Radon is a topic many homebuyers hear about but don’t always fully understand. Questions often come up during winter purchases, especially when testing is recommended more frequently this time of year. Buyers may wonder why radon seems to be a bigger concern in colder months and whether winter test results are reliable.
In this article, we’ll explain why radon levels are often higher during winter, how testing works, and what buyers should know when evaluating radon results in Maryland homes.
What Is Radon and Why It Matters
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which means it can only be detected through testing. Radon can enter homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and other openings in contact with the ground.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels has been linked to increased health risks, which is why radon testing is commonly recommended during real estate transactions.
Why Radon Levels Tend to Be Higher in Winter
Radon levels often increase during colder months due to how homes behave in winter conditions. When outside temperatures drop, homes are sealed more tightly to retain heat. Windows and doors stay closed, and ventilation is reduced.
In addition, warm air rising inside the home can create a pressure difference that draws air from the ground upward into the structure. This process can increase the amount of radon entering the home, especially in properties with basements or slab-on-grade foundations.
Because of these factors, winter testing can reflect a realistic or even worst-case exposure scenario.
How Radon Testing Works During a Home Inspection
Radon testing during a real estate transaction is typically performed using short-term testing devices. These tests are conducted under closed-house conditions, meaning windows and exterior doors remain closed except for normal entry and exit.
The testing period usually lasts at least 48 hours. Once complete, the device provides an average radon level for that time frame. Inspectors follow established testing protocols to help ensure accurate and consistent results.
What Radon Test Results Mean
Radon test results are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A commonly referenced action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Results at or above this level often prompt buyers to consider mitigation options.
It’s important to understand that radon levels can fluctuate over time. A single test provides a snapshot rather than a permanent measurement. Inspectors and mitigation professionals can help explain what results mean and whether additional testing or next steps are appropriate.
What’s Normal and What Deserves Attention
Some variation in radon levels is expected, especially across different seasons. Winter results may be higher than tests performed during warmer months due to reduced ventilation.
Typically normal considerations:
- Slightly elevated winter readings compared to summer
- Short-term test variability
Worth closer attention:
- Results at or above recommended action levels
- Consistently elevated readings across tests
Understanding these distinctions helps buyers make informed decisions without unnecessary alarm.
Maryland Homes and Radon Considerations
Many homes in Maryland, particularly in the greater Baltimore area, include basements or ground-contact construction. These features can increase the potential for radon entry, depending on soil conditions and foundation design.
Inspectors familiar with local housing characteristics can help buyers understand how radon testing applies to specific property types in this region.
25 Years of Radon Testing Experience in Maryland
After 25 years of inspecting Maryland homes, one consistent observation is that winter radon testing remains a valuable tool for identifying potential exposure risks. Clear testing procedures, proper interpretation of results, and calm communication help buyers understand their options and move forward confidently.
Experience matters when explaining radon results and placing them into proper context.
Planning Your Radon Test
If you’re purchasing a home during the winter, radon testing can be an important part of the inspection process. Scheduling testing alongside a home inspection allows results to be reviewed within the transaction timeline.
If you’d like to schedule a radon test as part of a home inspection in Maryland or the greater Baltimore area, a qualified inspection team can explain the process and help you understand the results.
Final Thoughts
Radon is an important consideration for many homebuyers, especially during winter months when levels tend to be higher. Understanding why this happens and how testing works allows buyers to make informed, confident decisions without unnecessary concern.
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