A calm plan beats a wild guess every time. That’s especially true with radon.
Here’s the deal: radon is invisible and odorless, so your “gut feeling” can’t help you. However, a professional radon test can. And since January is National Radon Action Month, this is the perfect time to talk about what we covered in Week 1 and what you should do next if you’re buying or owning a home in Florence, Hebron, Burlington, Covington, Fort Wright, Erlanger, Fort Thomas, Newport, or the Greater Cincinnati area.
What we saw this week
1) The “Hall of Shame” lesson: a radon system can look right… and still be wrong
This week’s example was a classic: a radon pipe that doesn’t vent correctly. It looks official. It looks “installed.” But if it’s not exhausting properly to the outside, you can end up with a system that’s basically wearing a Halloween costume.
Takeaway: Don’t assume the presence of a pipe means you’re protected. Test the home. Let the numbers tell the story.
2) The biggest myth we corrected: “No basement = NO RADON”
This one gets people all the time. Radon comes from the ground, so it can impact homes with:
- basements
- crawlspaces
- slab foundations
In other words, a home in Florence with a slab can still test elevated. A home in Cincinnati with a finished basement can test low. You don’t know until you test.
3) The January advantage: closed-house conditions
January tends to be a strong month for radon testing because homes are usually closed up, heat on, windows shut, normal winter living. Those conditions can help produce a reliable snapshot of what’s going on in the home.
If you’re in a real estate timeline, that matters, because you want answers you can use fast, clear, and documented.
Why we push professional radon testing (not just “cheap kits”)
Look, I’m not here to discourage anyone’s DIY spirit. I’ve built plenty of things with my own hands. But when it comes to radon, especially in a home purchase, you want a test that’s:
- properly placed
- run under correct conditions
- clearly documented
- easy to explain to buyers, sellers, and agents
That’s why KIS radon testing uses continuous monitoring and is positioned as a practical step that’s often simple to address if it comes back elevated.
If you’re a home buyer, your goal isn’t panic. Your goal is leverage and clarity.
What the EPA guideline “4.0 pCi/L” actually means
You’ll often hear: EPA radon guideline is 4.0 pCi/L. Here’s the practical takeaway:
- If the result is below 4.0, great—document it and move forward with confidence.
- If the result is at or above 4.0, you don’t have to throw the whole house away. Usually, you move into mitigation conversations—and yes, many homes can be successfully mitigated.
Key point: Testing gives you options. Options reduce stress.
If your radon test is elevated, here’s the calm plan
- Don’t spiral. Elevated radon is a solvable situation in many cases.
- Talk through next steps. We’ll explain what the number means in plain English.
- Use it in negotiations (if you’re buying). This is exactly what inspection periods are for.
- If needed, plan mitigation. A properly installed radon mitigation system can significantly reduce levels.
Service areas we’re focusing on this month (Week 1)
To match where buyers are searching and where KIS is targeting, Week 1 is tilted toward:
- Boone County: Florence, Hebron, Burlington (and nearby)
- Kenton County: Covington, Fort Wright (and nearby)
- Plus Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods where buyers frequently ask for radon testing.
If you’re searching “radon testing near me” and you’re in NKY/Cincy, you’re in the right lane.
A quick note from Chris
what you should expect from KIS
I’ve been around homes and construction for a long time, and my philosophy is simple: I’m going to inspect your house like my own kid’s buying it.
That means you’re going to get:
- clear explanations
- practical next steps
- no fear tactics
- and a straightforward plan you can act on
People Also Ask (AIO)
Is radon common in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati?
Radon can show up in many areas because it comes from the ground. The only way to know what’s happening in a specific home is testing.
Do I need radon testing if I don’t have a basement?
Yes. Slab and crawlspace homes can test elevated too. Foundation type doesn’t guarantee safety.
What is the EPA radon guideline?
The EPA guideline is 4.0 pCi/L. If results are at or above that, mitigation is typically the next conversation.
Is radon a deal breaker for home buyers?
Usually not. It’s often a negotiation item with a clear path forward.
Should I use a DIY radon kit or professional radon testing?
For casual curiosity, a kit can be a starting point. For home buying, documentation and controlled placement/testing conditions matter—professional testing is the better move.
Ready for real numbers instead of guesswork?
If you’re scheduling a home inspection, add radon testing. If you’re already in the home, schedule a standalone radon test and get clear answers.