Why The Summer Is Ideal For Radon Testing in Your Home

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground and pose significant health risks to you and your family. While testing for radon is important at any time of the year, summer offers a unique opportunity to catch this invisible hazard under conditions that best represent your home's actual living environment. In this post, we'll discuss what makes summer the ideal time to schedule a radon test, what the process involves, and how professional testing can help you maintain a safe, comfortable home.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down over time. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and generally isn't a concern. However, when it seeps up through the ground and accumulates in enclosed spaces—like your home's basement, crawl spaces, or ground-level rooms—it can reach dangerous levels.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Because you can't see, taste, or smell radon, the only way to know your home's levels is to test for it.

Why is Radon Testing Important?

Testing your home for radon is crucial because high levels can occur in any type of building. Even new homes with airtight construction are not immune. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in your home if your levels are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, though no level is considered completely safe.

Many homeowners only think about radon testing during the transaction of buying or selling a home, but periodic radon checks should be a regular part of your home health routine. Seasonal weather patterns—especially in summer—can affect the airflow and pressure differences that influence indoor radon concentrations, making this an ideal time to test.

Why Consider Radon Testing in Summer?

Unique Home Conditions

In the warmer months, homes are often closed up to keep cooled air inside. While you might use fans or air conditioning, windows and doors typically stay shut longer. This "closed house" condition creates a more realistic representation of the environment where you and your family spend your time, ensuring your radon test results reflect your everyday risk.

Ventilation and Air Patterns

Summer brings unique air circulation patterns thanks to increased use of cooling systems and the habit of keeping basements and lower levels cooler. These patterns can influence radon accumulation and help professionals better understand how your home "breathes" during the busiest part of the year, ensuring your mitigation efforts (if needed) are targeted and effective.

Easier Scheduling and Fast Turnaround

Many families have more flexible schedules in the summer because of school breaks and vacations. This makes finding a convenient time for a professional inspection easier. Additionally, favorable weather can mean faster laboratory turnaround and fewer delays from rescheduling due to storms or winter access issues.

Testing After Home Improvements

Many homeowners schedule renovations or repairs during the summer. If you've updated your foundation, finished a basement, or made energy-efficiency improvements, it's crucial to test for radon—since any change can affect your home's airflow and radon entry paths.

How Does Radon Testing Work?

Professional radon testing typically involves placing a small, tamper-proof device in the lowest level of your home that's regularly used. Devices record radon levels for a minimum of 48 hours, after which results are processed in a laboratory. Your inspector will explain what your numbers mean and, if elevated levels are found, recommend practical steps for mitigation—such as improved ventilation or a professional radon reduction system.

DIY test kits are also available, but professional testing provides the most reliable results, plus expert interpretation and personalized next steps if action is needed.

Why Trust a Professional for Summer Radon Testing?

Certified home inspectors and radon technicians bring the expertise, calibrated equipment, and unbiased perspective you need to get peace of mind from your results. At NextDay Inspect, our team follows industry best practices—ensuring we get a true reading of your radon risk and deliver clear, actionable advice on any next steps.

Our inspectors understand how seasonal changes, recent weather, and your home's unique layout all influence radon levels, giving you a well-rounded picture that empowers smart decisions for your family's safety.

Taking Action: Schedule Your Summer Radon Test

If you haven't tested your home for radon in the past two years—or if you've recently made major repairs or renovations—now is the perfect time to act. Scheduling a professional radon test this summer means you'll get the most accurate snapshot of your risk, along with expert recommendations for keeping your home safe, healthy, and comfortable all season long.

Contact NextDay Inspect today to book your radon test and enjoy peace of mind as you make the most of summer!