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Florida Department of Health certified Radon testing in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Marco Island is common today; thousands of radon tests have been performed here during the last ten years.  Make sure your radon technician is certified by the FL DOH and your report comes from a FL DOH certified Radon Measurement Business. The person placing and picking up the test "must" be FL DOH certified and the report "must" come from a Florida Certified Radon Measurement Business (FL DOH certification numbers must be on report).  Our sample radon report: 

SAMPLE RADON REPORT

Real estate agents in Naples and Ft Myers should understand that elevated radon levels are a serious health concern but should be handled like a home repair.  Always have a FL DOH certified Radon Measurement Business perform the radon test.  Radon Mitigation must be performed by a FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Business.  Remember just because a home inspector says he can do the test does not mean he is qualified to or certified by Florida.
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Radon Test    $140.oo
Trip charge of $10 for tests in Cape Coral, Sanibel Island and Marco Island
Trip charge of $100 for radon tests in Charlotte County

ActiveRain Real Estate Social
                     Network

active / rain  (freeblog - 953 in Lee & 481 in Collier )

Real Estate Network of Industry Professionals

http://activerain.com/action/referrals/wallradon  Link to Join

If client insists or wants a second radon test performed
Best Radon test for  2nd Test

 Alpha Track  Radon Test
 long term test (91 days or more)
Important to know about if you have a high test
 
Our measurement specialist tells us:
"If the 1st radon test is performed with a CRM and is high, we don't have protocol for a second test, BUT it is a common practice for the seller to have a second test done. 
If the home is "aired out" before any test, it must be in closed house conditions 12 hours before a short-term radon test (EPA protocol)."
 
EPA's Home Buyers & Seller's Guide to Radon"A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you, your home's year-round average radon level than a short-term test."
 
Real Life according to a Realtor:  "If the buyer's test is high and the seller has a test that is low, you have two people who do not believe the others test."
 
Many Realtors tell us that they want a long term radon test because:
"The test can be placed in the property for 91 days or more and the homeowner can have doors and windows open as they normally would.
 
"This means the real estate transaction can go through. 
Typically, you should get at least two proposals for mitigation."
 
"Mitigation money would go into escrow and then just wait for results.  If it comes back elevated, then the buyer can have a system they want put in."
 
"This seems to keep both parties "happy" at closing. 
The buyer is the one who has to live with the system."

alphatrack.jpg

(long-term radon test above) Alpha Track Test 
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Radon Mitigation

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/radonFAQ.htm

"How do I select a radon mitigation contractor?

Select a mitigation business as you would select any other contractor:

·         Go to our website (http://radon.doh.state.fl.us) to determine who is certified to provide mitigation services

·         Get various estimates

·         Ask mitigation contractor for references and proof of current state certification

·         Ask mitigation contractor to explain the work to be done

·         Does the contractor charges any fees in addition to the cost of mitigation

·         Does the estimate include the installation of a warning device to inform you if the radon reduction system is not working correctly?

·         Did contractor review the quality of previous radon measurements results

·         Does the contractor has liability insurance?

·         Does the contractors guarantees a reduction in radon levels to less than 4 pCi/L, and for how long?

·         Consider businesses that have 'statewide' as their service area. Some companies have specialists in several areas or travel to different parts of the state as part of their business practice"

"What should I look for in a radon mitigation contract?

You need to find out several things in addition to the total cost of mitigation including taxes and permit fees if applicable:

·         Do I need to pay a deposit?, when is the final payment due?

·         How much time is needed to complete the work

·         Contractor agreement to obtain necessary permit and follow building codes

·         Statement that contractor carries liability insurance and is bonded and insured

·         A guarantee that the contractor will be responsible for damages and clean-up after the job

·         Details of warranties, guarantees, optional features, including acceptable resulting radon levels

·         Are warranties transferable if you sell your home

·         Description of what is expected of the homeowner before the work begins"

“A follow up test must be done by an independent contractor no earlier than 24 hours after the mitigation system is installed”  FL DOH http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/radonFAQ.htm

 

_________________________________________________________________________
Radon Mitigation
  • FL DOH Certified Radon Mitigation Businesses must report each system they install each month to the Florida Department of Health
FL DOH  1 (800) 543-8279. 
Comments on the Mechanical Ventilation System in the photos below
 
  •  mitigation specialist said:
 
"This is not the pipe you want for any radon mitigation system."
 
  • another FL DOH certified radon mitigation specialist comments:
 
"the intake pipe does not meet code, must be metallic"
 
"none of the connections meet code"
 
"creative use of electrical tape" (to hold pipe on)
 

badinstalledpipe.jpg

gulfcoastlabel2.jpg

Labels on the above system indicate a Bonita Springs company installed this system.
The photo below is a close-up of the type of pipe that was used.

badmitigationpipe006.jpg

After performing thousands of radon tests for clients in Southwest Florida, our clients tell us they would only recommend 1 radon mitigation company.  Radon Mitigation Services

 
Radon Mitigation Services   (RMS)

 RMSlogo.jpg

Florida Dept. of Health Certified Radon Mitgation Business

Phone: (386) 804-2678    

Toll free: (800) 344-3746

Website: www.radonfix.com

 

Gene Yacobacci,

 FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Specialist.

