RADON TESTING SERVICES IN DES MOINES, IOWA
Concerned about radon in your home, office or school?
Whether you are selling a home, buying a home or just doing your 2-year check-up, Radon testing is important. We provide radon testing for homes, offices, schools, apartments, condominiums and more.
After the rooms that need to be tested have been identified the testing will begin.
Radon testing doesn’t take long at all. We typically perform a short-term test that takes a couple of days. We can provide a long term test if you would prefer. You can read more about the tests below.
There are two types of testing: short-term and long-term.
Short Term testing usually takes a few days, though some take up to 90. An average result is calculated and your radon level is given. It is recommended that if your radon level is above 4pCi/L that you perform another short term test or a long term test in to verify the level. A short term test is designed to be the initial test of the radon level in your home. The test may not be an accurate measure of the radon level in your home because of the short term nature, but it is the best first step to testing. In order to get the most accurate radon reading, it is best to test your home in the winter time on the lowest livable level of your home. It is recommended that if the short term test indicated average radon levels above 4pCi/L or more that a mitigation plan is put into place immediately.
Long Term testing takes 91 days to a year and will give the best indication to your homes year round radon level. After a long term test has been finished and the average radon level is calculated we will know if your home warrants mitigation.
The EPA recommends that you should strongly consider taking action between the levels of 2pCi/L and 4pCi/L and that you should mitigate with a radon level of 4pCi/L or over. Learn more about Mitigation or schedule an appointment for a radon testing.
Our skilled Radon Professionals at Des Moines Radon is dedicated to handling each case individually to meet and exceed the client’s needs.
Services offered by Des Moines Radon include: Radon Mitigation | Radon Testing
Get in touch with Radon Professionals at Des Moines Radon offering Radon Testing Services for commercial and residential properties across Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Windsor Heights, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, West Des Moines, and Norwalk.
Radon testing measures how much radioactive radon gas has built up inside your home. You can test with an inexpensive DIY kit (about $15–$40) or hire a certified professional. A short-term test takes 2–7 days; the EPA recommends fixing any home that measures 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
What Is Radon Testing?
Radon testing measures the concentration of radon gas in your home’s air, reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Because radon cannot be seen or smelled, a measurement device is the only way to detect it — and it is the essential first step before deciding whether you need a radon mitigation system.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Radon Tests
| Test type | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term | 2–7 days | A fast reading, real-estate deals, an initial check |
| Long-term | 90+ days | A more accurate year-round average |
DIY Radon Test Kits: How They Work
- Buy a charcoal or alpha-track kit ($15–$40; often free/discounted from your state radon program).
- Place the detector on the lowest lived-in level, away from drafts, exterior walls and humidity.
- Keep windows and doors closed (closed-house conditions) for the whole test.
- Leave it undisturbed for the time stated in the instructions.
- Seal the kit, mail it to the lab, and read your pCi/L result.
See our guide to choosing a radon test kit.
Professional Radon Testing: When to Hire a Pro
A certified professional uses a continuous radon monitor that records hourly readings and resists tampering. Hire a pro for a real-estate sale, when a DIY result lands near 4.0 pCi/L, or when you want a certified measurement. DSM Radon provides certified testing across Des Moines and Central Iowa.
How Much Does Radon Testing Cost?
DIY kits run $15–$40; a professional short-term test typically costs around $150. See how much radon testing costs.
How Long Does a Radon Test Take?
Short-term 2–7 days (48-hour minimum); long-term 90+ days. See how long a radon test takes.
What Radon Level Is Dangerous?
The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L — fix at or above it, and consider fixing 2.0–4.0 pCi/L. The WHO recommends acting at about 2.7 pCi/L. No level is completely risk-free.
What to Do After a High Radon Reading
Confirm with a follow-up test, then install a radon mitigation system. A sub-slab system usually drops levels below the action level in a single day, confirmed by a post-mitigation test.
Get your home tested: request a free, no-obligation quote from licensed local experts, or call (515) 210-4407. Get a free radon test quote »
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing
How much does radon testing cost?
A DIY kit usually costs $15–$40; a professional short-term test typically costs around $150. Many state radon programs offer discounted or free kits.
How long does radon testing take?
A short-term test takes 2–7 days (48-hour minimum); a long-term test takes 90+ days. A professional continuous monitor delivers results as soon as the test period ends.
Is a DIY radon test accurate?
Yes, when instructions and closed-house conditions are followed. For real-estate transactions or a result near 4.0 pCi/L, a certified professional test is more reliable.
What radon level is dangerous?
The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L — fix at or above it, and consider fixing 2.0–4.0 pCi/L. No level is completely risk-free.
How often should I test my home for radon?
The EPA recommends every two years, and again after any major renovation, foundation work, or mitigation-system change.