Straight answers to radon questions we hear from Cheyenne and Laramie County homeowners. Sources are listed at the bottom.
What exactly is radon?
A radioactive gas with no color, smell, or taste. It forms naturally as uranium in soil and rock decays, rises through the ground, and can build up indoors. The EPA estimates it causes about 21,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths each year.
How common is high radon in Cheyenne?
Laramie County is EPA Zone 1. CDC data compiled by the American Lung Association shows a county mean of 3.8 pCi/L across 1,834 tests, close to the EPA's 4 pCi/L action level, so many homes test above it.
At what level should I fix my home?
The EPA recommends fixing at 4 pCi/L or higher and considering a fix between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
Does the wind affect radon tests?
It can. Strong winds change house pressure and how much soil gas enters. The EPA advises avoiding short-term tests during severe storms or unusually high winds, and professionals record weather during the test.
Where can I get a radon kit in Wyoming?
Hardware stores and online labs sell kits, and the Wyoming Department of Health's Cancer Program has offered free kits while supplies last. Check health.wyo.gov/radon.
What does mitigation cost?
Prices vary by house. As a national benchmark, Angi's 2026 data puts typical active radon systems at about $805 to $1,326, averaging around $1,043. Complex homes cost more. Each local professional quotes their own work.
Will the pipe freeze in winter?
Radon pipes carry humid soil air that can condense. Good installers slope the pipe so water drains back to the soil and often favor garage or interior routes in cold climates. Ask how they handle freezing at the outlet.
How long does installation take?
A typical single-point basement or slab system is usually done in a day. Crawl space membranes, multiple slabs, and finished basements can take longer.
Questions about a reading? A certified Cheyenne-area pro can help. (307) 317-5825
How do I know the system is working?
Check the manometer, the U-tube gauge on the pipe. Uneven liquid means suction. A post-mitigation test at least 24 hours after start-up, and within 30 days, confirms the level. Retest every couple of years.
Is radon in well water a concern here?
For rural homes on private wells, it can be. Radon released from water during showers and laundry adds to indoor air. Test both air and water.
Do newer homes need testing?
Yes. New, tight homes can trap radon. If your home has a capped radon pipe from the builder, test to see whether adding a fan is needed.
Does insurance pay for radon mitigation?
Standard homeowners policies generally don't cover radon testing or mitigation. Check your policy.
Does Wyoming license radon contractors?
No. Ask for NRPP or NRSB certification and verify it on those programs' sites.
Are you a radon company?
No. Cheyenne Radon Mitigation is a free referral service. We connect you with independent, certified radon professionals who quote and do the work.
References
- U.S. EPA, Radon Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. EPA, Health Risk of Radon
- U.S. EPA, Map of Radon Zones and county table
- American Lung Association, Radon Testing Disparity report for Wyoming (2022)
- Wyoming Department of Health, Radon (Wyoming Cancer Program)
- Angi, Radon Mitigation System Cost (2026 national data)