We see some radon systems that are so substandard that we photograph them for our “Hall of Shame” at www.radonrepair.com. Some radon companies ignore the Environmental Protection Agency’s Radon Mitigation Standards (RMS) and other building codes to increase profits. While even some certified companies sometimes do work that violates code, the worst offenders are frequently the unlicensed and uncertified operators that do really substandard work which may not even lower your radon much. These companies get away with ignoring the RMS and other codes and operating illegally because neither Maryland nor Virginia have State Radon Offices to handle customer complaints. Fortunately, you can avoid all these pitfalls!

Ask each contractor to physically show you their current National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) radon certification badge. Everyone claims to have one of these, but you should ask to actually see it. We have both!
 
Ask to see a current Maryland Home Improvement license if you live in Maryland or a Virginia Class C Contractor’s license if you live in Virginia. These are not interchangeable. By law, radon contractors must be licensed by each state they work in. If a dispute arises with a bad contractor, the state can help you settle the problem — but only if the contractor is licensed!
 
Go to www.radonrepair.com and under “Choosing a Radon Contractor” print a copy of the EPA’s Radon Mitigation Standards (RMS). Show it to each contractor and ask them if they will adhere to it completely and to all other national and local building codes.
 
Ask if you will get a watertight outdoor switch within view of the radon fan. Many companies use cheaper indoor switches or no switch at all. This makes it riskier and more complicated to service the fan, and is a violation of the National Mechanical Code and local electrical codes.
 
Will the radon discharge vent be at least two feet above or 10 feet sideways from windows, or bathroom and kitchen fans? The discharge point must also be above the roofline of the building. This prevents concentrated radon from reentering the building! This is required by the EPA Radon Mitigation Standards (RMS).
 
Will screening be secured in the vent discharge point? This prevents leaves and animals from getting into your radon fan and burning it out! This is required by the EPA Radon Mitigation Standards (RMS).
 
Does the contractor agree to follow all wiring codes? Many contractors hardwire their systems directly into the closest available receptacle, regardless of the receptacles capacity. These receptacles are often “handyboxes” which are small receptacles for wall plugs or switches. Electrical code prohibits more than one wire in a handybox. A contractor must either replace the handy box with a larger receptacle or double the handybox’s size with a “handybox extension.”
 
Will the contractor conduct back-draft tests of all combustion furnaces and water heaters after installing the radon system? Back drafting can cause deadly carbon monoxide buildup in your home!

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NEHA 101103 NRSB 1G0006 MHIC 52013 VA License 2705-059056