EcoTracker in Action: Professional Radon Hotspot Diagnostics on This Old House

Being featured on This Old House provides more than brand visibility — it demonstrates how NRPP/NRSB-aligned diagnostic best practices improve mitigation outcomes in real-world conditions.

In this episode, a certified radon mitigator used EcoTracker, a 4-pack professional diagnostic system, to map radon distribution across a basement before system design. This approach aligns with industry standards emphasizing informed suction point placement rather than trial-and-error mitigation.

Why Radon Hotspot Diagnostics Matter for Professionals

Radon entry is rarely uniform — especially in older structures. For certified professionals, relying on a single measurement location can obscure:

• Primary soil gas entry points

• Pressure-driven radon movement

• Localized accumulation zones beneath the slab

This is particularly true in older homes with compacted earth, where reduced sub-slab permeability limits lateral airflow.

For NRPP/NRSB professionals, inadequate diagnostics can result in:

• Suboptimal suction point placement

• Reduced system efficiency

• Additional post-install modifications

Multi-point hotspot diagnostics reduce uncertainty and improve first-time mitigation success.

The This Old House Case Study: EcoTracker at Work

The home featured on This Old House was a 100-year-old house, which adds unique challenges when it comes to radon mitigation.

Older homes often sit on compacted earth, unlike many newer homes that may have more porous fill beneath the slab. Compacted soil can limit natural airflow under the foundation, making it harder for radon to dissipate and increasing the likelihood of higher indoor concentrations.

In this case:

• There was no well water, eliminating waterborne radon as a contributing factor

• Radon intrusion was coming strictly from the soil beneath the home

The homeowner used EcoQube to monitor for 3 months and shared his average radon level of 12.7 pCi/L, which is more than three times the EPA action guideline of 4.0 pCi/L, clearly indicating the need for mitigation.

Using EcoTracker to Understand Radon Movement

Certified radon mitigator Chris arrived on site with EcoTrackers, simultaneously deploying four sensors (set to record at 5-minute intervals) in different locations throughout the basement for 30 minutes of sampling.

Rather than relying on a single reading, the goal was to understand:

• How radon moved through the basement

• Whether certain areas consistently showed higher levels

• Where radon entry points were most concentrated

These short-term grab samples provided immediate, actionable insight.

The results were telling:

• Three corners measured between 5–7 pCi/L

• One corner spiked to 22 pCi/L

That single hotspot changed the entire mitigation plan.

From Data to Action: Smarter Mitigation Decisions

With EcoTracker clearly identifying the highest-radon zone, the mitigation strategy became straightforward and data-driven.

The team selected an active sub-slab depressurization system, the most common and effective radon mitigation approach.

Here’s how the system works:

• A PVC pipe is installed through the slab

• The pipe draws radon-laden air from beneath the foundation

• Radon is vented upward and released above the roofline, safely away from the home

• An inline fan creates continuous negative pressure, keeping radon from ever entering the basement

By placing the suction point at the 22 pCi/L hotspot, the system could work more efficiently and effectively from day one.

This approach minimizes guesswork, improves performance, and reduces the likelihood of system adjustments after installation.

What Makes EcoTracker Different

EcoTracker isn’t just a radon monitor — it’s a diagnostic tool built for professionals.

Key advantages highlighted in the episode:

• 4 synchronized sensors for room‑to‑room comparison

• Simultaneous monitoring to capture real variations

• Fast insights without moving a single device around

• Better documentation for homeowners and project reports

For mitigators, inspectors, and radon professionals, this means clearer answers and better outcomes.

A New Standard for Radon Diagnostics

Seeing EcoTracker used on This Old House reinforces an important message: Effective radon mitigation starts with understanding where the problem is — not just that a problem exists.

Multi‑sensor diagnostics allow professionals to work smarter, design better systems, and deliver stronger results for homeowners and families.

Frequently Asked Questions about EcoTracker (FAQ)

What is radon hotspot diagnostics?

Radon hotspot diagnostics involve measuring radon levels simultaneously in multiple locations to identify areas of elevated soil gas entry. This helps professionals determine optimal suction point placement before mitigation installation.

Why use multiple radon sensors instead of one?

Using multiple sensors eliminates time-based variability and allows direct comparison between zones. This is especially important in basements where pressure differentials and soil conditions vary.

Is EcoTracker suitable for NRPP and NRSB professionals?

Yes. EcoTracker is used by certified radon mitigators and inspectors as a pre-mitigation diagnostic tool to support data-driven system design and documentation. Learn more about EcoTracker’s professional features and diagnostic workflow.

How does hotspot identification improve mitigation performance?

Targeting the highest-radon zone improves sub-slab communication, increases negative pressure efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of additional suction points or system rework.

Does hotspot testing replace post-mitigation testing?

No. Post-mitigation testing remains essential for verification. EcoTracker complements, rather than replaces, compliance testing by improving system planning upstream.

EcoTracker helps professionals design smarter systems — backed by data, not assumptions.