Wondering if your Mauldin home has radon? You’re not alone. Radon is invisible and odorless, yet it’s a real health concern and can vary from house to house on the same street. In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to request South Carolina’s free radon test kit, how to run the test correctly, how to understand your results, and practical next steps if levels are high. Let’s dive in.
Why radon testing matters in Mauldin
Radon is a naturally occurring gas and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. EPA guidance is clear: testing is the only way to know your home’s level.
Greenville County has seen more elevated results than many parts of South Carolina. The Upstate appears among higher-risk areas on the EPA Map of Radon Zones, and readings can differ even between neighboring homes. Newer local building codes also encourage radon-control features in new construction, but every home should still be tested.
How to get your free test kit
South Carolina’s Radon Program offers one free short-term test kit per home while supplies last.
Who qualifies and how to request
- Any South Carolina resident can request one free kit per household.
- Start at the state program’s overview page, then use the online request form. You’ll find both on the South Carolina Radon Program page and the online request form.
- The program also offers a free follow-up kit if your initial result is 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
What the free kit includes
- A short-term detector (commonly a charcoal canister) that typically runs for 2 to 7 days.
- Simple placement instructions and a prepaid mailer to the lab.
If kits are out of stock
Demand can spike and temporarily exhaust supplies, as noted in local coverage about kit shortages after media reports (WYFF4). If kits are unavailable, consider ordering a national kit or hiring a certified tester.
How to run the test
Short-term tests capture a snapshot. A careful setup gives you the most reliable result.
Where to place the kit
- Test the lowest level you use regularly as living space. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms, garages, or damp areas.
- Place it at breathing height, away from drafts, vents, fans, exterior doors, and direct sunlight.
- Follow the kit’s instructions closely. The CDC’s testing guide offers a helpful overview.
Timing and closed-house tips
- Keep windows and exterior doors closed for at least 12 hours before starting and during the test period (normal entry and exit is fine).
- Do not run whole-house fans or open windows during the test.
- Avoid starting during severe storms or high winds.
Mailing the kit and getting results
- When the test ends, seal and mail the kit to the lab immediately.
- Labs typically return results in a few days to a few weeks. For a step-by-step look at testing and results handling, review these testing instructions.
What your results mean
The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Sustained levels at or above that mark call for mitigation. It’s also reasonable to consider mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, since no level is completely risk-free, per EPA guidance.
When to retest or confirm
- Below 2.0 pCi/L: Retest every few years or after major renovations.
- Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L: Consider a follow-up or a long-term test (90+ days) to understand the year-round average.
- At or above 4.0 pCi/L: Take a confirmatory test. If your first kit was from the state, you may qualify for a free follow-up.
If your level is high
Mitigation basics and costs
A qualified mitigator will recommend options based on your foundation. The most common approach is active soil depressurization, which uses a fan and vent piping to draw radon from beneath the home and exhaust it above the roofline. Typical installations often range from about $700 to $3,000, with many projects landing near $1,000 to $1,500, according to industry guidance on radon mitigation costs. Always get multiple written quotes and ask about expected post-mitigation levels, warranties, and follow-up testing.
Hiring a certified pro
Use the EPA’s resource for finding certified radon test and mitigation providers, which points to national certification directories (find qualified professionals). Ask for credentials, references, and sample reports. Many homeowners also request a post-mitigation test to confirm performance.
Buying or selling a Mauldin home
Real estate testing rules
South Carolina’s free DHEC kits are not intended for real estate transactions. If you’re buying or selling and need transaction-grade results, hire a credentialed measurement professional.
Disclosure in South Carolina
State law requires sellers to disclose known environmental hazards such as radon gas if they’re aware of them. Buyers should request available test results, mitigation records, and warranties. Review the statute on South Carolina’s residential property disclosures.
Quick checklist
- Request your free kit: Start at the South Carolina Radon Program page and submit the online request form. If out of stock, order a national kit or hire a pro.
- Set up the test correctly: Choose the lowest lived-in level, follow closed-house guidance, and avoid drafts and humidity.
- Mail promptly and read results: Under 2.0 pCi/L, retest every few years; 2.0 to 4.0 pCi/L, follow up or long-term test; 4.0 pCi/L or higher, confirm and plan mitigation.
- If you mitigate: Get multiple quotes, confirm certifications, require post-mitigation testing, and keep documentation for your records.
If you’re planning a move in Mauldin, radon doesn’t have to be a curveball. We help clients navigate testing timelines, negotiations, and disclosures with confidence. For local guidance that fits your situation, connect with Encore Realty.
FAQs
What is radon and why test in Mauldin?
- Radon is a naturally occurring gas linked to lung cancer, and Upstate readings can be elevated, so testing is the only way to know your home’s level.
How do I get South Carolina’s free radon kit?
- Request one free short-term kit per household using the state program’s online request form while supplies last.
How long should I run a short-term test?
- Most short-term tests run 2 to 7 days; follow the kit’s instructions and the CDC’s setup tips.
What if my result is between 2 and 4 pCi/L?
- Consider a follow-up or long-term test to understand your home’s year-round average and decide on mitigation.
Can I use the free DHEC kit for a home sale?
- No, the free state kit is not intended for real estate transactions; hire a certified measurement professional for transaction-grade testing.
How much does mitigation cost near Greenville?
- Many systems fall around $1,000 to $1,500, with a broader range of about $700 to $3,000 depending on the home and system type.
