Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up inside a home without any sign. If you are searching for Prescott radon mitigation, this page explains how the process works and what to expect. It also covers the local conditions worth knowing about.
Prescott Radon connects callers with licensed and insured local radon testing and mitigation professionals. We are not the contractor. When you call (928) 582-8914, you are put in touch with a local professional who can talk through your home and your next step.
Why radon is a Prescott question
Prescott sits at about 5,400 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains. Just north of the city, the Granite Dells are exposed granite about 1.4 billion years old, according to the Arizona Geological Survey. That granite has an unusually high uranium content, and radon forms as uranium breaks down naturally in rock and soil.
The Arizona Geological Survey notes that radon from this granite is a concern for people who build weather-tight homes on it. The highest indoor radon level ever measured was in the Granite Dells area near Prescott. According to KNAU Arizona Public Radio, that home's problem was solved with sub-floor ventilation and by sealing gaps in the well casing.
That does not mean every Prescott home has a problem. It means testing is worth doing. A test is the only way to know a home's radon level, and any home can be affected, new or old, with or without a basement.
How calling works
Call (928) 582-8914 and describe your situation in plain terms. You might want a first test, you might have a result that worries you, or you might be in the middle of a home sale. You will be connected with a local professional who handles that kind of work.
The professional will ask about your home, then explain the next step. For mitigation, that usually means looking at the home before giving a quote. Cost depends on the foundation type, the size and the layout, so a fair number cannot be given without seeing the property.
What to have ready
A few details make the first conversation easier:
- The address or neighborhood, such as Yavapai Hills, Forbing Park, Miller Valley, Diamond Valley, Juniper Heights, Fort Whipple, Wildwood Estates or Rancho Vista Estates.
- The foundation type: slab, basement or crawl space.
- Whether the home has a private well.
- Any earlier radon test result, and when it was done.
- Any recent renovation, especially work that changed how tightly the house is sealed.
- If you are buying or selling, your inspection dates.
If you do not know some of these, that is fine. The professional can help fill in the gaps.
Local conditions that matter
Prescott's housing mix is varied. The historic downtown near Whiskey Row and the Yavapai County Courthouse plaza includes Victorian homes and brick buildings. Newer subdivisions have grown toward the Granite Dells, Prescott Lakes and the Willow Creek Road area. Radon does not care about a home's age, so older houses and newer ones are both worth testing.
More recent homes are often built to be energy efficient. The Arizona Geological Survey points out that weather-tight homes on granite can hold radon in, which is part of why a result matters more than an assumption.
Climate plays a role in testing. Prescott sees temperature swings of nearly 30 degrees F between day and night, so it can be tempting to open windows for fresh air. A short-term test calls for closed-house conditions, meaning windows and outside doors stay shut except for normal coming and going. The summer monsoon from July through September and light winter snow are good reasons to plan ahead and keep the house closed for the test period. Call (928) 582-8914 to reach a local provider.
Roads and landmarks help locate a job. Help is available for homes along Willow Creek Road, Prescott Lakes Parkway, Pioneer Parkway, Williamson Valley Road, Iron Springs Road, White Spar Road, Miller Valley Road and Willow Lake Road. It is also available around Thumb Butte, Watson Lake and Willow Lake, and in the 86301, 86303 and 86305 ZIP codes.
Radon services you can ask about
Radon testing
Testing is the starting point. Short-term tests stay in place from 2 to 90 days. Long-term tests stay more than 90 days and better reflect the year-round average. Tests are placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home. EPA recommends testing all homes below the third floor.
Radon mitigation systems
EPA recommends fixing a home when the level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and says to consider fixing it between 2 and 4 pCi/L. A common method is active soil depressurization. A vent pipe and fan draw radon from beneath the foundation and release it above the roof line. Sealing cracks is used as part of a system, not as the only fix.
Post-mitigation testing
EPA recommends retesting after a system is installed, then again every two years or so and after major renovations. Many systems have a simple pressure gauge that shows the fan is running. A retest shows whether the home's level has actually changed.
Real estate radon testing
During a home sale, radon tests are often done in the inspection period. A result from a previous owner may not reflect current conditions, especially after renovations. If you are buying or selling in Prescott, ask about testing early so a result is in hand when decisions are made.
Crawl space radon sealing
Radon can enter through crawl spaces and other foundation openings. Crawl spaces are usually handled by covering the ground with a plastic membrane and venting from beneath it. A local professional can look at your crawl space and explain what fits the layout.
Well water radon
Radon in private well water can be released into the air when water is used. Water is tested separately from air. Treatment options include aeration and granular activated carbon. For most homes, radon in air is the larger concern, so air testing is a sensible place to start. The home that set the record in the Granite Dells had gaps in its well casing, which shows why wells are worth a look.
Nearby towns and the county
Help is also available outside the city limits. That includes Prescott Valley, along State Route 69 and State Route 89A, and Chino Valley, on State Route 89 and the Little Chino Valley. It also includes Dewey-Humboldt, in the Agua Fria River valley, and the rest of Yavapai County. Homes in these towns sit at different elevations and on different ground, so each one should be tested on its own.
Choosing a qualified professional
Arizona does not run a state radon certification program. EPA recommends hiring a nationally certified radon professional, through either the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). When you are connected with a contractor, it is reasonable to ask about their certification, and to ask for a written quote after they have seen the home.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, according to EPA, and second overall. The first step is a test. To get started, call (928) 582-8914 and ask about Prescott radon testing or mitigation.