The most common type of radon mitigation is the “active subslab suction” type, also called a “subslab depressurization” system. One or more suction pipes are installed through holes drilled in the floor slab to a cavity of crushed rock underneath. The only part of the system that is visible in most installations is a PVC pipe in a the corner of a closet, that runs up into the attic and through the roof. It is recognizable as part of a radon mitigation system by the U-shaped tube manometer (shown above) on the side of the pipe which verifies that that the fan is still operating by the differential in the liquid level between the two sides of the tube.

    There are essentially only two components for the system: PVC pipe and a radon mitigation fan. Since the pipe should last as long as your home without maintenance, the electricity to run the fan 24-hours a day plus the cost to replace the fan approximately every 10 years comprise the total operating cost. At a kilowatt/hour rate of 12¢, the average fan uses about $12.50 per month in electricity. Adding $3.50 per month as an amortized cost of replacement of the fan every decade or so, the average operating cost comes to about $16 per month.

    See our blog posts Do radon mitigation systems require maintenance? and What is the average life expectancy of a radon mitigation system? to learn more.  

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about “RADON":

• What radon level is dangerous?

• Is a radon mitigation fan required to be on a dedicated circuit breaker/fuse in the electric panel?

• What happens to a radon test result if the windows were opened, the test device moved, or there was any other evidence of tampering during the test? 

• Where do I find the Florida laws regarding radon?

• Can I test vacant land for radon before building a house? 

• Is radon mitigation possible for a condominium?  

• Do older houses have higher radon levels than new houses? 

• How was it determined that between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year are caused by radon?

• Can a homebuyer do their own radon test for a real estate transaction with a self-test kit?

• What is the danger of radon in well water?

• What are the symptoms of radon poisoning? 

• Does Florida have radon?

• Where does radon come from? 

• For how many years does an old radon test result remain valid?

• Should homeowners get a pre-listing radon test before selling their home?

• What are a homebuyer's options when the radon test comes back high (4.0 pico-curies/liter or more)? 

• Do granite countertops emit radon?

• How can I tell if a house has a radon mitigation system? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home have a high radon problem?

• Do I need to test for radon when buying a condominium? 

• What does a radon mitigation contractor do to lower the radon level in a home?

• How can not testing for radon be an expensive mistake for homebuyers? 

• Will the radon test come back sky-high in a house that has been empty and closed-up for months? 

• What is radon? Should I be concerned about it?

• Should I buy a house with a high radon level? 

• What is the average radon level of indoor and outdoor air in America?

• What is the operating cost of a radon mitigation system? 

• Should I buy a house with a radon mitigation system?

• Does the buyer or seller of a home pay for radon mitigation when the radon test comes back high? 

• What is the probability of having high radon in a Florida house?

• How quickly do I need to reduce a high radon level in my house? 

• Does a home inspector check for radon?

• What are the problems with underground return air ducts? 

• What is the probability of having high radon in a Florida house?

• What factors can change radon test levels up or down?

    Visit our RADON page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.