Radon detectors come in various styles. Typically, they are placed in a location a few feet above the ground and away from heat vents and exit doors. The detectors usually need to sit undisturbed for several days. Typically, you need to adhere to “closed door” procedures during the test. After the correct amount of time, the detector is the sent to a lab or collected by the professional to obtain the final results of the radon test.

Buildings with multiple foundation types (basements, crawlspaces, and slab-on-grades) usually require a seperate test for each area. Each detector is placed in the lowest living space. For buildings with basements, this is in the basement; for crawlspaces, it is placed in the living space above the crawlspace. For slab-on-grade areas, it is placed on the first floor level.

Don’t worry, you can still come and go. The closed building procedure just means that doors and windows are kept shut except as needed to come and go. Other conditions are maintained, such as not using the fireplace.