Your Local Radon Testing Experts Share the Top Mistakes Homeowners Make

Radon is invisible. Odorless. Completely silent. And yet, it’s one of the most significant environmental health risks lurking inside homes today.

You can’t see it creeping through foundation cracks. You won’t smell it building up in your basement. But over time, elevated radon exposure can carry serious consequences. That’s why professionals who handle radon testing in Maryland consistently see the same preventable mistakes homeowners make—and why those missteps matter more than people realize.

Let’s break down the most common errors, why they happen, and what you can do differently to protect your home and your health.

Mistake #1: Assuming “It Won’t Happen to Me”

Many homeowners believe radon is only a problem in certain types of homes—old houses, homes with visible cracks, or properties in rural areas. The reality? Radon doesn’t discriminate. It’s a naturally occurring gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, and it can seep into any home through the ground.

I’ve heard it before: “Our house is new, so we’re fine.” Or, “My neighbor tested and they were okay.”

Here’s the kicker: radon levels can vary drastically from one home to the next—even if they’re side by side and built the same year.

That’s why seasoned Home Inspectors in Howard County often emphasize individualized testing rather than relying on neighborhood trends. Your home’s radon level is unique to your structure, foundation, soil composition, and ventilation patterns.

Assumptions can be expensive. Testing removes the guesswork.

Mistake #2: Skipping Testing During a Real Estate Transaction

Buying or selling a home is stressful enough. Paperwork, inspections, negotiations—it’s a whirlwind. In competitive markets, some buyers even waive contingencies to strengthen their offers.

But skipping radon testing in Maryland during a real estate transaction is a gamble.

Radon issues don’t show up in cosmetic walk-throughs. You won’t spot them like chipped paint or cracked tiles. Without proper testing, elevated levels remain hidden.

Home Inspectors in Howard County frequently encounter buyers who regret bypassing environmental testing once they move in. Retesting after closing sometimes reveals levels that require immediate mitigation—an expense that could’ve been negotiated upfront.

On the flip side, sellers who proactively test often gain leverage. Providing clear results builds trust and prevents last-minute surprises.

In short, testing during the transaction isn’t a luxury—it’s protection.

Mistake #3: Using Shortcuts Instead of Professional Testing

DIY radon kits are widely available. They’re inexpensive, easy to order, and seem straightforward. So what’s the issue?

While home kits can offer a snapshot, improper placement or failure to follow strict testing protocols can skew results. Radon levels fluctuate daily based on weather, pressure changes, and ventilation.

Professionals who specialize in radon testing in Maryland follow standardized procedures—closed-house conditions, precise placement guidelines, and calibrated equipment. These steps ensure reliable readings.

That being said, it’s not that DIY kits are useless. They can be a starting point. But if results are borderline or elevated, confirmatory professional testing is crucial.

Accuracy matters when you’re dealing with something you can’t see or smell.

Mistake #4: Testing Once and Forgetting About It

Radon isn’t a “test it once and you’re done forever” situation.

Homes settle. Foundations shift. Renovations change airflow. Even installing new HVAC systems can alter radon concentrations.

Yet many homeowners assume that one test—often done years ago during purchase—is sufficient for life.

Home Inspectors in Howard County routinely recommend periodic retesting, especially after structural changes or major remodeling projects. Finishing a basement? Adding a sump pump? Replacing windows? Each modification can influence radon entry and accumulation.

Experts providing radon testing in Maryland typically suggest retesting every two years, or sooner if significant changes occur.

It’s a small step that maintains long-term peace of mind.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Elevated Results

This one is surprisingly common.

A test reveals elevated radon levels. The homeowner feels uneasy—but life gets busy. Work deadlines. School events. Home maintenance tasks. Weeks turn into months.

Radon exposure risk increases over time. Delaying mitigation doesn’t make the problem disappear.

The good news? Modern mitigation systems are highly effective and relatively non-invasive. A properly installed system can significantly reduce radon concentrations, often within 24 hours.

