Radon Testing in Colorado Springs
Every home in El Paso County should be tested for radon — it's the only way to know your level, since radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. DIY test kits cost $15–$50 and take 2–7 days; professional tests cost $150–$250 and are often bundled into a home inspection.
Testing is the one step you can't skip and shouldn't outsource to guesswork. Your neighbor's result tells you nothing about your house — radon levels vary dramatically between adjacent homes depending on foundation details, soil, and ventilation.
DIY kits vs. professional testing
| DIY test kit | Professional test | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15–$50 | $150–$250 |
| Duration | 2–7 days (short-term) | 48 hours minimum, continuous monitor |
| Accuracy | Good when directions are followed | Best — tamper-resistant, hourly readings |
| Best for | Initial screening, your own home | Real estate transactions, disputes, verification |
| Where to get one | Hardware stores, online, county health offices | Licensed radon measurement professionals |
Price ranges reflect the Colorado Springs market as of 2026 — actual figures vary by home and contractor. Confirm with on-site quotes.
How to test correctly
-
Test the lowest lived-in level
Place the kit in the lowest level you regularly use — a finished basement, or the ground floor if the basement is unfinished and rarely entered. Don't test in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
-
Keep conditions closed
Maintain "closed-house conditions" for 12 hours before and during a short-term test: windows shut, exterior doors used normally. Don't run whole-house fans or fireplaces excessively.
-
Wait 2–7 days, then send it in
Leave the kit undisturbed for the full test period, then mail it to the lab (postage is usually included). Results come back in days, reported in pCi/L.
-
Confirm high results
If your first short-term test comes back above 4 pCi/L, run a second test to confirm before mitigating. If the average of the two is above 4, it's time to fix it. For borderline results (2–8 pCi/L), a long-term test of 90 days to a year gives the most reliable picture.
When should you test?
- Buying a home — radon testing should be part of every Colorado Springs home purchase; elevated results are a standard negotiation point
- You've never tested — if you own a home in El Paso County and don't know your level, test now
- After remodeling — finishing a basement or changing your HVAC can change radon dynamics
- Every 2 years — even with a mitigation system installed, retest on schedule; fans wear out
- Different season — radon levels shift with weather and heating/cooling patterns; a winter test and summer test can differ
What your result means
At or above 4.0 pCi/L: mitigate. This is the EPA's action level — install a mitigation system. Between 2 and 4 pCi/L: the EPA recommends considering a fix, especially in Zone 1 areas like Colorado Springs. Below 2 pCi/L: no action needed, but retest in a few years. See the full level-by-level guide →
Already tested above 4.0?
Get free quotes from local Colorado Springs mitigation professionals and bring your level down — usually in a single day of work.
Get My Free Quotes or call (719) 555-0147