We were asked to back up our advice or opinion on a situation this week regarding an install by another company. When we disagreed with what they did, they came back to the agent that they were EPA certified, so what they say trumps us. Well, here is what I sent the agent. You can go to the link yourself to see…

http://www.epa.gov/radon/fixyourhome.html.

What does “EPA-Listed” or “EPA Approved” or “Meets EPA Requirements” Mean?

Read the letter announcing closure of National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) dated July 30, 1998

EPA-issued Radon Measurement (RMP) and Mitigation (RCP) Program photo-identification cards, and ANY item with EPA’s logo or name, listing letters and identification numbers has not been valid since EPA closed its proficiency program in October 1998. Consequently, persons and companies should not represent themselves, their products or their services as “EPA Listed” or “EPA Approved” or “Meets EPA Requirements” or otherwise imply an EPA sanction. Consumers are encouraged to contact their State radon office for additional information or if you have a complaint or question.

This Radon company was not around before 1998. Don’t take anyone’s word they are certified or licensed, no matter what type the work. Get proof, protect yourself.

Last week I received two calls from two different agents asking me if Radon fans can be placed in a garage. The simple answer is yes, when there is no bonus rooms/livable space above it. Is it recommended? No. There are standards that are should’s and shall’s in our business. A Radon fan should always be placed in the attic space when in the garage area or shall be if there is livable space above the garage. The reason someone would do this is really to offer a less expensive system so electrical does not have to be installed in the attic. It is not a better way to do the system, which is what the installing company said. They also said you can hear the fan running, so you don’t have to go up into the attic to check. Well, each system, per standards, has to have a functioning warning device on the pipe, preferably in the basement. We use simple manometers. By looking at it you will know if the fan is drawing air. Just by listening to the fan is no indication that it is actually moving air. Plus with the fan mounted in the garage space it is now an obtrusive object, something to get bumped into. Look at the pic with the fan by the entry door to the home. How many times will that fan get hit going into the home? These were realty deals, where the seller saved some money. However, the buyers of the homes are not too happy with what they ended up with. Make sure you know where your fan will be installed.

Looking for work, or know someone who is? We are looking to hire a new installer. Training provided. Must be 18 yrs or older. Must have valid drivers licence. I am looking for someone long term, as it is quite expensive to train a new employee and get them certified. This is hard work. Once trained and in the field you will be like your own boss on site. Starting pay is $14 hr, with guaranteed 40 hrs a week. Email or call our office for more information.

Today we had rain, freezing rain and all the good stuff that goes with it. Early this morning I heard a loud crack, then thud outside my bedroom window. Nice log landed on top of power lines. First thing I thought of is my sump pump, but then realized I had a backup system and would be OK. Peace of mind. There will plenty to clean up, but my finished basement will stay dry. As I write this we have had over 200 calls with customers wishing they had a backup system. Do you have a finished basement? If you do, and your sump pit runs when it rains then you should consider a battery backup system. A generator is a good option too, but you need to be home to have that run. Even if the power is on, your pump could fail. With a backup system it just runs when it needs to. Check out our backup systems on our site under Products/Services. The Pro Series are the best systems on the market today.

This one really bothers me, because it was installed in Neenah, where I live. I understand that when selling a home sellers are looking for the best price. I was about $150 more than the company that put in the system. $150 more? How can I justify the higher costs? Am I trying to rip some one off? Well, Look at the pics and you be the judge. There are 5 major things that I saw from the pictures that need to be corrected. Can you see what they are? If so, email me and I will let you know if you are right. Good Luck.