What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium found in soil and rock. It’s invisible and has no smell, which makes it hard to detect without testing. When it seeps into buildings and builds up indoors, long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Radioactive
Invisible
2nd Leading cause of LungCancer
Odorless
Deadly

The cost of radon testing depends on the type of property being tested.

  • Residential Homes: Pricing can vary based on the size of the house, number of rooms, and whether the home is one story or multiple stories. For an average-size home, most families can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600, depending on these and other factors. What matters most is choosing a company that offers transparent testing costs with no hidden surprises.

  • Multifamily & Commercial Buildings: Because every building is different—whether in size, layout, or number of units—the cost of testing varies widely from one project to the next. The best way to understand your costs is to request a free, customized proposal.

In both residential and commercial testing, your cost will always include all required quality control protocols so you can be confident that the results are accurate, defensible, and fully compliant with industry standards.

Radon testing can be done using short-term or long-term methods, depending on your goals. Short-term tests typically last between 2 to 7 days and are commonly used for real estate transactions or initial screenings. These can be performed with charcoal test kits or electronic devices like Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs), which provide hourly readings and detailed data. Long-term tests last more than 90 days and offer a better understanding of year-round exposure levels.

While some tools, like CRMs, are more advanced and require regular calibration, simpler charcoal kits are also legitimate when used correctly. Each method has its place depending on the situation, and both are used in compliance with established testing protocols. However, very low-cost devices that are not NRPP-approved or do not require calibration should be treated with caution—they may be useful for general awareness but are not suitable for formal assessments.

For the most accurate and reliable results, it’s best to hire an NRPP-certified Radon Measurement Professional. Professionals follow strict protocols, understand building science, and are trained to interpret results in a meaningful way that helps guide next steps.

Radon is more widespread than most people think. According to the EPA, nearly 1 in 15 U.S. homes have elevated radon levels. While the EPA’s Radon Zone Map categorizes areas by predicted risk, elevated radon levels have been found in every zone—including areas labeled low risk. That’s because radon levels aren’t just determined by geography—they’re heavily influenced by how a building interacts with the soil beneath it.

Even soil with high radon levels may not pose a threat if a building is designed to prevent gases from being drawn indoors. Conversely, a building in a low-risk zone could still have dangerous radon levels if it’s built in a way that pulls air from the ground. This is why radon-resistant new construction techniques are so important. These building practices help block radon from entering in the first place, providing long-term protection for occupants. Regardless of zone, the only way to know your radon levels is to test.

How Quickly Can I Get Results?

From start to finish, most radon testing reports and Certificate Of Completions are available in about 7 to 10 business days. The process is straightforward:

  • Before Testing Begins: Protocol requires a 12-hour period for the property to reach closed-house conditions. During this time, windows must stay closed, but occupants and workers can come and go as usual. Read more about Closed Building Conditions Here

  • Testing Period: The radon kits remain in place for at least 48 hours.

  • After Testing: It typically takes one business day to ship the kits to the lab, one business day for the lab to analyze them, and another business day for us to prepare your final report.

Altogether, that timeline brings most projects to about a week, sometimes up to 10 business days. This estimate doesn’t account for rare scenarios like damaged or missing kits found upon retreival, inaccessible units, or the need for retesting if results come back elevated.

The good news? The process is simple for you—just maintain closed-house conditions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

What Are the Risks of Radon Gas?

The danger of radon is that you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it—yet it silently damages your lungs every single day you’re exposed. As radon breaks down, it releases radiation that scars and mutates DNA in your lung tissue. Over time, those invisible scars can turn into lung cancer.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, claiming about 21,000 lives in the U.S. each year. That’s more than the number of people killed in drunk driving accidents. Breathing radon every day is like being forced to smoke—whether you choose to or not.

The risk grows higher the longer you’re exposed. And when the air is already filled with dust, smoke, or poor ventilation, the damage is multiplied. Radon doesn’t just affect buildings—it affects families, futures, and lives.

The good news: a simple test can give you peace of mind and, if needed, a solution that protects the people you care about most.

Is It Safe to Be Home During Radon Testing?

Yes—there’s no added risk to staying in your home during testing. The kits don’t emit anything; they only measure the radon already in the air. You can go about your normal routine, but closed-building conditions must remain in place until testing is complete.

How Does Radon Mitigation Work?

Radon mitigation is the process of preventing radon gas from entering a building or removing it once it does. In multifamily and commercial buildings, the most effective approach is to install a mitigation system during construction—this allows passive or active systems to be integrated seamlessly into the design. In residential homes, mitigation most often works by depressurizing the soil beneath the foundation and venting the radon gas safely outside through pipes and fans. Both approaches reconfigure the pressure relationship between the soil and the building, keeping radon out and indoor air safe.

21,000 Annual Deaths Caused By Radon Gas.

Certified Radon Testing for Homes & Multifamily

Our certified team at The Radon Boss makes radon testing simple, accurate, and stress-free. From Austin-area homeowners to multifamily property managers nationwide, we deliver reliable results without any upsell pressure. With proven testing protocols and specialized knowledge in construction, you’ll get clear answers you can trust to protect your family, tenants, or projects.

Serving Homeowners in Austin

Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Manor, Bastrop, Elgin, Del Valle & Beyond

Serving Multifamily Nationwide
Radon: The Invisible Health Risk
  • Odorless and invisible gas
  • #2 cause of lung cancer

  • Only detected through testing

Get Your Free Estimate Now!

Get Your Free Estimate Now!

First Name Last Name

  • Radon Kills More People Annually Than Drunk Driving

  • Roughly 21,000 Deaths from Radon

  • On average, 12,000 deaths from Drunk Driving

  • 70,000 Classrooms w/ High Radon Levels

  • Children’s risk per exposure is greatest

  • Radon radiation mutates DNA

  • Only Testing Can Offer Peace of Mind

  • Test Accuracy Must Be Highest Priority

  • Unapproved Devices Can Give False Safety

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

what people are saying

The Radon Boss, LLC has been trusted by homeowners, developers and GC’s since 2016

Quotes Dark

Our experience with Alex was amazing. He was very thorough with recommendations and explanations. He made sure we were adequately testing our new home so we would have peace of mind. The report was straightforward and easy to read, and the results were a quick turnaround as well. Absolutely recommend Radon Boss!

A. Dittmann – Jarrell, TX

Quotes Dark

I would highly recommend using the radon boss for your testing needs.

I called on a Wednesday evening for an initial proposal and was able to have a completed test report in hand by the following Friday. They were extremely professional and efficient throughout the process. I will be using them again if I need radon testing done.

J. Johnson – Sr. PM, Saigebrook Development

Questions – Answers – Clarity

The Radon Boss Rundown

Explore The Radon Boss Rundown for blog posts on radon testing, mitigation,
and indoor air quality. Learn what every homeowner and builder in Central Texas should know.