How common is high radon in Fargo?
Very common. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality reports that about 63 percent of North Dakota homes have radon above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. Every county in North Dakota, including Cass County, is in EPA Zone 1, the highest-potential category. The only way to know your own home's level is to test it.
What radon level should I fix?
The EPA recommends fixing your home if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, and suggests considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L. There is no known completely safe level; lower is better.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Fargo?
Our estimate of the typical range for a standard system in a Fargo-area single-family home is roughly $900 to $2,000, depending on foundation, soil and pipe route. See the cost guide. Only a written quote is binding.
Can a radon system freeze in a Fargo winter?
Radon pipes carry warm, moist soil gas, so frost and condensation are real concerns in our climate. Experienced cold-climate installers plan for it: they slope pipes so condensation drains back down, often route pipes through the attic or insulate exterior runs, and choose exhaust locations that limit ice build-up. Ask how your installer handles winter.
Is it better to test for radon in winter?
Winter is a good time for a short-term test because windows are already closed, and readings in cold months are often higher, which gives a conservative result. A long-term test (more than 90 days) gives the best picture of your year-round average.
Do radon contractors need a license in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires radon mitigation professionals and companies to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and systems installed in Minnesota since 2019 must carry an MDH system tag. If you live in Moorhead or Dilworth, ask for the MDH license number.
What about North Dakota?
The North Dakota DEQ recommends using a radon professional certified by a national program, such as the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). Ask for proof of certification before hiring.
Will clay soil make my system less effective?
Dense clay, common in the Red River Valley, can make it harder for suction to spread under a slab. It doesn't mean a system won't work. It may mean an extra suction point, a stronger fan, or using your drain tile and sump. A good installer checks sub-slab airflow before choosing the design.
I have a sump pump. Does that matter?
Often it helps. Many Fargo-area basements have a sump pit connected to perimeter drain tile. Sealing the sump with an airtight lid stops radon entering there, and the drain tile can sometimes be used to spread suction around the basement. The sump pump still works normally.
How long until I know the system worked?
The EPA recommends a short-term test no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 30 days after the system starts running. Many installers include this test. After that, retest every two years.
Does a newer home in West Fargo or Horace need a test?
Yes. New homes can have high radon too. Some builders install a passive radon pipe; a test tells you if it is enough or if a fan should be added. Activating a passive pipe with a fan is usually cheaper than a full new install.
Where can I get a test kit?
Test kits are sold at hardware stores and online. The North Dakota DEQ radon program and the Minnesota Department of Health both publish information on testing and where to find kits. A certified professional can also run a continuous monitor test, which is common for home sales.
Still have a question? Add it to a quote request and a certified local radon professional can help.