How much does a radon test cost?

Short answer

Testing for radon yourself costs $15 to $50, which is a test kit with the lab fee included, and takes 10 to 15 minutes to set out and mail back. A certified radon tester charges $150 to $300 for a professional test with a continuous monitor. The kit answers the question for most homes. The professional test is for a sale, where the result has to stand up, or for a reading near the action level where you want a second measurement before paying for mitigation, which costs much more than any test.

Cost breakdown

The DIY column is the kit, with the lab analysis built into the price or paid at mailing. There are no tools. The pro column is a certified tester's visit with a continuous monitor left in place for several days, and a report with hourly readings.

What drives the cost

• The kit. A short-term charcoal kit is the low end. A long-term alpha-track kit, left out for months for a more representative reading, is the high end of the DIY range.
• The state. Some state health departments offer kits free or at low cost, which is worth a search before buying.
• The reason. A test for a real estate sale has to be done by a certified tester with a tamper-resistant monitor, and that's the pro price.
• The monitor. A continuous monitor shows how radon varies by hour and by weather, which a kit can't, and it's part of why the pro test costs more.
• The result. A high reading leads to a mitigation system, which costs much more than any test, and a second test before buying one is cheap insurance against a false alarm.

DIY vs. pro

The kit is the right first move and the money favors it: how often to test for radon is every 2 years, and again after a renovation, a new addition or a finished basement. Set the kit in the lowest lived-in level, follow the instructions on doors and windows, and mail it in. The cost is $15 to $50.

Pay the $150 to $300 for the professional test when buying or selling, when the kit's reading is near the action level and a mitigation quote is on the table, or when you want the hourly data to understand why a reading is high. A mitigation system is a one-time cost worth confirming the need for, and the pro test is how to confirm it.

FAQ

How much does a radon test cost?

$15 to $50 for a kit with the lab fee, or $150 to $300 for a certified tester with a continuous monitor.

Are home radon test kits accurate?

Yes, when the instructions are followed. Keep doors and windows closed as directed, place the kit in the lowest lived-in level, and mail it promptly.

When do I need a professional radon test?

For a real estate transaction, or as a second measurement when a kit reads near the action level before paying for mitigation.

How much does radon mitigation cost?

Much more than the test, and it's a separate quote. Test again before buying a system, since the confirmation costs little and the system costs a lot.