Maintaining Closed Home Conditions: A Clear and Simple Guide

Ensuring "closed home conditions" is essential when preparing for a radon inspection. This guide outlines the necessary steps to prepare your home, ensuring accurate and reliable test results.

What Are Closed Home Conditions?

Closed home conditions refer to specific guidelines that need to be followed before and during radon testing. These conditions help create a stable environment that accurately reflects the typical radon levels in your home.

Why Are Closed Home Conditions Important?

Maintaining closed home conditions is crucial because it ensures that the indoor environment remains consistent and unaffected by external factors. This stability allows for accurate measurement of radon levels, helping to protect your health and safety.

Checklist for Closed Home Conditions

Preparation (At Least 12 Hours Before the Test):

1. Close All Windows: Ensure all windows in the home are closed, including those in all rooms and the basement.

2. Close All Exterior Doors: Keep all exterior doors closed, except for normal entry and exit.

3. Turn Off Whole-House Fans: Turn off any whole-house fans, window fans, or other ventilation systems that bring in outside air.

4. Avoid Using Fireplaces and Wood-Burning Stoves: Use these sparingly to avoid affecting indoor air pressure.

5. Stop Using Exhaust Fans: Turn off all exhaust fans, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.

During the Testing Period (Typically 48 Hours):

1. Keep Windows Closed: Keep all windows closed throughout the testing period.

2. Keep Exterior Doors Closed: Ensure exterior doors remain closed as much as possible.

3. Disable Ventilation Systems: Do not use whole-house fans, window fans, or other systems that could introduce outside air.

4. Limit Fireplace and Stove Use: Avoid using fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

5. Cease Using Exhaust Fans: Keep all exhaust fans off.

6. Operate HVAC Normally: Heating and cooling systems that recirculate indoor air can be used normally.

General Tips:

• Continue Normal Activities: Maintain regular activities inside the home but avoid extensive renovations or changes that might impact air pressure and radon levels.

• Communicate with Household Members: Inform all members of the household about the radon test and the importance of maintaining closed home conditions.

Final Checklist Before the Test Begins:

1. Verify Windows: Double-check that all windows are closed.

2. Check Doors: Ensure all exterior doors are properly closed and remind household members to minimize the time they are open.

3. Confirm Fans and Ventilation: Make sure all big fans and exhaust fans are turned off.

4. Review HVAC Settings: Verify that the HVAC system is set to recirculate indoor air without introducing outside air.

Conclusion

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your home meets the guidelines for closed home conditions, leading to accurate radon test results. Proper preparation and adherence to these conditions will help you make well-informed decisions regarding any necessary radon mitigation measures, contributing to a safer and healthier living environment.