Radon testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level.
You cannot see, smell, or taste radon, and you cannot tell whether a home has elevated radon by looking at it.
Once homeowners decide to test, one of the first questions is usually:
Should I choose a short-term or long-term radon test?
Both types of radon testing can be useful, but they serve different purposes. The right choice depends on your timeline, your reason for testing, and how accurate of a picture you want of your home’s typical radon level.
For Manitoba and Winnipeg homeowners, understanding the difference can help you make a more confident decision.
What Is Short-Term Radon Testing?
Short-term radon testing measures radon levels over a shorter period of time.
It is often used when a homeowner wants faster information or a quick starting point. For example, short-term testing may be useful if you are dealing with a real estate timeline, want a quick screening, or are trying to decide whether further testing should be considered.
A short-term radon test can provide helpful information, but it is important to understand what it represents. It gives a snapshot of radon levels during the testing period. Because radon levels can rise and fall over time, a short-term result may not fully represent your home’s long-term average radon exposure.
That does not mean short-term testing has no value. It simply means the result should be understood in context.
What Is Long-Term Radon Testing?
Long-term radon testing measures radon levels over a longer period of time. This gives a better picture of the home’s average radon level.
Health Canada’s radon testing guidance says it is important to conduct a long-term radon test for a minimum of 3 months. Health Canada’s residential measurement guide also notes that measurements under 91 days may not be sufficient to estimate an annual average.
Long-term testing is generally preferred when a homeowner wants the most useful information for deciding whether action is needed.
This is because radon levels can change from day to day and season to season. A longer test helps smooth out those changes and gives a more representative result.
For many Manitoba homeowners, long-term radon testing is the best option if the goal is to understand the home’s typical radon level and make an informed decision.
Why Do Radon Levels Change Over Time?
Radon levels are not always the same every day.
They can be affected by weather, season, ventilation, home heating, air pressure, and how the home is used. Even simple things like windows being open or closed can affect indoor air movement.
Manitoba winters can also matter. During colder months, homes are usually sealed up to keep heat inside. Warm indoor air rises and can create a pulling effect that draws soil gas into the home through openings in the foundation. If that soil gas contains radon, levels may increase indoors.
This is one reason longer testing is helpful. It gives a better picture than a brief measurement taken during one small window of time.
Health Canada’s Radon Reduction Guide explains that radon levels can change significantly over time and that longer measurements are more accurate.
Which Radon Test Should You Choose?
The best radon test depends on what you need to learn and how quickly you need the information.
Choose short-term radon testing if:
- You need faster information
- You want a quick screening
- You want an initial starting point before deciding what to do next
Short-term testing can be helpful, especially when time matters. Just remember that it may not show the full long-term average for the home.
Choose long-term radon testing if:
- You want the best picture of your home’s average radon level
- You are not under a tight timeline
- You want results that better reflect typical exposure over time
For most homeowners who are not under time pressure, long-term radon testing is usually the better choice.
A simple way to think about it:
Short-term testing gives quicker information. Long-term testing gives better information.
How RadonPatrol Helps
RadonPatrol offers professional radon testing in Manitoba for homeowners who want clear answers without guesswork.
Professional testing can help with:
- Choosing the right test type
- Placing the device correctly
- Understanding testing conditions
- Avoiding common testing mistakes
- Explaining what the results mean
RadonPatrol can help you decide whether short-term or long-term radon testing makes sense for your situation. If your results show elevated radon levels, we can also help explain what mitigation options may be available.
The goal is not to pressure you into a specific service. The goal is to help you understand your home’s radon level and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is short-term radon testing accurate?
Short-term radon testing can provide useful information, but it may not represent the home’s long-term average radon level. It is best used as a snapshot or screening tool.
How long is a long-term radon test?
Health Canada recommends long-term radon testing for a minimum of 3 months. Many long-term tests are placed for at least 91 days.
Which radon test does Health Canada recommend?
Health Canada generally recommends long-term radon testing because radon levels can vary over time and longer measurements provide a better estimate of average exposure.
Can I start with a short-term test and do a long-term test later?
Yes. Some homeowners use short-term testing as a first step, especially if they want faster information. A long-term test can then provide a more complete picture.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start with a radon test. From there, we will guide you through the right next step for your home.
