Alarms are mandatory now on radon systems I would like to offer an alternative approach that may assist in our mutual goals.
Please feel free to help me understand your view on the following questions:
1. What minimum temperature should a mitigation system be designed to operate at before freezing is expected?
2. Do you believe the majority of local contractors in your area take similar steps to minimize the potential for freeze ups as you do? If not, do they do more or less?
3. Do you provide any performance guarantees in your contract for radon reduction? If so, are their any caveats regarding freeze ups?
4. Do you believe contractors who take shortcuts in weatherproofing are responsible for the issues they are experiencing with the alarms?
5. Are you or your clients worried about elevated radon levels in the house during freeze ups? — Tony McDonald
A frozen exhaust will usually start to begin at or below 5 degrees F - and again this also depends on how much humidity is being pushed out.
All mitigators in MN are mindful of the potential for frozen exhausts - I am really not sure if they are doing more or less.
Performance guarantees on all of our systems. I have yet to have a homeowner not understand the possibility of this condition when we discuss it. Its a short term issue not long term one.
Was there an alarm study conducted to answer #4 - this is the 1st winter these alarms have been required and so far we haven't had much of any polar air yet. I am shocked the committee didn't want to see at least a 12 month study done on these alarms before requiring them for everyone.
For number 5 - a frozen exhaust is a temporary condition due to severe winter weather and one that doesn't usually last long enough to be a large concern. If it was for months on end - then obviously that's a big problem.