We all want to protect our families and colleagues. Thus, we go ahead and purchase air purifiers, and carbon monoxide detectors, among other allergen-preventing devices.
However, most homeowners often forget radon which can be detrimental to your health in the long run. The National Cancer Institute of the United States associates 15,000-22,000 lung cancer deaths every year to radon inhalation. This is quite a scary statistic given that radon is odorless and is very hard to detect in your spaces.
In this guide, we hope to educate you more on radon and give you a compact breakdown of the six best radon fans you can purchase to keep you, your loved ones, and your colleagues safe.
Best Quietest Radon Fans
What is Radon and How Does It Affect your Health
Normally when doing reviews and buying guides, I do not explain some words’ meanings because of the assumption that all of us already know. However, although not new, radon is not widely known, such as other elements in the environment that can be detrimental to human health.
Radon refers to the radioactive gas that comes from the soil when uranium, thorium, and radium from rocks in the soil decay. At this point, the question is, how does a gas from rock decay get into my space?
Radon will seep into your space through the soil underneath it or from the groundwater getting into the home. This then becomes a deadly problem if your space has poor ventilation.
This gas is quite ‘sneaky’, which makes the situation worse. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Thus, as it seeps and creeps into your home, you will never know until the first symptoms of radon contamination start showing up. Inhalation of this gas increases the risk of getting lung cancer.
It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in countries such as the United States. The situation even becomes worse if an individual smokes within the household as the risk doubles.
Why Do I Need a Radon Fan?
Before answering this question, I would like to send you on a small exercise- check the health condition of the individuals who live in that space. Do you find any respiratory problems, wheezing, chest pains?
If yes, this may be a possible indicator that space may have radon, which has affected the health of the individuals. Even though these symptoms are not evidence of radon’s presence, there are still chances of it, and we know what prolonged exposure can do to individuals.
Additionally, it is human to think that since the effects of radon are long-term, you do not need a radon fan in your home. I would recommend that you do not ignore your need for this life-saving equipment. It would be unfortunate to regret the non-acquisition years later when the adverse effects begin to show.
This fan is vital in radon mitigation, meaning that it prevents the buildup of radon in your home. A radon fan will normally use negative pressure to prevent radon’s rise through the foundation and inside your spaces.
With the help of a pipe and a fan, it is possible to pull the gas and vent it outside to dissolve faster into the atmosphere to less dangerous levels.
Further, you will not find any other cost-effective radon mitigation technique apart from the radon fan. Thus, you better go ahead and acquire that radon fan and protect your loved ones and colleagues from the adverse effects of this gas.
I am sure that there are still some individuals who are not convinced by the explanation above. Therefore, I recommend that you purchase a manual radon test kit of an electronic radon gas detector to test the space for contamination.
This gives you the information that you need- the levels of the radon that are present in your space. You can also contact an expert to help determine the radon levels.
However, remember that even the lowest radon level is detrimental to human beings, meaning that you will still need the radon fan at the end of the day. There is no escaping!
Where and How Do I Install My Radon Fan?
Before purchasing a radon fan, it is crucial to understand the best place to install it. The recommended place to install the radon fan is a space close to the household’s surface level. This means that the best areas to install the radon fan include garages and your spaces’ basement.
For people who are handy and acquainted with using drilling machines, the hammer, and basic utilities, installing a radon fan is quite simple. However, if you are like me and are very lazy when it comes to basic utility tools or never want to learn, it may be a complex process.
The truth is I never want to learn because I’m not too fond of the responsibilities that would come with learning how to use basic utility tools. If you are like that, you may need the radon mitigation contractor to pay a visit to your space and install it.
How Do I Choose the Best Radon Fan for My Space?
I know that most of you have experienced the terrible and painful feelings that come with purchasing something and then discover later that you do not need it.
This happens a lot, especially when there are a variety of brands and items in the market. I experienced this recently with a radon fan that had low wattage but could not function efficiently.
I had to purchase another one out of my budget and have not stopped blaming my lack of research beforehand. It would help if you did not go through the self-blame and the regret that I went through. Thus, I have prepared a summary of the factors you should consider when shopping and later buying your radon mitigation fan.
The square footage of your home should be the first thing you look out for. I recommend doing this with the help of a radon mitigation specialist. This ensures that you do not end up with a fan that is too big or too small for your space.
Noise is one important factor that you should look out for when purchasing a radon fan. You do not want equipment that hums loudly all through the day and night within your spaces.
Although the above review gives information on the quietest fans, it is important to note that there may be some noise coming from the fan especially if you open the window or the space situated next to the radon fan.
The noises come from the airflow, and the fan noises themselves. The recommendation, therefore, is to ensure that you select the quietest fan with the lowest wattage. I understand that there are some instances when you may still hear the noise even when you have followed these instructions while purchasing.
If you experience this, then it signifies an airflow tube problem. Ensure that you get in touch with your radon mitigation specialist to change the previous tube and install a thicker PVC tube. This may affect the outlook of the radon fan, but it is all worth the effort.
