In the world of home safety, there are visible threats we guard against, like fire and intruders. But there is also a silent, invisible, and odorless threat that seeps up from the ground beneath our homes: radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If a home test reveals elevated radon levels, a mitigation system is not an option; it's a necessity.

At the heart of every active radon mitigation system is one critical, continuously running component: a specially designed Duct Fan. This is a deep-dive into this life-saving application. As experts in air movement and fan reliability, we at Hon&Guan understand the unique, mission-critical demands of radon mitigation.

The Application: Active Soil Depressurization

The most common and effective method for reducing radon levels in a home is called Active Soil Depressurization (ASD). The goal is not to remove radon from the indoor air, but to intercept it in the ground before it has a chance to enter the home.

The system works as follows:

1. Suction Point: A hole is cored through the home's foundation slab, creating a suction pit in the soil or gravel beneath.

2. PVC Piping: A system of solid PVC pipe is run from this suction point up through the house to the attic or outside.

3. The Fan's Role: A specialized Duct Fan is installed in this pipe system. It runs continuously, 24/7, creating a gentle but constant vacuum under the foundation.

4. Venting: This vacuum pulls the radon gas from the soil into the pipe, where the fan then safely vents it high above the home's roofline, where it dissipates harmlessly into the atmosphere.

This system effectively creates a low-pressure zone under the slab that is lower than the pressure inside the house, preventing the gas from seeping indoors through cracks and openings.

Key Fan Characteristics for Radon Mitigation

You cannot use a standard bathroom fan or HVAC duct fan for this application. A radon mitigation Duct Fan is a purpose-built piece of safety equipment with specific design features:

• Continuous Duty Rating: This is the most important factor. The fan must be engineered and rated for continuous, non-stop, 24/7/365 operation for many years. This requires a high-quality, durable motor with excellent heat dissipation.

• Sealed Housing: The fan's housing must be factory-sealed to be airtight. This prevents the radon gas it is moving from leaking out into the attic or living space where the fan is installed. The seams are permanently glued or welded.

• Quiet Operation: Since the fan runs constantly, low operational noise is a key feature for homeowner comfort.

• UV Resistance: If the fan is mounted on the exterior of the home, its housing must be made of UV-resistant plastic or coated metal to prevent it from breaking down in the sun.

• Water-Hardened Motor: The air being pulled from the soil is often very damp. The fan's motor must be designed to withstand high humidity levels without failing.

Installation and System Monitoring

• Professional Installation: Radon mitigation is not a DIY project. It must be designed and installed by a certified radon mitigation professional to ensure it is effective and complies with national standards.

• System Monitor (Manometer): Every system must have a simple U-tube manometer installed on the pipe. This is a visual indicator that the fan is running and creating a vacuum. If the liquid levels in the U-tube are even, it means the fan has lost power or has failed, and it needs immediate service.

Why Reliability is Paramount: The Hon&Guan Standard

When it comes to radon mitigation, a fan failure means the home is no longer protected. Reliability is not just a feature; it is the entire purpose of the product. At Hon&Guan, we take this responsibility seriously.

• Engineered for Longevity: Our specialized Duct Fan models for radon mitigation are built with top-tier, continuous-duty motors and high-quality bearings to ensure years of uninterrupted service.

• Airtight and Durable: We use molded, factory-sealed housings to guarantee leak-proof performance, a critical safety requirement for this application.

• Quiet and Efficient: We design our fans to perform their life-saving function as quietly and efficiently as possible, providing peace of mind without being a nuisance.

Radon Mitigation FAQs

• How much does it cost to run a radon fan? Very little. These fans are highly efficient, typically using less electricity than a 60-watt light bulb. The annual cost is usually between $30 and $70.

• How long does a radon fan last? A high-quality, properly installed radon fan should last for five years or more, with many operating for over a decade.

For information on our specialized fans for radon mitigation, please send your inquiry to our technical team at sales01@hongguanfan.com.