Radon Testing for Homes and Businesses in Minnesota and North Dakota
Testing is the only way to know your radon level. We make it simple: about 10 minutes to set up, 48 hours to test, and clear answers from a local family who's been where you are.
Why Test?
You Can't See It, Smell It, or Taste It. A Test Is the Only Way to Know.
Radon is a natural gas that forms as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. It moves up through the ground and into buildings through foundation cracks, sump pits, and other small openings. Over time, it can build up to levels that aren't safe to breathe.
Here in Minnesota and North Dakota, it's more common than most people think. The Minnesota Department of Health reports that about 2 in 5 Minnesota homes have radon above the recommended action level, and the state average is roughly three times the national average. Our long, cold winters play a part: when homes are closed up and heated, they can pull even more radon in from the soil.
The good news is that radon is easy to test for and very fixable. We simply encourage every family to find out where their home stands.
Three Things to know
Every home is different.
Age, construction, and neighborhood don't predict radon. Two houses side by side can have very different levels, so a neighbor's result can't tell you yours.
New homes aren't automatically safe.
Newer homes can still test high, even ones built with passive radon features.
Most homes have never been tested.
MDH estimates only 1–2% of Minnesota homes are tested each year.
How testing works
Simple, Quick, and Explained Every Step of the Way
Every home is different, so every system is designed for your foundation, layout, and radon level. No cookie-cutter installs.
Reach out.
Call or request a test online. We'll ask a few questions about your home and find a time that works for you.
We set up the test.
- A certified technician places a professional radon monitor in the lowest lived-in level of your home. Setup takes about 10 minutes.
Keep things closed up for 48 hours.
Keep windows and outside doors closed except for normal coming and going. Live your life as usual otherwise. We'll give you a short checklist
We pick it up and share your results.
We'll walk you through what your number means in plain language. There's no pressure and no scare tactics, just honest answers and practical options if you need them.
Radon Testing for Real Estate Transactions
Radon comes up in almost every home sale in our area. In Minnesota, sellers are required to disclose what they know about radon in the home, and many buyers add a radon test to their inspection. When you're on a closing timeline, you need a result you can trust, and you need it fast.
- Buyers: Know what you're moving into before you sign. If levels are high, you'll have clear information to negotiate with.
- Sellers: Testing ahead of listing means no surprises mid-deal and gives buyers confidence.
- Real estate agents: We work around inspection windows and closing dates, and we communicate clearly with everyone at the table. Keep us in your contacts for your next listing.
Need a test before closing?
| Your result | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| Below 2 pCi/L | You're in good shape. Retest every few years or after major remodeling. |
| 2–3.9 pCi/L | Consider mitigation, especially if you spend time in a finished basement. We'll talk through your options honestly. |
| 4 pCi/L or higher | Mitigation is recommended. Most systems are installed in about a day. |
Understanding Your Results
What Your Number Means
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA and Minnesota Department of Health recommend fixing a home at 4 pCi/L or higher, and considering it between 2 and 4.
A high result can feel overwhelming. We've been there ourselves. It's the reason we started this business. Radon is very fixable, and we'll help you understand every option before you decide anything.
A Local Family You Can Trust With Your Home
When we bought our home in Fergus Falls, our radon test came back high, and finding a qualified local professional was harder than it should have been. That experience is why Up North Radon exists. Today, Jellay and Emily bring that same care to every home we test.
- Certified and trained. NRPP/AARST-trained professional, following EPA and Minnesota Department of Health protocols.
- Honest answers, never pressure. If your levels are fine, we'll tell you. If they're not, we'll explain your options clearly.
- Local and responsive. Based in Fergus Falls and Fargo, serving communities within about 150 miles.
- Respect for your home. We treat your property like it's our own.
"From the first phone contact to the last test results, everything went so smooth. The process was completed with knowledge, excellence and professionalism."
— Robyn Beck
Serving: Fergus Falls, Fargo, Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Perham, Pelican Rapids, Barnesville, Ottertail, Wahpeton, Grand Forks, Bemidji, St. Cloud, and surrounding communities.
Service Areas
Commercial & Multifamily Radon Testing in Minnesota and North Dakota
Up North Radon provides professional radon testing for commercial buildings, multifamily properties, apartments, offices, child care facilities, property managers, and other occupied spaces throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.
We are familiar with the additional testing protocols and documentation that may be required for HUD, Fannie Mae, government grant, and other publicly funded projects, and can help provide the testing and documentation needed to keep your project moving forward.
Minnesota child care providers are also preparing for new radon-related licensing requirements taking effect July 1, 2027. Up North Radon can provide professional testing and clear documentation for child care centers and family child care programs preparing for these requirements.
Contact us for a customized commercial, multifamily, or child care radon testing plan and estimate.
FAQs
How long does a radon test take?
Setup takes about 10 minutes. The test runs for 48 hours, then we collect the monitor and review your results with you.
Do I need to be home during the test?
Only for setup and pickup. Otherwise, go about your normal routine. Just keep windows and outside doors closed except for normal coming and going.
Can't I just use a store-bought kit?
DIY kits are a fine starting point. A professional test uses calibrated equipment, follows standard protocols, and comes with someone to explain your results. That matters most for real estate deals, where the result needs to hold up.
When is the best time to test?
Any time of year works. Winter testing often shows higher levels, since homes are closed up and heated. Testing then gives a realistic look at what your family breathes most of the year.
My neighbor's house tested fine. Do I still need to test?
Yes. Radon levels vary from house to house, even next door. The only way to know your level is to test your home.
What happens if my levels are high?
We'll explain your result and walk you through mitigation options. Most systems are installed in about a day, and levels often drop dramatically within days.
How often should I retest?
Retest every couple of years, after major renovations, or if you start using a lower level more often. If you have a mitigation system, regular retesting confirms it's still working.
Do I need to test first?
Yes. Mitigation starts with a radon test. If you haven't tested yet, we can do that for you.
Find Out Where Your Home Stands
A radon test is one of the simplest things you can do for your family's health. Let's get yours on the calendar.
Prefer to talk it through? Call us at 218-671-5046.