Healthy Air, Healthy Us

Occasionally granite countertops can emit radon gas. Learn more from this report by WGBA (NBC) Channel 26 in Green Bay.

To purchase a radon test kit, contact:

• Short-term kits (48 hours) cost $10.
• Long-term kits (90 days – 1 year) cost $20.

Short-term kits are also available from:

• Campbellsport Village Clerk, 177 E. Main Street., Campbellsport, WI.

• Taycheedah Town Hall, W4295 Kiekhaefer Parkway, Fond du Lac, WI.

• City of Ripon Clerk, 100 Jackson Street, Ripon, WI.

• UW-Extension, 400 University Dr., Fond du Lac, WI. (2nd floor of Admin/Ext Bldg at UW-Fond du Lac)

Download this Printable flyer with coupon(English, PDF, 876 KB).

Descarga un folleto imprimible con coupon (Español, PDF, 1067 KB)

Instructions are included with the test kit. Place it in the lowest level of the house that you use. When the testing period is over, mail the kit to the lab, and the lab mails back your results in a few weeks. Contact Gloria Smedema at the Fond du Lac County Health Department (gloria.smedema@fdlco.wi.gov or 920/929-3085) if you have questions about your results.

If you are planning to buy or sell a house, it is highly recommended that you use a certified radon measurement professional.

With a result of 4 pC/L or higher, the EPA recommends mitigating your home using a certified radon mitigation contractor. This can be done after a home is built or during construction. People age 62 and older with very low incomes living outside the City of Fond du Lac may apply to receive a loan or grant from the USDA to finance a radon mitigation project in their home.

Energy Service Corps members will be in the Fond du Lac area Friday, August 3rd, Saturday, August 4th, and Sunday August 5th to conduct FREE home energy assessments. The energy assessments take about half an hour and consist of a basic walk-throughs of your apartment, home or small business to point out major energy wasters and provide recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.

In addition to providing energy-saving recommendations, the Energy Service Corps members distribute information about programs available through the state and federal government that provide financial incentives for professional auditing and energy efficiency services.

 The recommendations are all quick simple things that can make a major difference – and can be done by home owners AND renters.

 This program is conducted by AmeriCorps volunteers, and is totally free. If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about energy efficiency and how to lower their environmental impact – and energy bills – please contact Adam Sturm at (262)617-7779, or sign up for an appointment online at  http://www.energyservicecorps.org/program. Click on the “schedule a free energy assessment” option.

 The Energy Service Corps has teams in Oshkosh and Madison, so they don’t offer regular services in Fond du Lac. Please take advantage of this opportunity, and spread the word!

The State Energy Office compiles a list of funding opportunities for clean energy including energy efficiency, solar, wind, biomass, biogas, ground source heat pumps and clean fuels that you might want to peruse on a regular basis. Some of these offerings are local to particular utility districts or communities and some are statewide. The list includes programs for residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

 Find this month’s incentives at the link below:

OPPORTUNITIES/INCENTIVES CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FUNDING

Watt meters are now available for patrons to check out at most of the area libraries (see below).  A watt  meter monitors home energy usage.

Wisconsin residents who qualify for energy assistance can also apply for the Weatherization Program to make houses and apartments more energy-efficient and reduce utility costs.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program administered in Fond du Lac County by ADVOCAP.

During the Wisconsin heating season (October 1 – May 15), residents of the state can apply to receive financial assistance to heat their homes.

Learn more at the WHEAP website.

Building a new home that includes a radon mitigation system is much simpler than adding a mitigation system after the house is already built.

It is also inexpensive ($300-$600).

Learn more about radon resistant construction (State of WI).

Find a certified radon mitigation contractor (State of WI).

Radon for Builders and Contractors (EPA)

What are the risks of radon?

For more information, contact Gloria Smedema at the Fond du Lac County Health Department (Gloria.Smedema@fdlco.wi.gov or 920.929.3085).