Handbook of Radon.
33. Financial implications of installing a radon system: capital costs, maintenance costs, and property values.
Capital costs of radon remediation vary from tens of pounds to several thousand pounds. Much depends on the starting value for the radon concentration, the measures adopted, and on the size and construction of the property. It is a myth that high radon concentrations must always be addressed by expensive and disruptive remedial methods.
The most obvious recurrent costs of radon remediation are for electricity to run fans (typically £50 per year) and extra heating costs that may be incurred consequent upon their operation. These will vary, depending upon the property, system design and fan size, but may be estimated at between a few tens of pounds per year and perhaps over £100.
Additionally, the lifetime of fans when used in typical depressurisation systems may not exceed 5 to 8 years, giving an average annual cost of about £20. Modified fan designs may overcome some of the problems.
Other maintenance costs are most likely to arise as a consequence of re-sealing of entry routes because of ground movements or sealant failure. Again, there is little experience of long term performance.
It may be advised also, depending upon the starting radon level, to undertake a single radon measurement over a few months in a ground floor room every one to five years, to confirm the continuing adequacy of the remediation. This may be less necessary with fan systems than with remediation that relies on sealing alone, simply because it is easier to confirm continuing operation of a fan.
Effects on property values are more difficult to predict and analyse because, as in other markets, confidence and perception can be dominant influences. It is possible that as radon remediation becomes more accepted, systems may be regarded as an asset.
However, because of the low fraction of houses likely to be remedied even in the most affected counties, there is no doubt that houses with radon systems will always represent departures from 'normality'. Aesthetic system design may go some way to help ensure acceptability. Crucially also, property values may be less affected by remediation that is both passive and discreet (such as sealing), since it might be argued that floors were sealed merely to keep out draughts. Section 38 contains cautionary notes for house sellers.
Another factor is the possible development of certificates for radon remediation, as an assurance to purchasers. However, despite commercial attempts to develop these schemes there are many inherently difficult problems, not least of which is the variability of radon levels in UK houses (see Section 55). More worrying however are the possible deleterious effects on building structure of some radon systems.
KEY FACTS:
Capital costs can range from a few tens of pounds to several thousand. Costs may be higher in larger houses, but only if more diagnosis is required and more complex systems specified. It may not be sensible to attempt to cure all rooms in large houses.
Total running costs may range from £10 to £150 per year, excluding unexpected fan replacements.
Effects on property values will be market-determined, and are unpredictable at the present time. In the short term the presence of a radon system may be a disincentive for purchase, except where an authoritative guarantee is available to assure satisfactory design and performance. Guarantees from Limited Companies may be of little value. Guarantees from a Consultant, or underwritten by insurance, are to be preferred.
Large capital costs may be incurred if operation of a radon system results in long-term damage to building fabric. Some problems have been reported in North America.