I also recommend looking out for when selecting a radon fan is its durability. It would be quite unfortunate to purchase a radon fan that cannot last you a while.
This is because the fan is expensive and may be pricey. Selecting a durable fan should not be hard since you only need to check out waterproof fans, radon fans with sealed connected pipes. This helps the radon fan weather all the adverse effects that they could face from the weather, especially if they are going to be placed outside.
Best Quietest Radon Fans
1. RadonAway RP145 Radon Fan
- Energy efficient, Ultra-quiet operation
- Meets all electrical code requirements, Rated for commercial and residential use
- Water-hardened motorized impeller. When installing an ASD system for radon reduction, any openings, major cracks and penetrations in the building slab or membrane must be sealed. Fan sizing for retrofit may require professional diagnostics and design
- Seams sealed to inhibit radon leakage
How would you like to have the most sought-after radon fan in your spaces? I am sure that it is a pleasant feeling. Well, the RadonAway RP145 Radon Fan is a highly-regarded radon fan for small homes or spaces.
This is because it is easy to install especially if you have basic DIY skills. It will only need about two hours for installation and you don’t need to hire a radon contractor to install it for you.
The other advantage is that it is energy efficient. Energy efficiency is one of the things that attracts us to appliances like fans. After all, nobody wants to have massive power bills at the end of the month. It has a power wattage of 55 and a CFM of 165, which ensures that it is economical and energy-efficient.
My favorite part is that it comes with a five-year warranty meaning that you are insured for any faults the radon fan may have (that is the manufacturer’s fault) for the next five years.
This radon fan’s only limitation is that it is prone to wear and tear easily if improperly maintained. This is not quite a big problem as it only needs regular maintenance to prevent this wear and tear that may lead to noise.
Pros
- Ideal for small homes or spaces
- Easy and simple to install
- Energy efficient
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- May wear out quickly, leading to noise.
2. Nutone ILRF In-Line Radon Mitigation Fan
- HVI Certified
- 140 CFM
- Duct Direction: Vertical, Duct Size: 5-Inch or 4-Inch
- Ceiling Installation
- Warranty - 1 Year
Don’t we all like equipment that is relatively easy to install? This radon fan has straightforward installation making it one of my favorites. This fan’s other advantage is that it can be used with both 4 inches and 5 inch PVC ducts.
The UV-resistant housing is also another element to smile about. This ensures that the radon fan is not exposed to damaging ultraviolet ways.
Noise is another factor that almost 99 percent of the people globally would not enjoy (at least not all the time). Therefore, getting a radon fan that is too quiet; you hardly remember its existence is another positive thing.
On energy efficiency, this radon fan is in the same classification as the RadonAway RP145 Radon Fan. It has a CFM rating of 140. Adding on to its many advantages is its prebuilt thermal overload protection feature. Thus, you do not have to worry about motor damage in case of a short circuit.
The only notable limitation with this radon fan is its plastic casing which may not be as durable as a metallic one. However, with the proper maintenance, it is possible to have it over a long period.
Pros
- Straight forward installation
- Can be used with 4 and 5 inch PVC ducts
- Whisper quiet operations
- UV resistant housing
- Energy efficient
- Prebuilt thermal overload protection feature
Cons
- Plastic casing
3. RadonAway RP360 Radon Mitigation Box Fan
- Energy efficient, Ultra-quiet operation
- Meets all electrical code requirements, Rated for commercial and residential use
- Water-hardened motorized impeller. When installing an ASD system for radon reduction, any openings, major cracks and penetrations in the building slab or membrane must be sealed. Fan sizing for retrofit may require professional diagnostics and design
- Seams sealed to inhibit radon leakage
The RadonAway RP360 Radon Mitigation Box Fan is the more powerful version of the RadonAway RP145 Radon Fan. It has a maximum power wattage of 65 and a CFM of 251. These figures tell you how powerful this fan is and confirm that it is more suitable for large spaces.
The device is also quiet in its operations, making it a favorite for many as there is no need to worry about disturbing noises. The other advantage of this device is that it comes with a kit with everything necessary for installation. This means that there is no need to struggle or even get an installation expert.
Durability is one of the pleasing critical elements when purchasing any equipment. Luckily for us, this fan is highly durable with an extended lifespan. On top of that, the equipment also comes with a five-year warranty which is a testament to its longevity.
The only limitation is that it is made of plastic material which may be prone to damage if one is not careful with handling it. However, handling it with care is all it takes to ensure that the fan lives up to its durability promise.
Pros
- Powerful and high performance
- Durable
- Suitable for large spaces
- Quiet operations
- Comes with a kit that has everything necessary for installation.
