When we think of seasonal changes, we often picture leaves turning amber in the fall, snow blanketing rooftops in winter, or flowers blooming in spring. But there’s something else quietly changing with the seasons: radon levels in your home. It is intangible, odorless, and can kill; most of us are unaware of its existence.
So, how are these seasonal shifts connected to radon levels? Well, let us get to it.
What Is Radon: What You Should Know
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. It percolates its way through the soil and can get into houses through fissures in the foundation walls or even through the well water.
Do you know what the frightening thing is? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), long-term exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Stat Alert: The EPA estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 deaths in the country annually.
Now, where do seasonal changes come into play? Let’s discuss that below.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Radon Levels
Radon would not get into the house all year round. Changes in weather patterns, temperature, and even how we use our homes can significantly influence radon levels indoors.
What happens in each season, let us see:
Winter: The Season of High Risks
Winter is often the time when radon levels spike. Here’s why:
- Houses are minimally ventilated by being closed to keep the cold at bay.
- Heating systems produce the so-called stack effect, which sucks radon out of the ground and into your house.
- Frozen ground and snow may trap the radon under the surface and put pressure below your foundation.
As you are likely to stay inside sipping hot cocoa, you might be breathing in radon without even realizing that.
Spring and Fall: The In-Between Seasons
These are unpredictable seasons. The variation in temperature, rainfall, and air pressure may all affect the entry of radon into your house.
- The saturation in soil caused by spring rains may force more radon into your home.
- The cooler weather we experience in the fall makes us close our windows, hindering airflow.
The point is that spring and fall seasons are the wild cards for radon exposure, as it can vary on a day-to-day basis depending on the weather.
Summer: A Somewhat Safer Season (But Not Necessarily Risk-Free)
In summer, windows are usually open, making the ventilation better.
- Air conditioners can help pump air and lessen the radon levels. But it is not a risk-free season.
- In basements, where radon is more likely to accumulate, it can still be a problem, particularly when they are closed.
The Science at Work Here
Air pressure is the most important aspect of this phenomenon of seasonal changes and varying radon levels. When it is colder, the pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure of the surrounding soil. This difference in pressure mimics a vacuum, which pulls radon up from the soil into your home.
It is just like a chimney operation; warm air goes up, and the suction pulls the air down. Except here, it is not air. It’s radon.
How Do You Know You Have a Radon Problem
Unless you test it, you will not know about it.
Radon does not have a smell, no color, and is tasteless. Testing for your home’s radon levels is the only way to know it.
- The DIY radon test kits can be purchased from hardware stores or online.
- You can employ a licensed professional who will provide a more accurate reading.
It’s a good idea to test at different times of the year, especially during winter when radon levels are typically the highest.
Tips to Control Radon throughout the Year
In order to ensure the safety of your home, the following suggestions may be implemented:
- Test your home regularly, especially after seasonal changes.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls.
- Increase ventilation in basements and crawl spaces.
When concentrations of radon are high, above 4 pCi/L, consider installing a radon mitigation system in accordance with EPA guidelines.
Final thoughts: Make sure the Seasons Don’t Catch You Off Guard
Seasonal changes affect more than just your wardrobe or your heating bill. They also affect radon behavior in your house.
Understanding how radon levels shift with the seasons allows you to take smarter steps to protect your family. Don’t wait until winter to test or assume it’s safe in the summer.
At RJ Home Inspections, we feature radon testing and reliable home inspections. It doesn’t matter whether it is the dead of winter or the middle of summer. We will help you come to grips with the radon threat to your home and will walk you through the next steps.
Book your radon test with RJ Home Inspections now because your peace of mind begins with a safe house.