Radon questions, answered

Direct answers first, with a source for each. Every answer links to a page with the full detail.

How much does radon mitigation cost in Salt Lake City?

Utah DEQ puts a typical system at about $2,000, and its real-estate guidance cites an average of $1,800, depending mostly on foundation type and home size. Slab and basement homes with one suction point usually cost less. Crawl spaces, combination foundations and finished basements cost more. Running the fan adds about $8–$10 a month. Our cost page and estimator break it down.

Can you get rid of radon in a basement?

You can't eliminate it, but you can usually lower it a lot. Sub-slab depressurization, a pipe and fan that pull soil gas from under the basement floor and vent it above the roof, typically cuts radon 50–99%, per EPA. EPA says most homes can be brought to 2 pCi/L or below. A retest within 30 days of installation confirms the result. See mitigation methods.

Is a radon level of 2.7 safe?

EPA says no radon level is completely safe. It recommends fixing at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4. A 2.7 is in the "consider" range. Many homeowners confirm it with a long-term (90+ day) test before deciding, since short-term results swing with weather and season. Some lab marketing uses 2.7 as a threshold (the World Health Organization's reference level); EPA's action level remains 4. Reading your result.

What time of year is worse for radon?

Radon levels vary by day and season, according to EPA. Winter is a practical time to test in Salt Lake because homes are closed up, which matches the closed-house conditions short-term tests require: windows and doors shut 12 hours before and during the test, with swamp coolers and whole-house fans off. Testing guide.

Does opening a window get rid of radon?

Only temporarily. EPA says natural ventilation lowers radon while windows are open, but levels typically return to previous values within about 12 hours after you close up. It also costs heating and cooling, and isn't practical in a Salt Lake winter. A soil-suction system is the permanent fix.

Do air purifiers remove radon?

Not as a fix. Radon is a gas that enters from the soil, and EPA's list of radon reduction methods centers on stopping it at the foundation with soil suction. Ordinary air purifiers aren't on that list. If you've tested high, put the money toward a mitigation system and a retest.

What houses are most at risk for radon?

Any home can have high radon: new or old, drafty or tight, with or without a basement (EPA). Area data helps show where high results are common. In Salt Lake County, 38.6% of state-program short-term tests from 2006 to 2019 were at or above 4 pCi/L, with northeast Sandy highest. But only a test of your own home tells you your level. Radon by area.

Will insurance pay for radon mitigation?

We haven't found a Utah source saying standard homeowner's insurance covers it, so plan on it as an out-of-pocket repair unless your insurer confirms otherwise in writing. Two common alternatives: in a home sale, the cost is often negotiated with the seller, and qualifying Salt Lake County families may get help from Green and Healthy Homes, per Utah DEQ.

Is it legal to sell a house with high radon in Utah?

Yes. Utah DEQ says sellers aren't obligated to fix elevated radon; it's a matter of negotiation. Utah's seller disclosure form asks whether the seller knows of radon gas in the house or well, and DEQ says existing test results should go to the buyer. Utah home-sale walkthrough.

Who pays for radon mitigation when selling a house in Utah?

Whoever the contract says. Common outcomes are a seller-installed system before closing, a credit or price reduction, or funds held in escrow until it's installed. DEQ advises spelling out acceptable readings, who tests, who pays and who installs in the contract. Walkthrough.

Do radon mitigation contractors need a license in Utah?

Yes. Since 2009, installing, repairing or replacing a radon mitigation system must be done by a licensed contractor, per Utah DEQ. NRPP certification is recommended by DEQ but not legally required for every installer; a 2026 bill (H.B. 563) that would have required it did not pass. Licensing vs. certification.

How do I get a low-cost radon test kit in Utah?

Utah DEQ's radon program sells short-term kits for about $11, lab fee included. Some local health departments sell them too, and DEQ keeps the list. Leave the kit in your lowest level for two to four days and mail it back; results come by email. Testing guide.

How soon can I retest after a system is installed?

No sooner than 24 hours after the system is running, and within 30 days of installation, per EPA. EPA recommends an independent test, not only the installer's. Utah DEQ then recommends testing every two years, and the manometer on the pipe should show suction whenever you check it.

How much electricity does a radon fan use?

Utah DEQ estimates about $8–$10 a month on your utility bill, and says to plan on replacing the fan after about 15 years. The University of Utah's radon program puts updates and maintenance at that point around $500. Systems also exhaust some heated or cooled air, which EPA notes can slightly raise utility costs.

Do new homes need a radon test?

Yes. EPA recommends testing every new home after you move in, even one built with radon-resistant features. In Utah, passive radon pipes in new homes are voluntary for builders, so many newer Salt Lake Valley homes have none. If yours has a passive pipe and tests high, EPA notes a fan can easily be added.

Still have a question about your home? Call (801) 854-8750. We'll answer what we can and connect you with a licensed Utah contractor for anything that needs a site visit.