Cons
- Made from plastic material
4. Fantech RN2 Radon Fan
- Standard 4 ½” pipe size
- 123cfm @ 0.50”sp and 20cfm @ 1.75”sp
- Vibration welded seam ensures leak-proof housing
- Formerly the HP2190Q
If I were to describe the advantages and the operations of this radon fan, I would use two words- top-notch! First, the fan has super quiet operations which is a big deal for me because I’m not too fond of noise. It is also perfect for a DIY installation which makes things super easy for any user.
It is also one of the most powerful fans- but powerful in a balanced way, making it suitable for home and commercial use. Radon fans that are useful for both home and commercial are rarely fairly priced. However, this fan is fairly priced and also offers you value for money.
One would expect that this radon fan has high power consumption based on its power. However, it is quite energy-efficient and has record low power consumption. It also has water-resistant housing protecting the fan from the weather.
On the downside, however, the fan has a plastic casing again raising its durability. A metal casing would have been so much better. Users have also complained that the fan does not start up with the low on the fan switch.
Pros
- Fairly priced
- Powerful and therefore suitable for both home and commercial use
- Record low power consumption
- Water-resistant housing
- DIY installation
- Quiet operations
Cons
- Plastic casing and housing
- Does not startup with the “low” on my fan switch
5. Tjernlund RMS160 Sidewall Radon Mitigation System
- Side wall terminated radon mitigation system
- Includes fan with 3" pvc connectors and exterior hood
- Engineered discharge hood dilutes gases and accelerates gases away from the homes exterior
- Eliminates unsightly pvc on home exterior
- Vibration isolated mounting system
Being a new radon fan in the market, it is fascinating that this is a relatively unique product with its strengths and flaws. It comes with adjustable air speed controls, making it easy for you to control the airflow.
It is also an energy-efficient device meaning that worrying about power bills will be a thing of the past for you.
The radon fan also exhibits quiet operations which is a plus as you can work well with the fan in your spaces. It also has a guaranteed power supply stability owed to its 6 feet power grounded cable.
This radon fan also has its flaws beginning with its slower operations than the other radon fans in the marketplace. Further, most buyers are looking into and for devices that will accord them a longer warranty.
This radon fan has a one-year warranty while the rest of the fans have a five-year warranty (the standard for radon fans) making it a disadvantage.
Pros
- Adjustable air speed controls
- Energy efficient
- Guaranteed power supply stability
- Quiet operations
Cons
- Slower than other radon fans
- One-year warranty which is lower than the other fans with a five-year warranty
6. Suncourt RDK04-3 Radon Fan Mitigation Kit
- PROTECT YOUR HOME– Quickly mitigate radon in old and new homes with the Suncourt Radon Mitigation Kit. Ideal for sub-slab depressurization, the centrifugal fan will operate quietly and effectively for years to come. Made with trusted materials and premium construction.
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE – Constructed with safe, quality materials, this fan is class B, thermally protected, conforms to CSA 22.2, UL listed. The thermal plastic housing is resistant to UV rays and has been epoxy sealed for a watertight performance and durability. The 4” Centrax Radon Mitigation fan runs on 77 watts, providing your home protection from radon with minimal energy costs.
- EASY INSTALLATION –The Suncourt Radon Mitigation Fan Kit comes complete with the 4” Centrax Centrifugal fan, two white anti-vibration PVC rubber couplers and an air pressure indicator. The fan can be easily mounted indoors or outdoors.
- ELECTRICAL WIRING – Simple connect wiring with the terminal block provided. This fan operates on standard 120VAC 60Hz.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME– Quickly mitigate radon in old and new homes with the Suncourt Radon Mitigation Kit. Ideal for sub-slab depressurization, the centrifugal fan will operate quietly and effectively for years to come. Made with trusted materials and premium construction.
This is another unique radon fan with outstanding features. One of the features that provide an advantage is that it can be used with 3 inches and 4 inch PVC ducts.
It is also fascinating that this radon fan has a default air pressure indicator’s unique feature. This helps to know the air pressure levels to determine if you need to add more or not. Further, the radon fan comes with default rubber couplers. These make it easy to install all the radon fans.
Its whisper-quiet operations also guarantee that you will enjoy peace and quiet whenever you are using a radon fan within your spaces.
The negative side of this radon fan is that it is difficult to install. Despite the radon fan coming with the rubber couplers, you may need to engage a professional’s services to get the best installation. The radon fan also requires the power cable’s purchase separately, which may add to your budget.
Pros
- Can be used with 3 inch and 4 inch PVC ducts
- The unique feature of a default air pressure indicator
- Comes with default rubber couplers
- Quiet operations
Cons
- Difficult to install
- Need to purchase power cable separately
Conclusion
Now you are aware of radon and the effects that it can have on different people in your spaces. This calls for you to be proactive and get your spaces tested for radon levels to protect everyone. Ensure that you consider all the facets mentioned above to get the best radon fan for your space.
One more thing- I recommend that you get a radon mitigation contractor to do diagnostic testing and guide you through the entire process. That way, you will be sure to have minimal mistakes (which I doubt will even occur).