Passive Radon Mitigation systems: active and passive. Active systems use a fan to create suction and pull the radon gas out of the home’s sub-floor and vent it to the outdoors. The fans are usually installed outside the home or in the attic. They operate around the clock and typically draw 75 watts of electricity. These systems tend to last seven to ten years.

How important is a Radon mitigation? 

The fans used in an active system are continuously running to remove radon and moisture. They also help to remove odors and other soil gases. The fans are effective in removing the two major health risks associated with radon. Another major advantage of an active system is that it does not need to be monitored.

If you live in an area with high radon levels, you should consider installing a radon mitigation system. The first step is to test your radon levels. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping radon levels at 4 pCi/L or lower. The second step is to conduct follow-up tests to make sure your levels remain low enough for mitigation.

Passive radon mitigation systems typically utilize PVC pipe. They are installed under the basement slab or in a sump cover. They rely on the thermal stack effect to reduce radon levels by drawing the radon out of the home. This method is effective at reducing indoor radon levels, but it cannot always reduce them to zero. If the radon level is higher than four pCi/L, a passive system may not be sufficient.