QA

Question: How To Replace A Radon Fan

Can I replace a radon fan myself?

In most cases, pros charge about $1,500 to install a radon mitigation system, but you can do it yourself for only about $500 in materials. So if you’re fairly handy and have some carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills, you can install your own system in a weekend and save yourself a thousand bucks!Nov 29, 2019.

How much does it cost to replace a radon fan?

The radon fans are guaranteed by manufacturers for 3 – 5 years. Their replacement cost, including installation, is usually $300 to $600. Homeowners are aware that the fan must run continuously 24/7, year after year. The typical estimate of the electricity cost is $150 per year.

How long should a radon fan last?

Fans may last for five years or more (manufacturer warranties tend not to exceed five years) and may then need to be repaired or replaced. Replacing a fan will cost around $200 – $350 including parts and labor. It is a good idea to retest your home at least every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.

Does a radon fan run continuously?

Ensuring Proper Performance of Your Radon Mitigation Fan Radon system fans are constantly running to ensure that your home stays safe. Due to its constant work, fans may need to be replaced after five years or more, but it is a simple process for an experienced radon contractor.

Why is my radon fan so loud?

If your radon fan is making a loud humming or whirring noise, there’s a chance that it needs replaced. The condensation that forms above the fan, inside the pipe, eventually runs back down toward and into the fan when it freezes. This might sound like a bad situation but is normal and not a concern.

Where is the fan on a radon mitigation system?

Exterior Installed Radon Mitigation Systems: The radon fan is usually installed at knee level opposite of the rim joist. From the fan, the radon vent stack rises above the eave of the home or building. Code states that the vent stack opening must be greater than ten feet from the ground and above the eave.

What does a radon fan do?

A radon vent fan connected to the suction pipes draws the radon gas from below the home and releases it into the outdoor air while simultaneously creating a negative pressure or vacuum beneath the slab. Common fan locations include unconditioned home and garage spaces, including attics and the exterior of the home.

Should radon fan be inside or outside?

Radon mitigation standards require that the fan to be placed outside of the living space of the home. Another way to define this is any where outside the conditioned air space of the heating and air conditioning system.

Does a radon fan need its own circuit?

Most radon fans use 1 amp or less of current and do not need a dedicated circuit. The bigger ones pull only a little more. There is no code requirement or good reason for a dedicated circuit for the fan. Putting it on a circuit with lighting fixtures in your home might be a good idea, however.

How many watts does a radon fan use?

Radon mitigators often use radon fans that are much larger capacity than is needed. This paper reviews the performance of over 200 radon mitigation systems that were installed using a low wattage (14-20 watts) radon fan.

Do radon fans fail?

** There are occasions where a fan will fail, unrelated to the mechanics of the fan itself. For example, if you have had major construction on a home and the contractor doesn’t take the necessary precautions to protect your radon system, debris can build up and collect in the fan creating failure.

How do I know if my radon fan is working?

You can use the u-tube manometer to determine if your system is working. Look at the liquid in the tube. If it is equal on both sides, it is an indication that there is no pressure in the pipe. This means no suction from the fan (far left image) and the radon mitigation system is not working.

How long does it take for a radon fan to work?

We can usually perform the work within a few working days of authorization and it usually takes about 3-4 hours to install. 2. Should I have the remediation system installed before I finish off the basement?.

How often should you run a radon fan?

Your fan needs to run continually, so don’t turn it off or unplug it. We recommend you check your U-tube once a month to ensure that the fan is working properly. After that, re-test every at least every 2 years to ensure safe levels.

How do you clean a radon fan?

Carefully inspect the blades and scrap them clean with a screwdriver blade or other tool. Shake the fan and run it to clear out any debris in the fan. Be careful not to suck more debris in, especially fingers. If you bench test a dozen identical radon fans as I have, you will find they vary in the amount of vibration.

What are signs of radon exposure?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.