Denver Homes: Altitude AC Hiding Radon Lungs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 25, 2025

Imagine you’re sitting in your cozy Denver home, windows shut tight against the winter chill, the furnace humming steadily. You’re saving money on energy bills, but could you be unknowingly trapping something far more sinister than just heat? Radon, an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas, is a silent intruder that can seep into homes from the ground. Denver’s unique geology, coupled with energy-efficient homes, creates a perfect storm for radon accumulation. This isn’t some abstract environmental concern; it’s a real and present danger to your family’s health.

This guide is your roadmap to understanding and tackling radon in your Denver home. We’ll cut through the jargon, providing actionable steps you can take today to protect your loved ones.

First, let’s understand the enemy. Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It’s everywhere, but the problem arises when it concentrates inside buildings. In Denver, the Front Range’s geological makeup means higher-than-average uranium concentrations in the soil.

Why is this a Denver problem? Denver’s housing boom has led to a surge in energy-efficient homes. While great for the environment and your wallet, these homes are often tightly sealed to prevent air leaks. This, unfortunately, also traps radon gas inside. Furthermore, many Denver homes utilize air conditioning systems that recirculate air, further concentrating any existing radon.

The risks are significant. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. The Surgeon General and the EPA estimate that radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Long-term exposure, even at relatively low levels, increases your risk.

Now, let’s get practical. Testing for radon is simple and relatively inexpensive. You have two main options: DIY kits and professional testing.

DIY radon test kits are readily available at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s in the Denver area, as well as online retailers. These kits typically involve placing a passive detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home for a specified period (usually 2-7 days). After the testing period, you seal the detector and mail it to a lab for analysis. The lab then sends you a report with the radon level in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a DIY radon test kit:

Choose a kit: Look for kits certified by the EPA or your state radon program.
Prepare your home: Close windows and exterior doors for 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the testing period. Operate your home’s ventilation system normally.
Place the detector: Follow the kit’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll place the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home (e.g., basement, first floor) in an area where it won’t be disturbed. Avoid placing it near drafts, exterior walls, or in direct sunlight.
Record the start date and time: This is crucial for accurate results.
Wait the specified time: Do not move or tamper with the detector during the testing period.
Seal and mail the detector: Follow the kit’s instructions for sealing and mailing the detector to the lab.
Receive and interpret the results: The lab will send you a report with the radon level. The EPA recommends taking action if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher.

While DIY kits are convenient and affordable, they can be prone to errors if not used correctly. Common mistakes include:

Not following the instructions carefully: Read and understand the instructions before starting the test.
Placing the detector in the wrong location: Avoid drafts, exterior walls, and direct sunlight.
Opening windows or doors during the testing period: This can dilute the radon concentration and lead to inaccurate results.
Tampering with the detector: Do not move or disturb the detector during the testing period.

Professional radon testing offers a more accurate and reliable assessment. Certified radon professionals use specialized equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure accurate results. They can also provide expert advice on radon mitigation if necessary.

To find a certified radon professional in the Denver area, you can check the websites of the:

National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)
National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

These organizations maintain directories of certified radon testers and mitigators.

Professional testing typically involves a continuous radon monitor (CRM) that measures radon levels over a 48-hour period. The CRM provides a more detailed picture of radon fluctuations in your home.

If your radon test results are 4 pCi/L or higher, radon mitigation is recommended. Radon mitigation systems are designed to reduce radon levels in your home by venting the gas to the outside.

The most common radon mitigation technique is sub-slab depressurization (SSD). This involves installing a PVC pipe through the foundation slab and connecting it to a fan that draws radon gas from beneath the slab and vents it above the roofline.

Here are some local Denver-area radon mitigation specialists:

Colorado Radon Mitigation: Specializes in radon testing and mitigation services throughout the Denver metro area.
Advantage Radon: Offers comprehensive radon solutions, including testing, mitigation, and system maintenance.
5280 Radon Mitigation: Provides radon testing and mitigation services with a focus on customer satisfaction.

The cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the size and construction of your home, but it typically ranges from $800 to $2,500.

Financial assistance programs are available to Colorado residents to help with the cost of radon remediation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) offers a low-income radon mitigation assistance program. This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners to help cover the cost of radon mitigation.

To be eligible for the program, you must meet certain income requirements and own and occupy the home as your primary residence. You can find more information about the program and how to apply on the CDPHE website.

Don’t wait. Take control of your family’s health and test your Denver home for radon today. It’s a simple step that can make a world of difference.