Which factor is crucial for determining whether a radon mitigation system is functioning properly?

The functioning of a radon mitigation system heavily relies on the vacuum levels in the suction piping. This is crucial because the system's primary purpose is to create a vacuum that effectively draws radon gas from beneath the home. When the vacuum levels are adequate, it ensures that the system is successfully removing radon from the soil beneath the foundation and preventing it from entering indoor spaces.

A measurement of vacuum levels can directly indicate the system's efficiency in maintaining the necessary pressure differential to extract radon. If the vacuum levels are too low, this suggests that the system may not be operating optimally, which could allow radon gas to infiltrate the living spaces. Therefore, monitoring these levels is key for assessing whether the radon mitigation measures are effectively working to protect inhabitants from the harmful effects of radon exposure.

While system noise, the color of components, and the location of the system might provide some insights into its condition or installation, they are not definitive indicators of the system’s performance in mitigating radon gas. Only by focusing on vacuum levels can one accurately determine the proper functioning of a radon mitigation system.