Radon Mitigation Systems

What Does Mitigation Look Like?

If your home has radon levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended action level of 4.0 picocuries of radon per liter of air (pCi/L), then a radon reduction system (often referred to as a mitigation system) should be installed. Often, active radon mitigation involves the installation of some sort of fan system. Learn more about radon.

The method of mitigation depends on the type of foundation your home has. Methods differ for basements, crawl spaces, engineered floors, slab on grade, or any combination of these foundations. Some homeowners may wish to install a mitigation system on their own, or work with a contractor to complete the work. If you choose to find a contractor, use a certified radon mitigation contractor who is trained in proper and effective radon mitigation.

Radon mitigation system installation requires a permit and inspection from the Town of Erie.  Installers are required to possess a current Town of Erie contractor's license.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

When hiring a contractor, use a certified radon mitigation contractor who is trained in proper and effective radon mitigation.

  • Boulder County Public Health Gold Star Radon Mitigators
  • The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) maintains a list of certified radon professionals in Colorado that we recommend consulting on any radon mitigation project. 
  • Ensure the contractor stipulates that the contractor will follow all EPA protocols regarding radon mitigation and will obtain all applicable local permits.
  • Consider using the EPA checklist for selecting a contractor.
  • Review CDPHE's "Inspecting Radon Systems in New Construction" Guide.
  • Get bids from multiple contractors.
  • Obtain a guarantee that radon levels will be reduced below 4.0 pCi/L.
  • Ensure your contractor is bonded and has proof of liability insurance.
  • The CDPHE LIRMA program can provide financial assistance to individuals with low-income status for radon mitigation. Homeowners must be a Colorado resident, occupy the property as their primary residence, and qualify as a low income household.

Radon Resistant Construction - New Home Builds

Radon-Resistant Construction is the installation of a “passive” radon mitigation system during the construction of a new single- or multi-family home. A “passive” system does not include a radon mitigation fan. When properly installed these systems can lower indoor radon levels by about 50%. Some “passive” systems may require the addition of a fan if radon levels are elevated.

A new home constructed with Radon-Resistant Construction should be tested for radon as soon as possible after move-in. This is to ensure the “passive” system is lowering the radon levels in the building below 4.0 pCi/L. If testing shows a level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher, a fan can be added to the system to reduce the radon levels.

Newly constructed single family dwellings in the Town of Erie are required to comply with Appendix F "Radon Control Methods" in the 2015 International Residential Code.