The radon industry remains essential in protecting public health and safety by addressing radon exposure in homes and businesses. In 2024, the industry experienced notable changes driven by the real estate market, new regulations, growing consumer awareness, and other important factors. These developments reflect shifting market demands and new opportunities for industry growth. Based on the current survey data from The Radon Reporter, this report explores the current landscape of the radon testing and mitigation industry, offering valuable insights and predictions for the future.
This report highlights the important role of the radon industry and aims to serve as a valuable resource. Through our analysis, we offer valuable insights and forecasts, providing radon mitigation contractors, home service providers, policymakers, and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in the industry's evolving field.
2024 Industry Overview & Services Provided
Radon service providers continue to expand their expertise in radon testing and mitigation by integrating additional air quality services. The report shows radon businesses are offering services such as asbestos, mold remediation, and lead-based paint abatement. This trend reflects the growing demand for comprehensive environmental air quality solutions. Here are the key findings:
- Home Inspection is the Most Common Additional Service – 49% of radon businesses provide home inspections, demonstrating a strong link between radon services and general property evaluations.
- Environmental & Remediation Services are a Priority – Many radon businesses also offer mold testing (30%), asbestos remediation (26%), and lead-based paint abatement (23%), highlighting a shift toward broader indoor environmental safety.
- Specialized Services Show Market Potential – While some services like HVAC (7%) and pest management (9%) are less common, they indicate niche opportunities for radon professionals looking to expand their service range.
Key Observations:
This data highlights changes in the radon industry as more homeowners prioritize indoor air quality, giving business owners new opportunities to grow and expand their services.
Service Offerings and Innovations
The radon industry's range of services and areas of expertise are key signs of its flexibility, innovation, and ability to meet market demands. In 2024, companies demonstrated a proactive approach, expanding into specialized sectors while continuing to prioritize radon mitigation and testing.
Service Offerings:
-
Measurement Only:
- 2024: 38%
- 2023: 42%
-
Mitigation Only:
- 2024: 15%
- 2023: 15%
-
Measurement & Mitigation:
- 2024: 47%
- 2023: 43%
Key Observations:
The radon industry is shifting toward full-service solutions, with more businesses offering both measurement and mitigation. Fewer companies focus solely on measurement, while mitigation-only services remain steady, reflecting consistent demand. This trend highlights the industry's move toward integrated solutions as awareness and regulations grow.
Demand For Services:
Over the past five years, businesses have experienced a notable increase in demand for their services across various sectors. This growth reflects changing market conditions, evolving customer needs, and a broader economic shift that has led to more opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and impact:
- 40% of businesses experienced increased demand for services over the past year
- 55% reported growth compared to five years ago
Average Radon Testing Prices:
This section outlines the standard costs of radon testing services for single-family homes and multifamily buildings, showcasing typical price ranges, market trends, and key factors that impact pricing.
Single-Family Measurement Cost:
- $201 or more: 15%
- $151-$200: 47%
- $126-$150: 36%
- $101-$125: 11%
- $76 - $100: 4%
- $75 or less: 3%
Multifamily Per Unit Measurement Cost:
- $201 or more: 16%
- $151-$200: 11%
- $126-$150: 8%
- $101-$125: 12%
- $76-$100: 22%
- $75 or less: 29%
Key Observations:
- Single-Family Homes: The majority of testing prices fall above $150, with a significant concentration (47%) in the $151-$200 category.
- Multifamily Units: The majority of testing prices fall below $126, with a significant concentration (22%) in the $76-$100 category.
Average Radon Mitigation Pricing:
This section offers a breakdown of typical expenses for radon mitigation services in both single-family homes and multifamily properties, highlighting common price ranges, industry trends, and factors that influence overall costs.
Single-Family Mitigation Cost:
- $3501 or more: 2024: 11%, 2023: 7%
- $3001-$3500: 2024: 10%, 2023: 5%
- $2501-$3000: 2024: 13%, 2023: 10%
- $2001 - $2500: 2024: 18%, 2023: 14%
- $1501 - $2000: 2024: 34%, 2023: 24%
- $1001-$1500: 2024: 21%, 2023: 28%
- $1000 or less: 2024: 2%, 2023: 2%
Multifamily Per Unit Mitigation Cost:
- $3501 or more: 2024: 19%, 2023: 23%
- $3001 - $3500: 2024: 11%, 2023: 7%
- $2501-$3000: 2024: 16%, 2023: 12%
- $2001 - $2500: 2024: 21%, 2023: 18%
- $1501-$2000: 2024: 18%, 2023: 18%
- $1000-$1500: 2024: 19%, 2023: 19%
- $1000 or less: 2024: 3%, 2023: 4%
Key Observations:
- Single-Family Homes: The majority of mitigation costs fall between $1000-$1500 (21%) and $1500-$2000 (34%), with the latter seeing a 10% increase from 2023. Higher-cost categories have also grown, with $2001-$2500 rising to 18% (up from 14%) and $3001 or more increasing significantly. This suggests rising mitigation expenses in the market.
