As a homeowner, you might already be aware of the importance of monitoring radon levels in your home. After all, 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer every year. But did you know that there are certain times of the year when the radon levels are most impacted?

Many homeowners wonder when radon levels are higher: in the heat of summer or the chill of winter. Yes, it does seem easy to assume that radon behaves consistently year-round, but the truth is that this invisible gas is affected by seasonal changes. This leads to fluctuations in your home.

So, the question remains the same: When are radon levels highest? To answer that, we need to consider several different factors that influence radon levels and determine which season you should be more alert.

What Are the Factors Influencing Radon Levels

Various factors can influence radon levels in homes. Here are the key factors that affect radon concentrations:

Soil Type and Composition

In Alabama, the soil type and composition play a significant role in influencing radon levels in homes. The state’s soil ranges from sandy loams to clay-rich soils, all affecting radon differently. Sandy, permeable soils can facilitate the movement of radon gas from the ground into homes. On the other hand, clay soils, though less permeable, can still present radon risks if the uranium content is high. Additionally, areas with natural granite outcroppings, common in northern Alabama, often have higher uranium concentrations. This can lead to elevated radon levels.

Building Structure and Construction

You might not be aware of this, but the construction and structure of your home in Alabama can significantly impact radon levels.

If you live in an older home, it might have crawl spaces or basements, which are more susceptible to radon infiltration.

Additionally, the state’s common use of slab-on-grade foundations is not immune to radon issues, although the risk may be somewhat lower. The hot, humid climate can cause settling and movement in foundations, potentially creating cracks and gaps that allow radon to enter. Proper sealing and regular maintenance of these structural elements are essential to mitigate radon intrusion.

Indoor Air Pressure

The indoor air pressure is another factor that can influence your Alabama home’s radon levels. During the hot summer months, you extensively use air conditioning systems. This creates negative pressure inside the home, driving radon from the soil into living spaces.

On the other hand, homes might experience more balanced pressure conditions during the mild winter season. Again, this affects how radon enters your home.

Building Occupancy and Usage

Lastly, the way you use your home directly impacts radon levels. The state’s climate often necessitates the use of air conditioning. This creates pressure imbalances that can lead to higher radon concentrations indoors.

Also, if your home is tightly sealed to escape the summer heat, it may trap radon gas, increasing indoor levels. To manage indoor air quality and let radon levels remain within safe limits, you need to ensure proper ventilation and regular radon testing.

But When Are Radon Levels Highest?

As we mentioned before, when it comes to radon levels, the time of year can significantly affect those. Generally, in Alabama, radon levels are higher in winter than in summer. Let’s have a look at how:

Winter: Higher Radon Levels

Why are radon levels highest in Alabama homes in winter? This is because you tend to seal your home tightly to conserve heat, trapping indoor air. Unfortunately, unknowingly, you also trap radon gas that accumulates in higher concentrations.

Not only this, but the use of heating systems further exacerbates the issue by creating negative pressure inside the home. This pressure draws radon from the soil into living spaces through cracks and openings in the foundation.

Also, the ventilation is reduced in winter, so radon has very few chances to escape, and this is why you’re more exposed to radon during winter.

Summer: Lower Radon Levels

Now, when it comes to radon levels in summer, you will be experiencing lower radon levels.

Why is this so?

During summers, your home is better ventilated. This allows radon to escape more easily. Plus, considering Alabama’s hot climate, air conditioning systems are also heavily used – creating a positive pressure in the home. As a result, radon is pushed out rather than drawn in.

Additionally, windows and doors are also opened more frequently during summer. This provides natural ventilation that dilutes radon levels.

Remember, radon is present year-round. However, the increased airflow and less restrictive sealing of homes in summer generally result in lower radon concentrations during this season.

How to Handle High Radon Levels?

The first step to handle high radon levels is conducting a professional radon test. This will confirm the elevated levels and give you a proper understanding of the issue’s extent. If the radon levels exceed the EPA’s recommended limit of 4.0 pCi/L, then you must install a radon mitigation system. These systems, such as sub-slab depressurization, can vent out radon gas from beneath your home to the outside. Eventually, it will be prevented from entering your living spaces.

However, Alabama’s humid climate might also require additional moisture control measures to complement radon mitigation. It will, therefore, ensure long-term effectiveness.

Now that you have installed a radon mitigation system, don’t skip regular radon testing. It will be very helpful in monitoring the system’s performance and ensuring radon levels remain low.

Does Radon Levels Change Over Time?

Yes, radon levels can change over time. And you must be aware of these fluctuations. Factors like shifting soil conditions, home renovations, or changes in HVAC systems can all impact how radon enters your home. Even weather patterns, such as heavy rainfall or drought, common in Alabama, can cause temporary spikes or drops in radon levels.

Similarly, settling foundations or new cracks in the structure can create new entry points for radon. To determine whether the radon levels in your home vary, it is recommended that you regularly test your home, even if the previous results showed safe levels. Ongoing monitoring ensures you can catch any changes in radon levels early and take action to maintain a healthy living environment.

Conclusion

As a responsible homeowner in Alabama, you need to understand how radon levels fluctuate throughout the year. This is precisely the key to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. With radon levels typically rising in the winter, you also need to recognize that this invisible gas doesn’t disappear when the weather changes—it’s a year-round concern.

One of the best ways to handle this concern is regular radon testing, especially in colder months. This vital step will help you maintain safe radon levels within your homes. If your radon levels are elevated, installing a mitigation system will not only reduce the health risk but will also give you peace of mind.

Ensure your home’s air is safe with professional radon testing by Ally Property Inspections. Our reliable services detect harmful radon levels, helping you create a healthier living environment. Don’t wait—schedule your radon test today for your assurance. Call us or visit our website now!