What you need to know about radon detectors
Types of radon detectors
You have a couple options for radon testing: single-use test kits and continuous monitors. The single-use kits are cheaper but less accurate, while continuous monitors cost more but give you better readings.
One-time radon test kits
If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on a radon gas detector, you can opt for cheaper one-time test kits. You’ll need to send your kit to a professional lab by mail and await results, but companies like First Alert will send you an action plan in addition to radon levels.
The downside to these kits is that radon levels change based on air pressure, so your one-time test might not be totally accurate if there’s a storm or something else that could affect your home’s air pressure when you run the test.
Continuous radon testing
If you want more accuracy, checking for radon shouldn’t be a one-and-done test. Radon levels can change over time, and a continuous monitoring device is your best defense against radon exposure in the home.