Radon Testing in Eau Claire, WI
Radon testing in the Chippewa Valley is straightforward: a sealed canister or continuous radon monitor (CRM) is placed on the lowest livable level under closed-house conditions, runs for 48 to 96 hours (short-term) or 90+ days (long-term), and the data goes to a certified lab. A written report comes back, typically within one business day after pickup.
When to test
- You've never tested before. (Most homes in the region haven't.)
- You're buying or selling a home and a test is part of the inspection.
- The last test was more than two years ago.
- The home was renovated, has a new HVAC system, or got a new basement slab.
- An existing mitigation system is in place and an annual follow-up is due.
Short-term vs. long-term
Short-term tests (48–96 hours) are what almost everyone uses, especially for real-estate timelines. They're cheap, fast, and accurate when closed-house protocol is followed. Long-term tests (90+ days) are the gold standard for routine homeowner screening because they smooth out seasonal swings — radon in Wisconsin homes typically peaks in winter when the building envelope is tight.
Continuous radon monitor (CRM) tests
For inspection periods with tight turnaround, a continuous radon monitor is used instead of a passive canister. CRMs log hourly readings and can produce a same-day or next-day report. This also catches obvious test- tampering (windows opened mid-test will show as a sharp drop on the chart).
Closed-house protocol
For 12 hours before and throughout the test, windows and ground-level doors stay closed except for normal entry/exit. HVAC runs as usual. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are used briefly, not run continuously. Whole-house fans and window AC units are off. The protocol exists so the reading reflects what the home actually does on a typical sealed-up day.
Need a radon test or mitigation system in the Chippewa Valley?
Same-week appointments are typical. Real-estate-deadline tests can usually be slotted in 24–48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are short-term tests?
Short-term canisters analyzed by a certified lab are accurate within roughly ±20%. The bigger driver of variance is closed-house protocol — windows and ground-level doors stay shut except for normal entry/exit during the test. A long-term test (90+ days) is more representative of year-round levels.
What is the difference between a short-term and long-term test?
Short-term tests run 48–96 hours and give a snapshot. Long-term tests run 90 days to a year and average out seasonal swings. Wisconsin radon levels are typically highest in winter when houses are sealed up, so a winter short-term reading is conservative; a summer reading can underestimate.
Where does the test get placed?
On the lowest livable level — typically a basement, or the first floor if the basement is unfinished and unused. The canister sits 2–6 feet off the floor, away from drafts, exterior walls, and HVAC supplies.
Do I have to be home for the test?
Drop-off and pickup are scheduled. The home is kept under closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before and during the test. Normal living otherwise — no need to evacuate.
Other radon services
Once a test comes back high: radon mitigation is the fix. The most common mitigation method in this region is sub-slab depressurization. After install, a post-mitigation retest confirms the home is below 4.0 pCi/L. For real-estate timelines see real-estate radon testing.