Professionals who handle radon testing in Maryland often stress that elevated readings aren’t a reason to panic—but they are a reason to act.

Think of it like high blood pressure. It doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, but ignoring it long term isn’t wise.

Mistake #6: Misunderstanding “Safe” Levels

Another frequent misconception involves what qualifies as “safe.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends action if radon levels reach or exceed 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). However, no level of radon exposure is entirely risk-free.

Some homeowners receive results slightly below 4.0 and assume there’s zero concern. Others believe anything under that threshold requires no further monitoring.

Home Inspectors in Howard County often explain that while 4.0 pCi/L is the action level, mitigation can still be considered at lower readings, especially if long-term exposure is a concern.

Understanding the numbers—and what they truly mean—helps homeowners make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.

Mistake #7: Failing to Maintain Mitigation Systems

Installing a mitigation system isn’t the end of the story.

Systems require periodic monitoring to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Fans can fail. Pipes can shift. Warning indicators can go unnoticed.

Homeowners who complete radon testing in Maryland after mitigation sometimes discover their system isn’t performing optimally simply because it wasn’t checked regularly.

Most systems include simple visual indicators that confirm operation. A quick glance every few months can prevent long-term issues.

Here’s a relatable example: you wouldn’t install a smoke detector and never check its battery, right? Radon systems deserve similar attention.

Mistake #8: Closing the House Incorrectly During Testing

Radon testing requires specific environmental conditions for accurate results. Closed-house conditions—meaning windows and exterior doors remain shut for at least 12 hours before and during testing—are essential.

Yet homeowners sometimes forget and crack windows for fresh air, run whole-house fans, or prop doors open for pets.

Even minor ventilation changes can alter radon readings.

That’s why Home Inspectors in Howard County and radon specialists provide clear pre-test instructions. Following them carefully ensures results reflect typical living conditions rather than temporary airflow variations.

Small details make a big difference.

Mistake #9: Believing Radon Only Affects Basements

It’s true that radon levels are often highest in basements or lowest living areas. But that doesn’t mean upper levels are immune.

Radon can travel through a home’s air circulation system. In some cases, second floors show elevated levels as well.

Professionals conducting radon testing in Maryland strategically place monitors in the lowest livable area of the home—not necessarily unfinished spaces.

If you’ve converted your basement into a living room or home office, testing becomes even more important.

The space you use most frequently is the space that matters most.

Mistake #10: Treating Radon as Someone Else’s Responsibility

Renters assume landlords will handle it. Sellers assume buyers will test. Buyers assume prior owners already did.

This cycle of assumption leads to inaction.

Home Inspectors in Howard County often encourage clients to take personal responsibility for understanding their indoor air quality—regardless of transaction stage.

Radon doesn’t care who owns the home. It affects whoever lives there.

Taking initiative ensures you’re not relying on guesswork or outdated information.

Practical Steps to Get It Right

So how do you avoid these common mistakes?

Start simple.

Schedule professional radon testing in Maryland if you’ve never tested or if it’s been more than two years. Follow pre-test instructions carefully. If results are elevated, consult a certified mitigation professional promptly.

If you’re buying or selling, include radon testing as part of your due diligence. It’s far easier to negotiate mitigation during a transaction than after closing.

And finally, stay proactive. Even if previous results were low, periodic retesting keeps you informed as your home evolves.

The Bottom Line: Awareness Prevents Regret

Radon may be invisible, but the consequences of ignoring it aren’t.

The most common mistakes homeowners make—assuming, delaying, skipping, or misunderstanding—are entirely preventable.

With guidance from experienced Home Inspectors in Howard County and timely radon testing in Maryland, you can avoid unnecessary risks and costly surprises.

It doesn’t require dramatic action. Just informed decisions.

A simple test. A bit of follow-through. Ongoing awareness.

Because when it comes to your home and your health, what you can’t see still matters.