- Multifamily Units: Prices per unit remain varied based on property size. The most common price range is $2001-$2500 (21%), up from 18% in 2023. Higher-end pricing has slightly decreased, with $3501 or more dropping from 23% to 19%, while mid-range costs, such as $2501-$3000, increased from 12% to 16%, indicating a shift in cost distribution.
Impact of Housing Market Changes
The survey outlines the main reasons homeowners and buyers choose to conduct radon testing. It provides insights into testing trends based on factors such as home sales, mitigation verification, and general interest.
- Testing a radon mitigation system: 50% reported few or no customers testing to verify a mitigation system, while 40% saw some interest, and only 10% indicated most or all customers tested for this reason.
- Homeowners planning to sell/list: 46% noted few or no sellers testing before listing their property, 38% observed some testing activity, and 16% reported most or all sellers conducting radon tests.
- Buyers under contract or considering purchase: Testing was most prevalent in this category, with 59% indicating most or all buyers tested for radon, 28% reporting some testing, and only 14% saying few or none tested.
- General homeowner or tenant interest: 52% noted some general interest in radon testing, while 32% reported little to no testing, and 16% said most or all tested for this reason.
Key Observations:
- The data suggests that buyers in the purchasing process are the most likely to conduct radon testing, while homeowners selling their property or those verifying mitigation systems show less urgency in testing.
2024 Industry Updates
New Compliance Standards
2024 marked the introduction of stricter radon mitigation regulations in multiple states. These laws primarily target new constructions, requiring certified mitigation systems to ensure public safety. With demand for radon professionals skyrocketing, industry players must prioritize certification to stay competitive.
Federal Radon Action Plan: Phase III
The EPA’s Federal Radon Action Plan advanced into Phase III this year. This initiative introduced:
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns.
- New funding for radon testing programs in schools.
- Strategic partnerships to promote mitigation efforts in underserved communities.
The focus on educating the public has already led to increased demand for radon testing and mitigation services nationwide.
UL Fan Safety Standard Update
A significant update to the UL 507 Standard for Safety, Electric Fans, went into effect on November 27, 2024. This change impacts radon fans installed in attics, garages, and outdoor settings, mandating enhanced safety measures for Listed electric fans used in “Unattended Areas.”
Key Elements of the Update:
- Thermal Protection Enhancements: The update requires fans to include secondary thermal protection or a current fuse, ensuring that motors do not spark even if windings short out. This addition increases overall safety.
- Testing Protocol: Manufacturers must submit a minimum of 25 motors for certification. Ten motors are tested for thermal protection functionality, and 15 undergo a rigorous 12-week thermal soak at 250°F to simulate years of usage.
- Safety Context: The update follows incidents involving bathroom ceiling fan fires on a U.S. Army base, highlighting the importance of enhanced protections for all fan types in unattended areas.
Radon fans already boast an excellent safety record, with millions installed over the past 40 years. However, these new standards further ensure that no hazards arise as fans reach the end of their service life. Consumers and mitigators are encouraged to look for the UL or ETL mark on fan labels, confirming compliance with the updated safety standard.
This revision not only reinforces the radon industry’s commitment to safety but also underscores the importance of professionalism in mitigation installations. By adopting these standards, the industry continues to elevate its reputation for protecting families from radon exposure.
2025 Outlook and Recommendations
As we conclude our review of the 2024 Radon Industry Report, several important trends have emerged that are set to influence the industry in the year ahead. The ever-changing real estate market continues to be a key factor affecting the demand for radon testing and mitigation services. Additionally, the radon industry is expanding its range of services, a shift that will have a significant impact moving forward. Based on our analysis, here are our recommendations for industry stakeholders as they adapt to these evolving dynamics. With so much change on the horizon, staying proactive is essential. Here’s how you can position yourself for success:
- Invest in Training: Certification programs are more critical than ever for industry credibility.
- Embrace Technology: Adopting smart systems and AI tools can give you a competitive edge.
- Lead Public Education Efforts: Engaging your community can build trust and increase demand for your services.
- Monitor Industry Trends: Keep a close watch on shifts in the housing market to forecast potential fluctuations in the demand for radon services. Being proactive will help you adjust your offerings ahead of time.
- Strengthen Industry Partnerships: Build relationships with home inspectors and real estate agents to create a network of professionals who recognize the importance of radon testing and can refer clients to your services.
- Diversify Client Solutions: Broaden your range of services by incorporating advanced radon mitigation techniques or offering new services that can benefit both residential and commercial clients.
- Expand Operational Capacity: Prepare for potential business growth by evaluating your current team structure and resources. Invest in additional staff or equipment to meet increased demand without compromising service quality.
The radon industry is poised for growth, but it’s up to professionals to seize these opportunities. By staying informed and embracing innovation, you can be part of a safer, healthier future. AdeptPlus is here to support you with the latest resources and insights—visit our resource library to learn more.