# High Radon Test Result? What to Do Next

> A high radon result needs a plan, not panic: confirm it, judge urgency by level, get an estimate and schedule a clearance test.

URL: https://radonmitigationdesmoines.com/guide/high-radon-test-what-to-do/
Last-Modified: 2026-10-21
Tags: high radon test results what to do, radon test above 4, high radon levels next steps, radon level 8 pci/l

Decision Guide

# Your Radon Test Came Back High: What to Do Next

A high radon result needs a plan, not panic: confirm it, judge urgency by level, get an estimate and schedule a clearance test.

Updated October 21, 2026 6 min read Reviewed by Iowa HHS-credentialed technicians

![Person on the phone at a kitchen table holding a radon test report](/images/featured/person-on-the-phone-at-kitchen-table-holding-print.webp)

## Your Radon Test Came Back High. Now What?

Take a breath. A high radon result is common in Iowa and very fixable. The next steps are simple: make sure the result is valid, decide how fast to act based on your level and your timeline, get an on-site estimate, and plan for a clearance test after the system goes in. Most homes go from a high result to a verified low one in a matter of weeks.

![Technician walking a homeowner through a basement for an estimate](/images/content/radon-technician-walking-homeowner-through-unfinis.webp)

If you haven’t had a 

professional radon test

[/radon-testing/ →](/radon-testing/)

, or you used a DIY kit and aren’t sure you trust it, that’s the right place to start. If your result came from a credentialed tester, keep reading.

> **Remember**
> 
> Radon risk builds over years of exposure. A high number means “fix this soon,” not “leave the house tonight.”

## Step 1: Check That the Result Is Valid

A radon number is only as good as the test behind it. Ask yourself:

-   Was the test in the **lowest lived-in level**, away from the sump and drafts?
-   Did it run at least **48 hours** under **closed-house conditions**?
-   Was it a calibrated device or a properly mailed lab kit, used before its expiration date?

If the answer to any of these is no, a retest is worth it. A continuous radon monitor gives hourly data and shows if something odd happened during the test.

## Step 2: Decide How Fast to Act

The EPA’s action level is **4.0 pCi/L**. It also suggests considering mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. Here’s a practical way to think about timing:

| Your result | What we suggest |
| --- | --- |
| Below 2.0 pCi/L | No action needed. Retest every two years or after big changes. |
| 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L | Consider mitigation. A follow-up or long-term test can help you decide. |
| 4.0 to 8.0 pCi/L | Plan to mitigate. A follow-up test is reasonable if there’s no deadline. |
| Above 8.0 pCi/L | Mitigate soon. Most people skip the second test at this level. |

### In a home sale

Real estate timelines change the math. Buyers and sellers usually act on one valid test so the deal can keep moving. A seller-installed system with a clearance test, a credit at closing or an escrow holdback are all common. Your agent can help you pick.

## Step 3: Get an On-Site Estimate

A good estimate starts with someone looking at your house. During a visit, a credentialed technician checks:

-   Your foundation type, including any crawl space or slab addition
-   The sump pit, floor drains and major cracks
-   Where the pipe can run, inside through the garage or attic, or outside
-   Where the fan can go, always outside the living space

You’ll get a written quote that explains the design. For a sense of what moves the price, see our breakdown of 

radon mitigation cost

[/guide/radon-mitigation-cost-iowa/ →](/guide/radon-mitigation-cost-iowa/)

. To understand the system itself, start with our 

radon mitigation

[/ →](/)

 overview.

![Calendar with radon install and clearance test dates marked before closing](/images/content/calendar-on-refrigerator-with-radon-install-and-cl.webp)

## Step 4: Schedule the Install

Most single-family installs take one visit, usually within a day. Before we leave, we seal the sump and major cracks, label the system and show you the U-tube manometer so you know how to check it.

## Step 5: Confirm With a Clearance Test

After the system has run for at least 24 hours, a 

clearance test

[/guide/post-mitigation-radon-test/ →](/guide/post-mitigation-radon-test/)

 confirms your new level. Our systems routinely bring homes that tested above 4.0 pCi/L down below 1.0 pCi/L, with up to 98.9% reduction. Keep the report. Buyers ask for it.

## A Typical Timeline

1.  **Day 1:** You get your result and call us. We answer 24/7.
2.  **Within days:** On-site assessment and written quote.
3.  **Install day:** System installed, usually in one visit.
4.  **24+ hours later:** Clearance test starts and runs at least 48 hours.
5.  **Report:** You have your new number, on paper.

## What Not to Do

-   **Don’t panic-buy the cheapest option.** Iowa requires radon mitigators who work for a fee to be credentialed. Ask for the credential number.
-   **Don’t rely on sealing alone.** It rarely lowers radon enough on its own.
-   **Don’t wait a year.** Plan the fix in weeks, not seasons.

## Talk It Through

Not sure what your number means for your home? 

Get a radon quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

 or call (515) 218-7447. A real person answers day or night, and we’ll explain your result without pressure.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is a high radon level an emergency?

No. Radon's health risk comes from long-term exposure over years, not days. But a high result is a clear signal to act soon. Plan to get an estimate in the next few weeks rather than waiting months.

### Should I retest before fixing?

It depends. If your result is close to 4.0 pCi/L and there's no deadline, a follow-up test helps confirm it. If it's well above 4.0, or you're in a home sale, acting on one valid test is common and reasonable.

### How fast can a radon system be installed?

Most single-family installs are completed in one visit, typically within a day. Scheduling is usually quick, and we work around real estate deadlines.

### Can I lower radon by opening windows?

Opening windows can lower radon for a while, but it isn't practical in an Iowa winter and the level goes back up once you close up. It's a short-term step, not a fix.

## Learn more about Radon Testing & Inspections

See how our credentialed team handles this for Central Iowa homes, backed by a 5-year warranty and 24/7 support.

Learn More

[/radon-testing/ →](/radon-testing/)