What Season Does Radon Risk Increase Most in Omaha?

Radon is a silent killer responsible for lung cancer, and the levels can fluctuate throughout Omaha, Nebraska, depending on the season.

​Recognizing when these levels peak can help homeowners take necessary precautions to protect their families.
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So, what season is radon worst in Omaha?

Seasonal Variations in Radon Levels

Winter Radon Levels

​The winter is often when radon levels reach their highest due to multiple factors. The thermal stack effect creates a suction effect that draws in air from below. Temperatures cause pressure within homes to increase, leading to additional seepage of radon into home.

​Snow cover acts as an obstruction trapping more radon gas underneath, increasing concentration. Tightly sealed homes can also contribute to its accumulation.

Spring Radon Levels

​As temperatures warm up and snow begins to melt in spring, soil moisture levels increase, which may contribute to an increase in radon levels; it is essential to remember, however, that radon levels may still be high during this season.

Summer Radon Levels

The summer season tends to experience lower radon levels than other times of the year due to people leaving windows and doors open and allowing air circulation freely.
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​However, this doesn't necessarily mean radon levels cannot rise, particularly in areas with poor ventilation.

Fall Radon Levels

​As temperatures begin to cool off and windows close again, radon levels can start rising rapidly in homes that do not provide sufficient ventilation. As such, homes that do not adequately ventilate may see their levels spike rapidly again in autumn.

How to Lower Radon Levels in Residential Properties

​Radon exposure can be hazardous to health. High levels can increase lung cancer risk. If your home contains high levels of radon, limit exposure and protect the well-being of yourself and your family by taking steps such as air filter replacements to lower exposure.

• Testing for Radon: When do radon levels change over time? Step one in reducing radon levels in your home should be to have it professionally tested by an accredited testing service, using their specialized equipment to detect high radon concentration levels in your airspace. High-level detection offers accurate information regarding its presence.

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• Installing a Radon Mitigation System: When is radon highest in your area? If high radon levels have been identified in your home, installing a mitigation system to lower it may help. Installing a vent pipe and fan to pull radon from under your foundation and expel it outside is typically part of a mitigation system. Professional installation should ensure this occurs effectively and successfully.

• Sealing Cracks and Openings: Sealing foundation cracks is another effective way to lower radon levels in your home, such as sealing floors, walls, and around pipes, windows, and doors. This helps prevent the gas from seeping in and entering.

• Improving Ventilation: Opening windows and doors, using fans to move air, or installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system in your home are all excellent ways to improve ventilation and reduce radon levels. This will bring fresh air in and exhaust old air, thus helping lower radon levels in your home.

Regular Radon Testing: Regular radon testing is vital to keeping radon levels within your home at acceptable levels, mainly if there have been changes to its foundation or ventilation system. What time of year are radon levels highest? Testing should occur every two years to detect changes that might impact this.

Conclusion

Radon levels in Omaha vary with each season. Winter tends to bring higher radon concentrations due to the thermal stack effect, snow cover, and tightly sealed homes. Spring, fall, and summer may all see increased levels. But it's essential to note that radon can still be present throughout any season, so testing for it and taking measures to mitigate high levels is crucial for family health and well-being.

​If your home contains high radon levels, the first step should be to install a radon mitigation system to lower levels and prevent long-term exposure. Hiring professional services will ensure this mitigation system is installed correctly and effectively. Read about Is a radon mitigation really necessary in Omaha?