What Is a Professional Radon Inspection, and Why Does Your Home Need One?

Most homeowners never think twice about the air inside their homes. We change furnace filters, clean air ducts, and install air purifiers because we want clean, healthy indoor air for our families.

But there is one indoor air hazard that no air purifier or HVAC filter can remove.

That hazard is radon.

Radon is completely invisible, odorless, and tasteless. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through professional testing. That's why thousands of homeowners, buyers, and sellers throughout Illinois schedule professional radon inspections every year.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas created as uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and groundwater. Outdoors, radon quickly disperses into the atmosphere and generally isn't a concern.

Inside a home is a different story.

As your home naturally draws air upward—a phenomenon known as the "stack effect"—it can also pull radon gas from the soil beneath the foundation. Once inside, radon can accumulate to levels that may pose a long-term health risk.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.

How Does Radon Get Into a Home?

Many homeowners believe their foundation is sealed well enough to keep radon out. Unfortunately, radon can enter through even the smallest openings.

Common entry points include:

• Cracks in concrete floors and foundation walls

• Expansion joints

• Gaps around plumbing or utility penetrations

• Sump pits

• Crawl spaces

• Floor drains

• Construction joints

Even newer homes can have elevated radon levels. Age, size, foundation type, or appearance are not reliable indicators of whether a home has a radon problem.

What Is a Professional Radon Inspection?

A professional radon inspection involves placing a calibrated continuous radon monitor in the lowest livable area of the home. The monitor measures radon concentrations over a minimum 48-hour testing period while recording hourly readings.

Unlike many DIY test kits, professional testing provides:

• Highly accurate electronic measurements

• Continuous monitoring throughout the testing period

• Tamper detection

• Environmental condition monitoring

• Detailed electronic reports

• Testing performed according to industry standards

Because radon levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day due to weather conditions, barometric pressure, and home ventilation, continuous monitoring provides a much more complete picture than a single reading.

What Happens During the Test?

Professional radon testing is simple and requires very little from the homeowner.

A certified technician will:

• Evaluate the home to determine the proper testing location

• Place the continuous radon monitor according to industry standards

• Explain any closed-house requirements if applicable

• Retrieve the monitor after the testing period

• Provide a complete electronic report with the results

The monitor operates quietly and does not require any attention while testing is underway.

What Happens If Radon Levels Are High?

If elevated radon levels are found, there is no reason to panic.

The EPA recommends considering mitigation when radon levels reach 4.0 pCi/L or higher, although many homeowners choose to reduce lower levels as well.

The good news is that modern radon mitigation systems are highly effective and can often reduce radon concentrations by 90% or more.

Once mitigation is installed, follow-up testing confirms that the system is working properly.

Why Choose Professional Testing Instead of a DIY Kit?

While DIY radon kits can provide useful screening information, professional testing offers several important advantages.

Professional testing provides:

• Greater accuracy

• Continuous hourly measurements

• Calibrated professional equipment

• Tamper-resistant monitoring

• Faster electronic reporting

• Independent documentation for real estate transactions

For home purchases and sales, professional testing is generally preferred because it provides reliable documentation for all parties involved.

Why Choose Quality Environmental Testing?

At Quality Environmental Testing (QET), we focus exclusively on testing—not mitigation. That means our recommendations are completely independent and based solely on the results of your inspection.

Since 2002, we've helped homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout the south and southwest Chicago suburbs make informed decisions through accurate environmental testing.

Our professional radon testing includes:

• Professional 48-hour continuous radon monitoring

• Calibrated electronic equipment

• Independent, unbiased testing

• Clear digital reports

• Prompt scheduling

• Friendly, experienced service

Whether you're purchasing a new home, selling your current one, or simply want peace of mind, professional radon testing is one of the most important indoor air quality tests you can perform.

Schedule Your Professional Radon Test Today

Because radon has no smell, color, or taste, you cannot detect it without testing.

A professional radon inspection is fast, affordable, and provides valuable information about the air your family breathes every day.

If you live in Lockport, Lemont, Homer Glen, Orland Park, New Lenox, Frankfort, or the surrounding south and southwest Chicago suburbs, Quality Environmental Testing is ready to help with accurate, independent professional radon testing.

Need Professional Radon Testing?

Reading about radon is a great first step, but the only way to know your home's radon level is through professional testing.

Quality Environmental Testing (QET) has been providing licensed, independent radon testing throughout Lockport and the southwest Chicagoland area since 2002.

👉 Schedule your Radon Test