Concerned Homeowner Makes the Right Call
After the installation of the Level 3 Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) system, radon levels were reduced by 99.4%. Successfully reducing levels well below the recommended guideline of 200 Bq/m3.
The Rn2EC fans fit seamlessly into the plan design. In this instance, Fantech products were paired with external PVC piping solutions by IPEX to develop a successful ASD system.
In 2014, the Beauchemin family moved into their La Prairie residence. The single-family home is in the Montérégie region, along the picturesque Saint Lawrence River on Quebec’s South Shore. What comes from the Montérégie soil, however, is far less of an inviting image. Currently, 1 in 5 homes in the area test above Health Canada’s 200 Bq/m3 radon guideline. Unfortunately for the Beauchemin’s, they now lived in a home that needed radon mitigation but realized this only after the COVID-19 pandemic when working from home became necessary.
Therefore, they sought out the experts at RADON EXPERT LM, a specialized and certified business in radon mitigation solutions, to conduct radon testing. The Beauchemin family was informed that their radon levels were well above normal and asked the team at RADON EXPERT LM to come up with a radon mitigation solution to fit their needs.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid work models became much more prevalent across the world. As a result, many more Canadians spend a much larger amount of time in their homes than ever before. Empirical research conducted in 2023 underscores a worrisome trend, indicating a 19.2% increase in the annual radiation dosage from residential radon exposure in Canada since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic [1].
Such was the case for Patrice Beauchemin, who converted his basement into a home office. Motivated to ensure his family’s well-being, he pursued radon testing and consulted with Lyne Brouillard, owner of RADON EXPERT LM.
During the initial consultation, Lyne and the team evaluated the average radon levels in the residence to ascertain the concentration of radon indoors and determine if remedial action was necessary to safeguard the homeowners.
Once testing was complete, the results indicated an elevated radon level of 265 Bq/m3 in the residence, exceeding Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m3. After assessing the specific considerations of the home, such as the entry points for radon, and the building’s foundation, structure, and soil characteristics, it was concluded that this home would need a full Level 3 active soil depressurization (ASD) system.
ASD systems are the most effective choice to reduce high radon levels in a home, usually to below 100 Bq/m3 [2]. The Level 3 installation differs from a Level 2 installation as a low-wattage fan is added to the piping, making it an active solution versus a passive solution.
Alongside RadonXTM piping solutions by IPEX, Fantech’s Rn2EC radon mitigation fan was chosen to actively pull radon gas from beneath the foundation. The electronically commutated (EC) motor is inherently efficient, operationally stable at both full and reduced speeds, and features a variable speed controller to enable radon mitigation professionals to dial in the desired suction.
Designed specifically for Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) mitigation applications
Air-tight housing - zero leakage
UV-resistant resin housing
UL Listed for safety and outdoor use
HVI-certified fan performance
5-year factory warranty
Rn2 installation kit includes a corded fan, a radon alarm, manometer and couplers. Ideal for medium radon levels and medium sub-slab communication.
Radon is naturally occurring everywhere in the world. There is no home in the world that we can say has zero radon. Every home in Canada has a certain amount of radon. Taking precautions during construction with an experienced radon specialist can greatly reduce the amount of radon that infiltrates into our homes. Additionally, using good quality products such as IPEX's RadonX piping can make it easy and cost-effective to correct if it is determined that the radon levels still exceed Health Canada's guidelines after occupancy.
Owner and founder of MB Radon Solutions
Following the system installation, the team calibrated the system to run as efficiently as possible while drawing minimal power to save energy for the homeowner. To validate the installation, the professionals proceeded with conducting continuous radon measurements using the Corentium Pro. Before installing the system, the average radon level observed was 265 Bq/m3. After installation, it was an average of 1.7 Bq/m3; a 99.4% reduction in radon gas levels. Now the system successfully protects the Beauchemin family and saves energy to keep their operational costs low.