Almost everyone celebrates seasonal changes as they come. The charming characteristics of each season include spring blossoms and sunny summer, followed by colorful fall foliage and snowy winter conditions. But while you’re busy adjusting the thermostat or switching out your wardrobe, something else quietly shifts inside your home: radon levels.

And here’s the surprising part: those fluctuations are directly linked to seasonal changes.

This blog will cover how seasons are linked to radon. The winter season impacts radon concentrations, as you discover specific methods to deal with this issue. Through this practical and helpful blog, we will share and explain all the details without complications. We’ll also share a handy seasonal changes checklist, so you’re always one step ahead.

What Is Radon, And Why Should You Care

The natural radioactive gas radon is released when uranium undergoes decomposition in soil, rock, and water sources. It’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Radon remains difficult to detect because it has no detectable signs and is highly dangerous.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer, which leads to the death of 21,000 Americans yearly.

Radon enters houses through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, crawl spaces, and well water systems. It finds favorable conditions to stay in lower spaces, such as basements.

How Do Seasonal Changes Impact Radon Levels

Just like your mood can shift with the seasons, so can the radon levels in your home. Here’s why:

Winter: The High-Radon Season

When winter arrives, many homeowners choose to close windows; ventilation decreases further with increased furnace usage. This creates a “stack effect” where warm air rises and escapes through the roof, pulling in more radon from the ground to replace it.

Increased use of basements as home gym spaces, playrooms, and storage areas during winter raises your radon exposure potential.

Studies have shown that radon levels can rise significantly in winter compared to other seasons. 

Spring And Fall: The Transition Phases

The interaction between soil and radon depends on temperature, moisture, and variations in atmospheric pressure occurring during spring and fall in your area.

When spring brings heavy rain and snowmelt, the soil becomes saturated, allowing radon gas to rise upwards. Homeowners experience increased radon infiltration, known as the vacuum effect, in their properties during sudden atmospheric pressure decreases in fall storms.

That’s why your seasonal changes checklist should include radon testing during these in-between times.

Summer: Mixed Conditions

Ventilation from open windows in warm months helps decrease indoor radon exposure. House radon becomes trapped indoors when air conditioning and house sealing are used during the hot summer.

High humidity also impacts how radon gas moves through soil and interacts with indoor air.

Bottom line? People should not assume their safety during summertime since radon levels remain a concern.

Seasonal Changes Checklist: Staying Ahead of Radon

Here’s a simple seasonal changes checklist you can follow year-round to stay protected:

Winter

  • Keep track of radon levels; test early in the season.
  • In addition to drafts, you must cover all cracks in walls and floors.
  • When radon levels reach 4.0 pCi/L above the EPA’s action threshold, a radon mitigation system should be used to reduce indoor air quality risk.

Spring

  • Radon testing should occur right after snowmelt and heavy rains.
  • Check the condition of sump pumps while inspecting your basement waterproofing systems.
  • Ensuring that gutters and drainage systems operate without blockages to maintain foundation safety.

Summer

  • You should allow natural airflow through your home whenever outdoor temperatures decline.
  • Ceiling-mounted fans should be operated to distribute air better.
  • A test should confirm that all doors are sealed properly when using air conditioning.

Fall

  • Perform radon testing during the winter season since testing conditions yield the best results.
  • Check the foundation for new cracks after seasonal soil shifts.
  • Ensure the proper airflow of HVAC systems by conducting services.

How Often Should You Test For Radon

Radon testing should be done at least two times annually or as needed following house renovations or weather disasters such as flooding.

If you have never tested for radon or done it only once, you must make it your priority. 

The accumulation of dangerous radon effects happens progressively over time. Only regular testing will show if you are protected from radon exposure.

Can Radon Be Fixed

Yes. If your radon levels are high, a mitigation system can often reduce them by up to 99%.

Installing pipes and fans comprises common radon venting systems, which eliminate radon gas from beneath your home. The process of fixing radon in homes is less complex and costly than most people expect.

But you must know the problem exists before starting with any remedy.

Final Thoughts

Radon persists across the whole year, but its behavior shows seasonal characteristics.

Understanding the link between seasonal changes and radon levels can help you protect your health and your home. Knowledge is your biggest weapon when it comes to fighting radon. With a clear seasonal changes checklist, regular testing, and professional help when needed, you can breathe easy all year long.

Elite Inspections provides full home radon inspection services to protect the safety of your family members. Elite Inspections provides reliable results using expert-certified testing tools and precise testing equipment.

Enjoy peace of mind regardless of which season is going on.

Contact Elite Inspections now to arrange your radon measurement so you can be safe throughout the year.