Clean Energy Works launches Radon Testing and Mitigation Services

(PORTLAND) - Clean Energy Works (CEW), the state’s largest non-profit home performance provider, announced today the inclusion of a one-stop radon testing and mitigation option as part of its whole home performance services to Oregon homeowners.

According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers. It is a naturally occurring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil.

“You can’t see, smell or taste radon. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test it, says Brett Sherry, Oregon Radon Coordinator, Oregon Health Authority. “Every home should be tested, as elevated radon levels have been found in homes throughout Oregon,” he added.

Clean Energy Works makes the entire radon testing and mitigation process convenient for Oregon homeowners, beginning with an online order for an inexpensive test at www.cewo.org/radon. The radon test kit sits on a shelf or out-of-the-way location to absorb and track radon present in a home. Homeowners then seal and ship the container to a lab with a pre-paid shipping label, with results emailed within a few days.

CEW Home Performance advisors discuss the results with homeowners, and where action is needed, connects them to one of CEW’s Home Performance Contractors specially trained in radon mitigation.

“Whole home performance means evaluating and tuning your home up in much the same way you tune up your car,” said Derek Smith, CEO of Clean Energy Works. “Adding radon testing and mitigation to our suite of services means Oregon homes will be more comfortable, healthier and more efficient—in short, they will work better for the people who live in them.”

Radon mitigation is only one part of creating a healthier, safer home. Clean Energy Works has been providing energy upgrades for thousands of Oregon homes since 2009, which can increase comfort, improve indoor air quality and lower utility bills. The process is simple: homeowners apply to Clean Energy Works, and upon approval of their project, receive an expert home performance assessment, with work performed by local, professional contractors who are part of the Clean Energy Works network. No-money-down financing is provided, while Clean Energy Works’ Home Performance Advisors assure quality throughout the project.

Some homeowners can even pay for the work through “on-bill financing,” which allows them to make a loan payment via their electric or natural gas bill.

Clean Energy Works is currently running a seismic upgrade pilot project for a select group of homes in the Portland area, to evaluate the addition of seismic foundation work to its growing suite of services.

About Clean Energy Works

Clean Energy Works (CEW) is the largest non-profit home performance provider in Oregon. CEW activates a powerful collaboration of local contractors, lenders, governments, and utilities to make it easy and affordable for homeowners to improve the comfort, efficiency and health of their homes. Clean Energy Works is nationally recognized as an innovative model that successfully multiplies energy savings, good jobs and other environmental benefits to transform local communities.