 
 

 

Associated Radon Services   

 

http://radonserv.com   (great website)

Contact us!
Associated Radon Services
info@radonserv.com
(772) 219-4334 --- FAX (772) 287-1341

 

Associated Radon Services has provided independent unbiased evaluation and analysis of radon problems in Florida since 1990. We specialize in radon testing and radon entry analysis in homes, condos, apartments, schools and complex commercial buildings. Our experienced certified Radon Measurement Specialists and Radon Mitigation Specialist stand ready to undertake any radon risk control assignment.

Energy Recovery Ventilators
("Considered best system for single family homes and high rise condos")

RMSlogo.jpg

ERV2007.jpg

Energy Recovery Ventilators are common in single family homes and high rises in Southwest Florida.  This picture show one installed in a closet of small condo (2 story building) where space is normally a factor.

ERV
Energy Recovery Ventilators are used in South Florida cities such as Naples, Ft Myers and Marco Island for reducing the indoor radon levels.  High Rise condos and single family homes have their indoor air quality improved and radon levels lowered with an ERV.  RMS installs hundreds of ERV's in all of South Florida.
Many high end builders are beginning to install ERV's just because homeowners are becoming more concerned with their indoor air quality.
FL DOH says 1 out of 4 homes tested in Collier and Lee Counties have elevated radon levels.
 

Going Green – Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Reap Benefits

 

 

"NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Palo Alto, CA, United States, 11/12/2007 - New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, North American Energy Recovery Ventilation Market, finds that this market earned revenues of $324.6 million in 2006 and expects to reach $778.7 million in 2012.

 

 

 

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems become increasingly important in North America in light of the current drive to conserve energy, make buildings ‘green’ and enhance indoor air quality (IAQ). Energy conservation is a key priority in this region, and any system that provides exceptional energy efficiency while ventilating buildings for maximum health and comfort is in demand in these environment-conscious times.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (buildingtechnologies.frost.com), North American Energy Recovery Ventilation Market, finds that this market earned revenues of $324.6 million in 2006 and expects to reach $778.7 million in 2012.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of North American Energy Recovery Ventilation Market, then send an email to Johanna Haynes, Corporate Communications, at johanna.haynes[.]frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, email address, city, state, and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.

"ERV is a growing segment within the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) market, particularly in northern tier winter heating zones and areas with warmer and high humidity climatic conditions," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Jorge Moreno. "The focus on IAQ is another key trend benefiting ERV, as people become increasingly conscious of the importance to maintain air quality through properly designed and managed HVAC systems."

Conditions such as sick building syndrome (SBS) become worryingly common due to structural changes in buildings that affect the quality of air circulating inside. Energy waste constitutes another serious consequence, and end users are not only aware of this issue but also take an active interest in reducing building energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as add building value in terms of savings and beneficial impact on occupants.

ERV systems present a potentially effective solution to both these issues because of their unique functioning that allows them to capture and recycle building energy to preheat, pre-cool, humidify or dehumidify the incoming air, instead of exhausting the energy to the outside.

"With half of all illnesses attributed to indoor airborne contaminants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared IAQ a public health priority," observes Moreno. "Ventilation with outdoor air is the only strategy that can simultaneously reduce the levels of all indoor pollutants."

Energy conservation policies no doubt play a key role in driving market growth. Various codes and standards are put in place to promote energy recovery. For instance, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) current 90.1 standard requires energy recovery systems for applications of 5000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) and larger with 70 percent outside air (OA). ASHRAE 90.1 is a building energy standard that requires at least 50 percent total effectiveness when ERV is used.

Apart from ASHRAE standards, other organizations such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the U.S. EPA also implement various regulations and standards for energy recovery and IAQ. Adherence to these standards, likely adopted by the code bodies, creates new opportunities for ERV as well as lower cfm applications.

The lack of knowledge on updated energy-saving practices and the potential to reduce operating costs is a restraint for this industry. Typically, facility managers and building owners rely on contractors to select the HVAC equipment for the building. Contractors, however, work within a budget and tend to purchase equipment based on price rather than long-term efficiency and cost benefits, in the absence of immediate returns on investment.

The challenge, therefore, lies in educating contractors about energy savings, IAQ, and sustainability. Manufacturers also make an effort to reach building developers and owners with an energy savings message. Other recent and encouraging developments include the Green Building Council’s green building rating initiative, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which evaluates environmental performance from a ‘whole building’ perspective over the building’s service life.

North American Energy Recovery Ventilation Market, part of the Building Management Technologies Growth Partnership Services, analyzes the impact of the energy efficiency drive in North America on the ERV market. It provides a comprehensive overview of this market, including revenue and shipment forecasts, key technology trends, along with an analysis of the competitive structure. Interviews with the press are available.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective, and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics." .........(read the rest of this informative article)   http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/26037/

EPA  “Home Buyers & Sellers Guide to Radon”

http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html#5.e.

