Radon Testing and Inspection in Omaha NE
Radon testing and inspection in Omaha NE gives you a real number for your home. We place the device the right way and keep the test honest. Then we explain the result in plain words.
Licensed and insuredMany years serving the greater Omaha area
Home radon testing in Omaha, done by the book
A good test follows a few simple rules. Most bad numbers come from skipping them.
- Closed-house conditions. Windows and outside doors stay shut at least 12 hours before a short test under four days, and during it.
- Right place. The device goes in the lowest level you live in, at least 20 inches above the floor, away from exterior walls, drafts and humidity.
- Right length. At least 48 hours. Some devices need longer.
- No tampering. The EPA says a real estate test should include a way to prevent or detect interference with the device.
- Clear report. You get the number, the test dates, the device used and what to do next.
These are the same rules the EPA Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide lists. Not sure whether to test now or wait for winter? Test now. A high result is easier to fix before you finish a basement or list a home.
Radon inspection for buyers, sellers and owners
If you are buying
Ask for a test early. If the seller already tested, review how it was done, where it was done and how recently. The EPA says buyers may ask for a new test if the last one is not recent, such as more than two years old, or if the home was renovated since.
If you are selling
The EPA suggests testing before you list and saving the results. A tested, fixed home can be a plus. See our page on radon mitigation for a home sale.
Nebraska also requires sellers to give buyers a written disclosure that covers what they know about radon (Nebraska Real Estate Commission). We explain who pays in our guide to buyer or seller radon costs in Nebraska.
Book a radon test
What the result means
Radon moves with weather, wind and how you run your furnace, so one test is a snapshot. When a number is close to 4.0, a second test or a longer test gives a better picture. Our page on Omaha home inspection radon levels explains how inspectors read these numbers.
Testing alone does not lower radon. If the number is 4.0 or higher, the next step is a system. See radon mitigation system installation.
Test types we use
Short-term test
Runs 2 to 90 days. Good for a first answer or a real estate deal.
Two tests, averaged
Two devices side by side, or one right after the other. The EPA says fix the home if the average is 4.0 pCi/L or more.
Continuous monitor
An electronic device that records during the test. See continuous radon monitoring.
Long-term test
Over 90 days. It gives the best picture of your year-round average.
Back to the Omaha radon home page.
Questions people ask us
How long does a home radon test take?
At least 48 hours, and some devices need longer. The EPA says all radon tests should run a minimum of 48 hours (EPA guide).
Where in the house should the test go?
In the lowest level you use or plan to use as living space, at least 20 inches off the floor and away from drafts, heat, humidity and outside walls.
Can I test while the windows are open?
No. For tests under four days, close windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before and keep them shut during the test, except for normal entry and exit.
Do I need a licensed tester?
If a company tests for pay, Nebraska requires a license (DHHS). Check the state lookup.
What if the result is between 2 and 4 pCi/L?
The EPA says to consider fixing. You can retest, or talk to us about your options.
Is a do-it-yourself kit enough?
A kit can work for your own home. Buyers often want a professional test, and the EPA says buyers frequently want tests made by someone not involved in the sale (EPA Citizen's Guide).