Reviewed and updated September 10, 2026. This article provides general public-health and referral guidance, not testing, medical, legal or engineering advice.
Winter makes closed-house testing practical
Short-term radon testing depends on controlled building conditions. During a Southern Tier winter, windows are usually closed and the heating system is operating normally, which can make the protocol easier to maintain than during a mild week when the household wants fresh air.
NYSDOH has long encouraged heating-season testing, and EPA's short-term instructions emphasize closed exterior windows and doors. This does not mean the house should be sealed unnaturally or the HVAC system switched off. Operate the home normally within the device instructions.
Do not claim winter is always the highest
Indoor radon responds to soil conditions, weather, ventilation, stack effect and mechanical systems. Cold-weather pressure differences can increase soil-gas entry in some homes, while rain, saturated ground, wind or summer air-conditioning can produce different patterns elsewhere.
A winter short-term result is a measurement of that test period. It is not automatically the annual maximum, and a low winter result does not guarantee every season will be lower. A long-term test lasting more than 90 days is better for estimating a year-round average.
Avoid severe weather during a very short test
EPA tells homeowners not to conduct a short-term test lasting less than four days during severe storms or high winds. Forecast judgment matters in the Twin Tiers, where a two-day measurement can overlap a strong front or lake-effect wind event.
If severe weather begins, follow the device or testing professional's instructions rather than editing the test duration yourself. Document unusual conditions so the report can be interpreted honestly.
Placement rules do not change with snow
Use the lowest level that could be occupied regularly, away from drafts, exterior walls, high heat and humidity. Do not move the detector to a warmer shelf halfway through the test or place it beside a supply register.
Finished basements and home offices deserve a representative room. The Southern Tier basement guide explains the distinction between an occupiable lower level and an unsuitable crawlspace or utility area.
Use the result for a decision, not a seasonal argument
EPA recommends fixing at 4 pCi/L or higher. If the short-term winter result is close to a decision threshold and there is no urgent transaction deadline, current guidance may support follow-up or long-term testing. If it is elevated in a transaction, use the accepted transaction protocol.
Do not wait for a favorite season while people continue occupying a known elevated level. Read what to do after a result above 4, then speak with a qualified professional about confirmation or mitigation.
Sources
Primary guidance used for this article
We use government and public-health sources, distinguish historical datasets from current household measurements, and do not invent local results. Read our editorial policy.