or perhaps invest in an electronic radon detector. After you determine the lowest area in your home, you must adhere to certain additional restrictions to properly place the kit.
Make sure to avoid humidity, so avoid placing it close to kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms etc. Furthermore, avoid exposing the detector to further heat than what’s necessary as it could damage certain things and may lead to an inaccurate reading.
Before you place the kit, make sure to check that all windows and doors in your home are closed for at least 12 hours. They should remain closed for the duration of the test. Don’t expose the area to any wind flow.
Most of the detectors come with instructions on how to properly use the kit so refer to this before you get started. Also, they come with some envelopes where you can put the results to be tested in the lab, along with your payment for the lab fee. It will usually take around a week or up to ten days for the results
Best Radon Detector in the Marketplace
So now that you understand the importance of having a radon detector kit, it’s time to find out the best radon detectors in the market. Here you have some radon detector reviews to help you decide which device you should buy.
1 – Airthings Wave Smart Radon Detector
This smart radon detector from Airthings is first on our list because it’s a truly accurate detector that’s easy to use, both for home and commercial buildings.
It’s powered by a battery and is totally portable so there’s no longer a need to look for any power source to start using it. You can even carry it with you from one place to another. The device relies on 2 AA batteries to work, which have a lifespan of 1 and ½ years!
One of the best features of the Airthings Wave radon detector is that it can be integrated into a mobile phone app. Simply download the app to your mobile and connect it to the device through Bluetooth.
So if you’re looking for a smart radon detector that you can use along with your smart home security system, this is the best home radon detector that we would recommend.
This device provides results that are fairly accurate. Furthermore, it comes with easy to understand color-coded instructions to help you determine the level of radon gas.
Red means the level has reached a pretty hazardous state, while yellow is a warning that the gas level is increasing, and green means you’re in the safe level. And aside from being a radon detector, this device is also a humidity and temperature detector.
Pros:
Can also be used to check the level of humidity and temperature
Easy to use
Portable and battery-operated
Relatively reasonable standards when it comes to detecting active radon levels
Cons:
Doesn’t come with Wi-Fi connectivity so you need to stay close to the device when monitoring
Not as accurate as other smart radon detectors
The Radon Eye RD200 Plus is definitely one of the most advanced and one of the best radon detectors in the market. This device is not that complicated to install and use. All you need to do is to connect it to a power source. After plugging the device in, use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect it to your smartphone so you can keep track of the results through a mobile app.
The integration of a mobile app and Wi-Fi connectivity makes this radon detector extremely advanced, allowing you to monitor the radon level wherever you are for as long as there’s an Internet connection.
But this device doesn’t come cheap, thanks to these advanced features. Nevertheless, it’s still a great investment and definitely one of the best radon detectors that we would recommend.
Offering an extremely accurate result, this radon detector has been found to have an error of margin of 0.5pCi/l, which is pretty negligible. The results it provides are updated regularly, after every 10 minutes or so. Thus, you can be sure that you’re getting the most accurate data.
Pros:
Can be connected to your mobile through an app
Can be used as a long-term radon detector
Easy to use
Has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows long-distance monitoring
Cons:
Will only display the current radon level and not the average level
Next on this list is the First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit, which is made by a company that is known for making home security systems, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors etc.
This radon detector is definitely easy to use. In fact, it’s been officially recognized by the EPA Radon Gas Measurement Proficiency Program, which validates its reliability. What’s great is that they provide complementary testing so you won’t have to pay a separate fee to get the lab results.
The First Alert RD1 kit also includes an envelope with their laboratory address, which is where you will send the results for testing. There’s also an instruction manual that’s easy to understand and follow. It’s very concise and all the steps have been provided clearly so you should be able to follow the instructions with ease.
Since this is a short-term radon detector, the kit can only be used one time. Yet, it’s capable of providing the results quickly. Generally, the results should come in after only a couple of days. When using this device, you need to place the random sampler at your home’s lowest point, such as the basement for up to two days.