Before Conducting a Radon Test:

·         Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants written instructions or a copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.

·         Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours.

·         When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period.

·         When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA recommends that closed-house conditions be maintained.

·         The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.

·         If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly.  If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired and then test.

During a Radon Test:

Closed-house conditions means keeping all windows closed, keeping doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans or other machines which bring in air from outside.  Fans that are part of a radon-reduction system or small exhaust fans operating for only short periods of time may run during the test.

·         Maintain closed-house conditions during the entire time of a short term test, especially for tests shorter than one week in length.

·         Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the test. For tests lasting less than one week, operate only air-conditioning units which recirculate interior air.

·         Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.

·         If a radon-reduction system is in place, make sure the system is working properly and will be in operation during the entire radon test.

__________________________________________________________

WallRadon Testing, Inc.  FL DOH certified Radon Measurement Business RB1938

Radon & Mold Professionals

Doug Wall, FL DOH certified R1751

John Cosgrove, FL DOH certified R1867

Office: (239) 498-4619     (800) 881-3837           www.radonmoldhelp.com

We always leave a copy of the EPA “Home Buyer’s & Seller’s Guide to Radon” with every radon test.

Radon Mitigation in High Rise 12/8/2008

Radon Mitigation in High Rise / Collier County FL

Today we picked up a radon test and the results show elevated radon levels in a Condo that was on the 7th floor.  That is not unusual (FL DOH "1 out 2 in some areas") but this condo had a radon mitigation system.  The homeowner just wanted an independent FL DOH certified Measurement Business to check it 2 years after the install.

The certified mitigation business that installed the system is allowed to do diagnostic testing but since they are not a certified MEASUREMENT Business they are not allowed to perform a post mitigation test, which they did and gave to the Real Estate agent and the homeowner (buyer). 

"A follow up test must be done by an independent contractor no earlier than 24 hours after the mitigation system is installed" FL DOH http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/radonFAQ.htm

Only FL DOH Radon Measurement Business can do radon testing for a fee; this includes post mitigation testing. Florida certified radon measurement business list.

Now the situation gets ugly, the client had an "illegal post mitigation test" and the homeowners association NOW requires service companies to have insurance when they work in the high rise.

The certified radon mitigation business (no insurance) is NOT allowed in the building to perform repairs to the system for the homeowner. (Mitigation warranty useless)

The Real Estate agent recommended a FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Business that does not carry liability or worker comp insurance and performs post mitigation testing when not certified to do so.

The homeowner will have to hire a second FL DOH certified Radon Mitigation Business that does carry the required insurance to fix the system at an additional expense.

There are only 14 certified radon mitigation businesses in Florida and it appears many of them do not carry insurance and some carry insurance for other types of work such as home inspections.  To let someone drill holes in walls and do electrical work without proper liability insurance is asking for trouble.

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/radon/mitbuslst.htm

 More and more associations are requiring service companies, home inspectors, mold inspectors, radon testers, radon mitigation companies, mold remediation companies and termite companies to provide a current certificate of insurance to work in their complex or high rise. Since our company has always carried $1million in liability and E&O insurance, I think is good for everyone.

It's just good common sense for Homeowners, Homebuyers, Real Estate Agents and Home owners Associations to require a current certificate of insurance of any service people they hire or recommend.

Many companies form a corporation for less than $1,000 instead of paying for insurance; this protects them but not the client.

We have been involved with thousands of Real Estate inspections since 1999 and never has a Real Estate Agent or firm asked for a certificate of insurance. 

Builders, developers, commercial building, national relocation companies, US inspect, and a few homeowners associations always ask for proof of insurance. It only takes a couple mintues for a company to have their certificate of insurance faxed or emailed to a client or agent.

Can anyone explain why Realtors do not request proof of insurance from the people the recommend?

For Radon & Mold Info, FL DOH, AmIAQC, ESA certified inspectors. (Click Here)

All Realtors, Sellers, Homebuyers

SHOULD READ this article:

A Florida Seller Fights Unregulated Mold Report Stigma ........... Realty Times article by Blanche Evans

“A Florida seller is upset that unlicensed, unregulated home inspectors can perform non-standardized mold tests which may result in stigmatizing a home”

With 1 out 4 homes tested in Collier and Lee Counties having elevated radon, Real Estate agents should always recommend a radon test to buyers.  Some areas have 1out of 2 with elevated radon.  "Fixing elevated radon is just a home repair". 
Radon testing and radon mitigation must be performed by Florida Department of Health certified radon businesses for Real Estate transactions.

 
 
 
 
Florida Department of Health allows only FL DOH measurement specialists and FL DOH certified mitigation specialists to "express" "evaluations and observations" of radon tests or radon mitigations
to "Florida citizens and customers, or potential customers".
We have been the leader in performing residential Real Estate radon tests for years, we think, in part, because we strive to follow the FL DOH's many rules concerning radon.
The radon evaluations, observations and opinions posted on this website are not those of the Radon & Mold Professionals.

radonmold@yahoo.com