Fixing radon: mitigation systems and costs
Radon problems in homes can be fixed.[1] Here are the systems the Vermont Department of Health describes, with its estimated installation costs.
Radon in air
| System | How it works | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Active soil depressurization (ASD) | Very common and works with many foundation types. In most cases, a vent pipe and a fan reduce the amount of radon that enters the home.[1] | $1,500 to $2,500[1] |
| Heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) | Exhausts air from the home and replaces it with fresh outdoor air. Because too much outdoor air can affect comfort and energy use, these are best for moderate radon levels or to supplement an ASD system. They can also improve indoor air quality.[1] | Around $7,000 when no additional ducting or electrical work is needed[1] |
Costs are the Health Department's estimates from its January 2024 fact sheet; get a quote for your home. The EPA suggests getting an estimate from one or more qualified mitigators before fixing.[1][2]
After a system is installed, test again to make sure levels are below 4.0 pCi/L,[3] then test every two years to make sure it's still working.[3]
Radon in water
| System | How it works | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aeration | A fan mixes your water with air inside a tank or well casing, then vents the air and radon outdoors, away from the home.[1] | Around $7,000[1] |
| Granular activated carbon (GAC) | A charcoal filter removes radon from the water. The Health Department discourages GAC for radon because radon collected on the filter can pose a radiological hazard to homeowners and service technicians. It's best suited to moderate levels, around 5,000 pCi/L or less.[1] | Around $2,000[1] |
For water treatment, the Health Department refers people to a Water Quality Association (WQA) certified treatment provider.[1] Retest your water after any treatment system is installed.[4]
Building or renovating
Building radon resistant costs less ($250 to $750) than fixing a radon problem later ($1,500 to $2,500), according to the Health Department. Features include a gas-permeable layer such as 4 inches of clean gravel under the slab, plastic sheeting, sealed floor openings, a 3- or 4-inch vent pipe through the roof, and an electrical junction box in case a fan is needed later.[5]
Help paying for mitigation
Programs exist to help eligible Vermonters fix health and safety problems at home, including radon.[3] The Health Department lists these, among others:[6]
- NeighborWorks organizations offer low-cost loans and grants for home repairs, including radon mitigation, to owner-occupants with household income below 80% of area median income. Five organizations serve different Vermont counties.
- USDA Rural Development Section 504 offers low-cost repair loans, and grants for eligible homeowners 62 and older, with income and location limits.
- FSA, HSA or HRA funds may be usable when a medical professional recommends addressing radon and provides a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Eligibility details change; check the Health Department's financial assistance page for current rules and contacts.
Sources
- Fixing Radon in Your Home (fact sheet, January 2024), Vermont Department of Health. Checked 2026-10-17.
- Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon (EPA 402/K-24/001, March 2024), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Checked 2026-10-17.
- Radon in Your Home, Vermont Department of Health. Checked 2026-10-17.
- Radon in Drinking Water, Vermont Department of Health. Checked 2026-10-17.
- Building Radon Resistant (fact sheet, June 2025), Vermont Department of Health. Checked 2026-10-17.
- Financial Assistance (Healthy Homes), Vermont Department of Health. Checked 2026-10-17.