To ensure accurate radon test results, closed-house conditions must be maintained for at least 12 hours before the start of the test and throughout the entire testing period.

 

Exterior Doors

Keep all exterior doors closed except for normal entry and exit.

Open exterior doors only long enough for people, pets, or necessary items to pass through.

Do not leave exterior doors propped open for any reason.

 

Windows

Keep all windows closed.

Do not open windows for ventilation, cooling, or fresh air.

Skylights that can be opened must remain closed.

 

Heating and Cooling Systems

Operate the home's heating and cooling system as you normally would.

The thermostat may be adjusted as needed for comfort.

Central heating and air conditioning systems may operate normally.

 

Fans and Ventilation

Do not operate equipment that intentionally exchanges indoor air with outdoor air, including:

Whole-house fans

Window fans

Attic fans designed to ventilate the living space

Fresh-air ventilation systems (unless they operate continuously as part of the home's normal HVAC design)

Portable exhaust fans vented to the outdoors for whole-room ventilation

Bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen range hoods may be used briefly for normal household activities such as showering or cooking.

 

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Do not operate fireplaces or wood stoves unless they are the home's primary source of heat.

Decorative gas fireplaces should remain off unless necessary for normal heating.

 

Radon Monitor

Do not move the monitor.

Do not unplug the monitor.

Do not cover the monitor.

Do not place objects on or against the monitor.

Keep children and pets away from the monitor.

Do not attempt to reset or operate the monitor.

 

Occupancy

Normal occupancy of the home is encouraged. You may:

Live in the home normally.

Sleep in the home.

Cook meals.

Watch television.

Use appliances.

Take showers.

Wash clothes.

Carry out normal daily activities.

 

Situations That May Affect the Test

Please notify Shenandoah Home Inspections LLC if any of the following occur during the test:

A window or exterior door was left open for an extended period.

The radon monitor was moved or disturbed.

The power was interrupted.

HVAC equipment stopped functioning.

A severe weather event resulted in windows or doors being opened.

Any other event that may have affected the testing conditions.

 

Why Closed-House Conditions Matter

Radon levels inside a home are affected by ventilation. Keeping the home closed during testing provides stable conditions that allow the monitor to measure radon concentrations accurately. Failure to maintain closed-house conditions may invalidate the test and require a new test.

If you have any questions during the testing period, please contact:

Shenandoah Home Inspections LLC
Phone: (540) 908-4468
Email: ricky@shenandoahhomeinspectionsllc.com