2026 Cost Guide
How Much Does Radon Testing Cost?
Radon testing is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family's health. DIY kits start at just $10 to $50, while professional testing runs $125 to $400.
$10
DIY Kit
$150
Professional
$400
Real Estate
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Radon Testing Costs at a Glance
| Test Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| DIY short-term kit (charcoal) | $10 – $30 |
| DIY short-term kit (alpha track) | $15 – $50 |
| DIY long-term kit | $20 – $50 |
| Professional short-term test | $125 – $275 |
| Professional real estate test | $150 – $400 |
| Digital radon monitor (purchase) | $100 – $250 |
DIY Radon Test Kits: $10 to $50
DIY radon test kits are the most affordable way to check radon levels in your home. They're available at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Many state radon programs also offer free or discounted kits.
Charcoal Canister Kits ($10–$20)
The most common and affordable DIY option. You place an activated charcoal canister in the lowest livable level of your home for 2 to 7 days, then mail it to a lab for analysis. Results come back in about a week.
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Lab-analyzed results
- ✗ Single snapshot in time
- ✗ Sensitive to humidity
Alpha Track Detectors ($15–$50)
Alpha track detectors use a small piece of plastic film that records marks from radon decay particles. They can be deployed for short-term (2–7 days) or long-term (90+ days) testing and are less affected by humidity and temperature than charcoal kits.
- ✓ More accurate over time
- ✓ Less affected by conditions
- ✓ Good for long-term testing
- ✗ Slightly more expensive
- ✗ Slower results
💡 Free and discounted test kits
Many state radon programs offer free or reduced-price test kits to residents. Check with your state's radon office or health department. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University also sells discounted kits for $6 to $16 (including lab fees and shipping).
Professional Radon Testing: $125 to $400
Professional radon testing uses calibrated continuous radon monitors (CRMs) that measure radon levels every hour for a minimum of 48 hours. This provides a more detailed and reliable picture of your home's radon levels compared to passive DIY kits.
Standard Professional Test — $125 to $275
A certified radon measurement professional places a continuous radon monitor (CRM) in the lowest livable area of your home for 48 hours. The monitor records hourly readings, detects unusual fluctuations, and can identify if closed-house conditions were maintained. You receive a detailed report showing average radon levels and hourly data.
Real Estate Transaction Test — $150 to $400
Real estate radon tests follow strict protocols to ensure legally defensible results. The testing professional places the CRM under tamper-evident conditions, ensures the home maintains closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before and during the test, and provides a certified report suitable for real estate transactions. The higher cost reflects the chain-of-custody requirements and rush reporting needed to meet inspection deadlines.
Multi-Location Testing — $200 to $500+
Larger homes or homes with multiple foundations may need radon monitors placed in several locations. Each additional monitor typically adds $50 to $125 to the total cost. This is important for homes with both a basement and a crawl space, or split-level homes where radon may enter at different points.
Why Professional Testing Is Worth It
DIY vs. Professional Testing: Which Should You Choose?
Both DIY and professional radon testing have their place. Here's when each option makes sense.
| Factor | DIY Kit | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $10 – $50 | $125 – $400 |
| Accuracy | Good (if done correctly) | Excellent (calibrated equipment) |
| Data detail | Single average number | Hourly readings over 48+ hours |
| Results timeline | 5 – 14 days (mail to lab) | Same day or next day |
| Real estate use | Generally not accepted | Fully accepted |
| Best for | Initial screening | Confirmed results, transactions |
Choose DIY when:
- • You've never tested and want an initial screening
- • You're doing routine re-testing every 2 years
- • Budget is a concern and no transaction is involved
- • You want a long-term (90-day+) average reading
Choose professional when:
- • You're buying or selling a home
- • A DIY test came back elevated (needs confirmation)
- • You want fast, detailed results
- • You need a certified report for legal or insurance purposes
Long-Term Radon Testing Options
Radon levels fluctuate daily and seasonally. Long-term testing provides the most accurate picture of your annual average exposure. The EPA considers long-term testing the gold standard for understanding your true risk.
Long-Term Alpha Track Detector — $20 to $50
Deploy for 90 days to 1 year in the lowest livable area of your home, then mail to a lab for analysis. This gives you a true annual average and is the most accurate passive testing method available. Ideal for confirming short-term results or establishing a baseline.
Digital Continuous Radon Monitor — $100 to $250 (one-time purchase)
Devices like the Airthings Wave or Ecosense RadonEye provide continuous real-time radon monitoring. After the initial purchase, there are no ongoing costs. They display current radon levels on the device or a smartphone app and track trends over time. Great for homeowners who want ongoing peace of mind or need to monitor a mitigation system's performance.
Factors That Affect Radon Testing Cost
Test Type & Duration
Short-term charcoal tests are cheapest. Professional CRM tests cost more but provide hourly data. Long-term tests offer the best accuracy for a modest price.
Geographic Location
Testing costs vary by region. Metro areas with higher costs of living typically charge more for professional testing. Some areas have more competition, which can lower prices.
Number of Test Locations
Testing multiple areas of your home (basement, first floor, crawl space) costs more. Each additional monitor placement adds $50 to $125 for professional testing.
Real Estate Requirements
Transaction-related testing costs more due to chain-of-custody protocols, closed-house condition verification, tamper detection, and expedited reporting requirements.
Certification Level
Testers certified through NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB (National Radon Safety Board) may charge slightly more but provide more credible results.
Season
Testing during winter (closed-house season) may be slightly cheaper due to natural closed-house conditions. Some professionals charge more during peak real estate season (spring/summer).
Radon Testing Cost FAQ
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