How Much Does It Cost to Install a Radon Mitigation System, and Why Is It Worth It?

Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. It enters homes through foundation cracks, unsealed pipes, and sump pits, often accumulating in basements and lower-level areas. Long-term exposure to radon is strongly linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, making radon mitigation a critical step for Canadian homeowners in protecting their health.

Health risks of Radon exposure

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking. According to Health Canada, Radon exposure is the cause of approximately 16% of  lung cancer deaths in the country. For cigarette smokers, the risk is even higher because inhaled Radon and tobacco smoke preferentially lead to lung cancer. Long-term Radon exposure can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, which can be fatal. Because Radon exposure is a hidden danger that most people overlook until it is too late, homeowners must test and mitigate Radon to prevent these long-term consequences.

Radon Levels by Canadian Province

Radon concentrations in Canada vary significantly based on regional geology and soil composition. Higher levels are often found in provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and New Brunswick, where local geological conditions allow radon to accumulate more easily. However, even in lower-risk areas, radon can reach dangerous levels inside homes. Testing is the only way to know if your home is affected. Radon test kits are available online or at most hardware stores, and Health Canada provides detailed guidance on how to use them. Health Canada recommends that every home in Canada be tested, regardless of location, as radon levels can vary greatly—even between neighbouring houses.

How much does Radon mitigation cost in Canada?

What to Expect in the Radon Mitigation Process

So many factors influence the expected Canadian price of Radon mitigation systems:

• Higher Radon levels may need more elaborate mitigation systems, which can increase the price.

• Larger homes or homes with more complex foundations (such as multi-levels or a crawl space) generally require more equipment and are, in turn, more expensive.

Types of system: 

The cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the type of system installed. One of the most effective methods is active sub-slab depressurization (SSD), which tends to be more expensive than simpler solutions like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). Labour costs also differ across regions in Canada, with remote or rural areas often facing higher prices due to limited availability of certified professionals.

Pricing in Canada

In Canada, the average cost of a radon mitigation system ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. This includes installation, which typically takes one to two days, as well as any additional fees that may apply to homes with crawl spaces or particularly high radon levels. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term benefits to your health and property value make it a worthwhile investment.

Cost Difference Between DIY and Professional Installation

DIY radon reduction may appear more cost-effective, but it can quickly become complex and ineffective if not done properly. Successful mitigation requires a solid understanding of building systems and radon control techniques. Improper installation can result in systems that fail to reduce radon to safe levels. While professional systems are not inexpensive, they are designed to be properly installed and optimized for long-term performance. Certified radon mitigation specialists also conduct follow-up testing to ensure that radon levels have been effectively reduced.

Standard Radon Mitigation System (types) in Canada

Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)

SSD is now Canada's most common and effective active mitigation strategy. It involves drilling a hole straight through a foundation slab, inserting a vent pipe under the foundation and then adding a fan that sucks Radon gas from under the slab and vents it outside. This system is considered the best practice in Radon mitigation and is very effective in long-term Radon reduction.

Sub-Membrane Depressurization

We use this technique for homes that have crawl spaces. A plastic membrane is placed over the open soil to prevent Radon from coming up, and a fan extracts the radon from the house and vents it outside. This approach is used with other methods, such as sub-membrane depressurization, to reduce Radon.

Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

HRVs are designed to reduce indoor air pollutants through increased ventilation rates, which will help do the same for Radon levels. However, HRVs are not as effective as SSD systems and work most effectively in homes where moderate levels of Radon have been found. They may be considered a supplement for a primary mitigation system, but they cannot be depended on alone for homes with relatively high Radon levels.

Comparing System Efficiency and Costs

Active SSD systems are the cheapest and most effective Radon mitigation systems, but are otherwise more expensive. When deciding on a mitigation solution, homeowners must weigh the system's effectiveness against their budget.

Things Affecting the Cost of Radon Mitigation Systems

Home Size and Foundation Type

Larger homes often require more complex design and engineering, which can increase the overall cost of radon mitigation. Homes with a second storey, unique foundation types, or above-average square footage may need additional systems or customized installations. In some cases, extensive sealing, specialized fan systems, or custom ductwork may be necessary to achieve effective radon reduction. These factors can significantly raise both labour and material costs.

Canada Labour Costs and Geographic Variations

If you've been informed that your home has elevated radon levels, the cost of mitigation can vary significantly depending on your location. In areas where certified professionals are scarce, particularly in rural or remote regions, prices tend to be higher due to limited availability and increased travel costs. In contrast, urban areas often have more competition among mitigation providers, which can lead to more competitive—and sometimes lower—pricing.

Is It a Good Idea to Install a Radon Mitigation System?

Long-Term Health Benefits

Radon mitigation is a long-term investment in your health and well-being, significantly reducing the risk of lung cancer and providing a sense of security.

Impact on Home Value and Resale Potential

In regions with known radon risk, homes with low radon levels are more appealing and marketable to potential buyers. Properties equipped with a radon mitigation system often sell more quickly and at a higher resale value, making mitigation a smart long-term investment for homeowners planning to sell in the future.

Long-Term Savings on Home Repairs and Air Quality Improvements

Reducing Radon enhances indoor air quality, leading to fewer health problems and reduced healthcare costs. Proper mitigation also minimizes the likelihood of costly repairs to the home's frame or structure, which may occur after the years-long effects of Radon exposure take their toll.

Canadians can expect more government grants and financial assistance

Provincial Roles: Incentives and Funding

Several provinces offer rebates or other funding incentives for homeowners to reduce their exposure to Radon. Radon to test for and mitigate Radon in different parts of the country, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Homeowners should check with local health agencies for available incentives.

How to Request Financial Aid

Provincial health agencies and the federal government are offering financial assistance to homeowners. In most cases, these programs require proof of mitigation and are only available for homes with Radon levels above recommended limits. Homeowners can research these programs through local government websites or consult certified Radon professionals who can help them.

What You Need: Qualifications and Experience

Canadian homeowners must seek C-NRPP certification with Radon mitigation contractors. Certification reminds homeowners that a professional has the proper training and experience to install a safe and effective mitigation system.

What to Ask Before You Hire a Contractor

Here are the questions you should be asking a Radon mitigation contractor if you are a Canadian homeowner — and why:

• Are they certified by C-NRPP?

• How much experience do they have with homes like yours?

• Warranty and post-installation testing services

• Do they provide ongoing monitoring or after-support?

Conclusion

Given the serious health risks associated with radon exposure—including an increased risk of lung cancer—and the fact that some provinces face higher radon levels than others, it's essential to take action. By investing in radon mitigation, homeowners are making a proactive choice to protect their health, preserve their property’s resale value, and maintain a high quality of life without unnecessary risks.

FAQ

How do I know if my house has high levels of Radon?

Radon testing is the only way to determine if your home has high Radon levels. Health Canada recommends testing all homes, especially those with high Radon levels.

Can I reduce Radon through a mitigation system?

While you can somewhat lower the Radon levels in your home by increasing ventilation and sealing up cracks in your foundation, adding a Radon mitigation system will be the most effective way to reduce Radon concentrations. Systems like active sub-slab depressurization have demonstrated long-term reductions in Radon levels.

Does Radon mitigation improve indoor air quality?

Radon mitigation systems do not simply reduce Radon levels—they also help improve general indoor air quality. They encourage better foundation integrity and increase ventilation, alleviating other indoor pollutants.