When the weather warms up and the windows fly open, most homeowners feel like their indoor air is fresher, cleaner, and healthier. But one invisible threat doesn’t disappear with the seasons—radon gas. Even in summer, when doors and windows are open more frequently, radon can still pose a serious risk to your home and health.
Many people mistakenly believe radon is a “winter-only” issue. In reality, radon is a year-round concern, and summer is just as important a time to consider testing your home—especially if you’ve never done so before.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s odorless, tasteless, and invisible—meaning the only way to know if it’s in your home is through testing.
Radon enters homes through:
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Cracks in the foundation
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Gaps around pipes or sump pumps
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Floor drains and crawl spaces
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Wall cavities or construction joints
Once inside, radon can accumulate, especially in lower levels like basements or ground-floor rooms.
Why Radon Is Dangerous
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the EPA—second only to smoking. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of developing lung cancer, even for nonsmokers.
And because radon has no immediate symptoms, it often goes undetected until it’s too late. That’s why proactive testing is the key to keeping your family safe.
Does Radon Testing Matter in the Summer?
Absolutely.
While radon levels may fluctuate seasonally—often spiking in winter due to closed windows and longer periods of indoor air trapping—that doesn’t mean it disappears in the summer. In fact, some homes experience elevated radon levels year-round due to geology, poor ventilation, or the way air moves through the home.
Plus, there are a few summer-specific reasons why radon can still be a concern:
🌡️ Air Conditioning Use
When homes are shut tight to keep the cool air in, airflow is limited—much like in winter. This creates the same effect of trapping radon inside.
💨 Stack Effect Still Happens
The “stack effect” refers to warm air rising and escaping through the top of your house, creating a vacuum that pulls radon from the soil into your home. This can still occur in summer, particularly in multi-level homes.
🏠 Basements Stay Cool and Sealed
Basements tend to remain closed off even in warm months. If your family spends time in the basement during summer (e.g., for game nights or movie marathons), you could be exposed to radon without even realizing it.
Who Should Test for Radon?
Every homeowner should test for radon at least once—especially if:
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You’ve never tested your home before
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You’re buying or selling a home
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Your home has a basement or crawl space
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You live in an area known for high radon levels (like much of the Northeast and Midwest)
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You’ve made changes to your HVAC system or foundation
If you already tested in the past, retesting every 2–5 years is recommended. And if you’ve recently renovated your home or added an addition, it’s smart to test again.
Types of Radon Testing
There are two main types of radon testing:
🕒 Short-Term Testing
Usually lasts 2–7 days and provides a quick snapshot of radon levels. Best for initial screening.
📆 Long-Term Testing
Measures radon levels over 90+ days. Gives a more accurate picture of year-round exposure.
A licensed radon inspector can help determine which is right for your situation and ensure results are interpreted correctly.
What If Your Home Has High Radon?
If your test comes back above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are highly effective at reducing radon to safe levels. A mitigation system typically includes:
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A vent pipe system and fan that pulls radon from beneath the home
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Sealing of foundation cracks and entry points
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Re-testing to confirm reduced levels
The cost of installation is usually far less than the health risks associated with long-term exposure.
In Summary:
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Radon is a serious health threat that doesn’t disappear during the summer.
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Summer conditions can still allow radon to enter and accumulate in your home.
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Every homeowner should test at least once and consider retesting regularly.
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Professional inspections and mitigation are affordable and effective.
Radon doesn’t take a vacation—so neither should your awareness. Make summer the season you prioritize healthy air in your home by scheduling a radon test. Your lungs will thank you.