After that, you can place the sample at the envelope that comes in the kit and send it back to the company’s laboratory in order to be tested. You just have to wait for the results, which should be sent to you in 2-3 days.
It’s worth noting that this short-term radon detector can only cover an area of 2,000 square feet. In addition, the device can only test the floor that it’s exposed to.
Therefore, if you want to check the presence of radon in several floors, you may have to use multiple kits. But generally speaking, the level of radon is often at the highest level on the lowest part of your house, so testing the ground floor should be enough.
Pros:
A complementary lab test is included
Doesn’t require any complex installation
Extremely cheap and easy to use
Results are generated in only a few days
Testing can be made in 2 to 4 days
Cons:
Can only be used to test once
Doesn’t show the most accurate radon level
Humidity could easily spoil the sample
The Accustar WTR 100 is a radon detector kit that comes with a single vial where you place the water sample to be tested. It also includes an easy-to-follow instruction manual. There’s also a self-addressed envelope where you will send the results to be tested.
The process of using this kit is very easy. All you need to do is follow the instructions provided. After that, place the vial at an envelope and send it back to their lab. After a couple of weeks or days, you should get the results.
However, when using the device, you need to ensure that there won’t be any air bubbles on the water. Otherwise, you won’t get accurate results. In addition, the sample must not be kept in freezing temperatures. Therefore, you cannot use the kit during the cold winter months. If you miss these instructions, then the results of the test may not be accurate.
For as long as you follow the instructions, you can expect accurate results with this kind of radon detector. This is a good device to use in testing the water in your sink, shower or any other sources of water. While this device is not technically a radon detector tool, it’s still a great device to use for water testing.
Pros:
Comes with a free return mailer for lab testing
Free lab analysis
Offers reliable laboratory water testing
Reliable and efficient
Cons:
The instructions are somewhat complicated to follow
People complained about their test getting voided often
The Accustar Alpha track is a type of long-term radon detector and is among the products that customers would recommend when you check out the continuous radon monitor reviews. This detector must be installed for a period of 3-12 months in order to obtain the most accurate results.
If you are pressed for time and need the results fast, this may not be the right device for you. But if your area is known to have a high level of radon and you want to monitor the radon level all throughout the year, then the Accustar Alpha Track can work best for you.
However, this radon detector kit must only be used once. The sample that you’ll collect needs to be sent to a lab for professional testing and evaluation. This radon detector is easy to use. All you need to do is to get the device out and place it at the lowest part of your house for three months to a year.
You’ll get two samplers in this kit and both have to be sent to the labs through the envelopes provided. This radon detector relies on the Alpha Track System when determining the level of radon gas. It comes with a film that the radon gas will decay over time.
The decay marks that will be reflected in the film will be checked by a computerized system in order to determine the level of radon present. This product is made by Accustar Lab, one of the leading EPA-verified labs in the country when it comes to radon testing and detection.
The lab will send the results back after only a few weeks. You can refer to their website to keep track of the progress. What’s more, their report is easy to follow and the results are easy to interpret and understand.
Pros:
Comes with two kits allowing you to compare the results provided by both kits
Extremely easy to use
Provides extremely accurate results
The results are fairly easy to understand
There’s no longer a need to pay for a laboratory fee for the testing
Cons:
Can be used once only
The testing process could take a long time compared to other kits
6 – Airthings 223 Portable Corentium Home Radon Detector
The Corentium Home Radon Detector is definitely the best home radon detector that comes equipped with an LCD screen, allowing you to obtain both short-term and long-term radon levels. This device is resistant to physical and environmental conditions including dust, weather etc.
The Corentium Home Radon Detector test is a type of electronic radon tester that can also be operated with a battery. It’s easy to use and offers accurate results, both long-term and short-term.
Thus, you’d be able to make an informed decision when it comes to the presence of radon gas in your home or business premises. Furthermore, this unit offers an easy interpretation of results and lets you read the readings through an LCD display.
What’s great about this radon detector is that it’s very portable. It can be powered with AAA batteries, so you can bring it with you wherever you go. The best part about this device is that once you start using it, you can always reset it as many times as you want in order to gather accurate results. It might be a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth it.
