Radon Fans – What are Radon Fans and Why do I Need One?
Throughout the month of January, we contributed to radon awareness by posting several topics on radon as a part of the EPA’s National Radon Action Month. We helped inform you about the various ways that radon can impact your life – from radon symptoms to how you can test your home for radon and spread the word throughout your community. We realized that with all of this great information at your disposal, you might still be having some questions about what a radon mitigation system is, or how a radon fan actually works. To help, we’re providing some further information here to keep you informed and proactive about radon prevention and treatment.
What is a Radon Mitigation Fan?
A radon mitigation fan is part of the solution to ridding your home of radon fumes. Since radon is a gas that originates in the soil below a home’s foundation, the fan is the part of the apparatus that is able to direct the gas up tubing through your home’s frame, and expel it out of and above your home, where it dissipates harmlessly into the outside air.The fan is placed within the tubing system and runs constantly and quietly via an electrical connection that won’t distract you or run up a high electricity bill. Since radon is lighter than air, expelling it above the areas of your house that you will be breathing will ensure safety for you and your family.
How does a Radon Mitigation System work?
There are two types of mitigation system installations – outdoor (below left) and indoor (below right). Though the systems are routed differently, their setup is very similar. When you install a radon mitigation system in your house, it creates a negative pressure field below your home to prevent radon gas from entering. A small pit is created beneath the foundation of your home in one to several areas. Tubing (PVC pipe) is connected to the hole(s) drilled to create the pits, and is routed unobtrusively to the suction side of an electrically-connected, weatherproof radon mitigation fan. More piping is connected to the opposite side of the fan, the pressure side, and the gas is routed above the house and expelled safely above the roof.
Still have questions about Radon?
If you’re finding yourself curious about radon and the available solutions for radon remediation, head over to the RadonAway website to find out more. There are topics like radon in the home, radon health risks and symptoms, where to find radon contractors, and how to test for and fix a radon problem. We also encourage you to contact us at HomeAire with any questions, and we’ll be happy to help you!