Pros:
Allows continuous monitoring of radon gas
Easy to use
Equipped with LCD display
Lightweight and portable
The PRO-LAB long-term radon gas testing kit is another device that’s getting praises and positive feedback from the radon detector reviews that you’ll find online. This device relies on the Alpha Track technology for its operation, which apparently lasts longer, yet it results in an accurate reading of the level of radon gas.
If you’re looking for a radon detector kit that’s easy to use, this kit is highly recommended. You just need to take the cap off and then place the kit in the area that you need to check. Leave it there for 3 months up to a year.
As soon as the long-term test is completed, simply put the cap back on. Fill out the data card and place it inside the prepaid envelope that comes with the kit. Send the envelope back and wait for the results. What’s great about using this device is that you can get the results in as little as 72 hours!
Pros:
Durable and hardwearing
Easy to use
Extremely safe
The Safety Siren Pro Radon gas detector is made by Family Safe Products and is known as one of the best radon detectors in the market. It comes equipped with an LED display screen that carries out self-tests every 24 hours.
This radon detector is easy to use and the screen is easy to read. It meets the standards set by the US EPA, which makes it an ideal device to use for detecting the presence of radon in your home.
The Safety Siren Pro Radon gas detector also updates the samples every hour, which enhances the accuracy of the results. Furthermore, you’ll get both long-term and short-term readings when using this radon detector kit.
Pros:
Durable built
Maintenance requires utmost attention
Permanently fixed
Provides accurate results
The RADEX MR107 Advanced Radon Gas Detector is a continuous gas monitor device that’s known for being very sensitive, yet offers accurate results. Weighing only 10 ounces, this lightweight device can be installed just about anywhere in your home to detect the presence of radon gas.
This radon detector device is easy to set up and use. There is no longer a need to calibrate the device as the initial factory settings will last for a long time. This device is very sturdy and is guaranteed to last for a long time.
The RADEX Advanced Radon Gas Detector is ideal for short-term testing. It comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that could last for up to six days! If you want to use the device for a longer period of testing then you need to use a USB cable that you can connect to your computer to be charged.
In order to obtain the results, you’ll have to connect the device to a Windows computer. This unit comes with a humidity sensor and air temperature detector, which you can view through a special type of software that you can download in a Windows computer. The software will display the maximum, minimum, and the average level of radon gas in your house.
Pros:
Easy to use and set up
Offers a good range of statistics
Very accurate results
Cons:
Requires a Windows PC for the results
The battery has a short life
10 – Sun Nuclear Professional Continuous Radon Monitor
The Sun Nuclear Professional Radon Monitor is a continuous radon detector that’s extremely reliable and offers very accurate results of the level of radon gas in a particular area. This tester is equipped with a chamber that can be used to detect the radon level and works with the help of a patented sensor technology with high sensitivity.
The National Radon Safety Board has approved this radon detector for use at home. It’s a professional radon testing tool that’s capable of measuring radon levels for up to 90 hours with one-hour interval. It’s extremely easy to use and all you need to do is to plug the device.
This radon detector device comes with a digital display where you can view both the short-term, long-term, and the average radon level. It uses a rolling 12-hour average reading for short-term reporting. It has a power backup provided by an Alkaline battery and offers up to 20-hours of operation in a single charge.
This radon detector is equipped with a key lock to avoid tampering. Plus, it comes with a disturbance detector that makes use of a tilt switch. This tester could accurately measure radon levels and is extremely lightweight.
Pros:
AARST, NRPP, and NRSB approved
Noise suppression feature
Offers accurate reporting of the radon level
Reasonable price
The Airthings Wave Smart Radon Detector is what we would recommend out of this list of the best radon detectors. It has everything you need in order to determine the level of radon in your home or office building.
Furthermore, it offers accurate results and is extremely easy to use. The device is portable and powered by a battery, which eliminates the hassle of having to plug it into a power source. Above all, this radon detector device can connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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