How to Use an Airthings Radon Detector

On this page (9 sections)

1. Where should you place an Airthings radon detector?
2. How do you start the detector?
3. How long should you leave it in place?
4. How do you keep measurements consistent?
5. How can you tell whether the readings are useful?
6. When should you reset or move the monitor?
7. What can the Wave Plus tell you during monitoring?
8. What should you do if readings stay high?
9. How to use an Airthings radon detector for a reliable routine

To use an Airthings radon detector, place it in a regularly used room on the lowest occupied level, start it according to its model instructions, and leave it in place for ongoing measurements. Give the monitor time to adjust, then check its averages instead of relying on a first reading.

A steady location makes the readings easier to interpret. The Corentium Home shows daily, weekly, and long term averages, while the Wave Plus can show results through its visual indicator or the Airthings app.

Where should you place an Airthings radon detector?

Place the detector in a room you use often on the lowest occupied level of your home. A basement family room or ground-floor living area can be more useful than an unoccupied storage space.

Choose a stable spot where the detector won't be moved, covered, or knocked over. Avoid placing it next to an open window, a door with frequent drafts, direct sunlight, or a heat source.

Follow the placement directions for your specific model. The manual may give guidance on height, distance from walls, and nearby openings, so use those details over general advice.

A radon detector measures radon where it sits. If you want to compare a basement with an upper floor, record the room and dates for each location rather than treating the readings as one continuous result.

How do you start the detector?

Start by checking the model's instructions and powering it as directed. The Corentium Home uses 3 AAA batteries, while the Wave Plus uses 2 AA batteries.

For the Corentium Home, install the batteries and place the unit in your chosen location. Its screen provides short and long term readings, which help you see changes as measurements accumulate.

For the Wave Plus, insert its batteries and use the Airthings app if you want detailed insights through Bluetooth. The device also provides a color-coded visual indication when you wave in front of it.

Allow the monitor to settle in its surroundings before treating early readings as a baseline. The Wave Plus description calls for a 7-day settling period, and you should check your model's own instructions for its recommended setup time.

If you need help understanding the screen, see how to read an Airthings radon detector. A radon monitor's average readings are easier to use when you know which time period the display represents.

What if you're choosing a detector for this routine?

The Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector 223 Portable is suited to readers who want a battery-powered device with daily, weekly, and long term averages on its LCD.

Its 3 AAA batteries let you take measurements from room to room, but note each location and allow the monitor to settle after moving it. Compare options in our guide to the best Airthings radon detector.

How long should you leave it in place?

Keep the detector in the same spot while it builds a useful set of readings. Radon levels can fluctuate daily, so a single reading may not represent the room's longer-term pattern.

The Corentium Home displays daily, weekly, and long term averages. The Wave Plus is designed for continuous monitoring, and Airthings says its radon readings need long term measurement because levels fluctuate.

Check the display on a routine schedule that suits you, such as once a week. Frequent checking won't speed up the measurement process, and short-term changes are not by themselves a reason to assume a lasting problem.

If you move the detector, make a note of the date and the new room. Treat the new location as a separate measurement period.

How do you keep measurements consistent?

Use the same room and placement conditions when comparing readings. Avoid moving the monitor between levels or changing its position every few days.

Keep a simple log of the room, placement date, and any moves. If you use the Wave Plus app, check its instructions for viewing historical readings; the Corentium Home provides its averages on the device screen.

Don't place the monitor in a location where airflow or activity changes sharply from day to day. For example, a spot directly beside a window may be affected by the window's use.

Radon readings can differ between rooms, so a measurement from one location does not describe every part of the home. For a basic explanation of the device's role, see what a radon detector is.

How can you tell whether the readings are useful?

Use the monitor's average readings and the instructions for your model to interpret results. Compare like with like, such as the same room and the same averaging period.

The Corentium Home offers short and long term readings on its screen. The Wave Plus can provide a color-coded indication and more detailed app insights.

Don't treat an early reading as a final decision about your home. For general context on measurement limits, read how accurate an Airthings radon detector is.

If readings raise concern, follow public health guidance for your area and consider an appropriate follow-up test. A [First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit] provides a separate screening option that includes test materials and lab fees, excluding New Jersey state fees.

The kit is recommended for use only within the United States. Follow its included directions for placement, test duration, and mailing the materials.

When should you reset or move the monitor?

Reset the detector only when its instructions call for it or you need to begin a fresh measurement period. A reset may clear or restart readings, so check what it changes before proceeding.

If the display seems stuck or you need to start fresh, follow the steps for your exact model. Our guide to how to reset an Airthings radon detector covers that process.

Move the monitor when you have a clear reason, such as checking another occupied room. Note the move, allow time for the device to settle, and avoid combining results from different rooms.

What can the Wave Plus tell you during monitoring?

The Wave Plus measures radon alongside five other indoor air factors. Its sensors cover carbon dioxide, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure, in addition to radon.

Use the app for detailed insights or the visual indicator for a quick check. The device is battery-powered and uses 2 AA batteries.

A radon reading is only one part of indoor air information. See our air quality monitor buying guide if you're comparing devices that track several indoor conditions, or our best air purifiers for dust allergies guide for a different kind of air quality concern.

What should you do if readings stay high?

Follow the guidance from your local public health or environmental agency if readings remain concerning. A consumer monitor can help you track measurements, but it doesn't replace professional advice on mitigation.

Keep the monitor in a consistent spot while you confirm the pattern. If you want a device that can alert you to radon levels, review our guide to radon monitors with an alarm system.

Don't assume an air purifier or a change in ventilation will solve a radon issue. Use radon-specific guidance to decide what test or mitigation step is appropriate.

How to use an Airthings radon detector for a reliable routine

For a reliable routine, choose one occupied room, follow the model's setup instructions, and keep the monitor there while averages build. Record any move or reset so you can tell when a new measurement period began.

Choose the Corentium Home if you want on-device daily, weekly, and long term averages. Choose the Wave Plus if seeing radon alongside five other indoor air factors is useful, and use a test kit when a separate lab-processed screening fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I place an Airthings radon detector?

Place it in a regularly used area on the lowest occupied level, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and spots where it could be bumped. Follow the instructions for your model, including any placement height and distance from walls or openings.

Keep the device in the same spot while you establish a baseline.

How long should I leave an Airthings radon detector in one place?

Leave it in one location for ongoing monitoring, since radon levels can change from day to day. Allow time for the device to adjust and build useful averages before drawing conclusions from an early reading.

Check the model's instructions for its settling period and how its short and long term readings work.

Can I move an Airthings radon detector between rooms?

You can move a portable detector to compare rooms, but readings from different places should be treated as separate measurements. Record where and when you moved it, then allow it to settle in the new location.

Return it to a consistent spot for ongoing monitoring.

Does an Airthings radon detector replace a radon test kit?

A continuous monitor and a test kit work differently, so use the method that fits your need and follow its instructions. A test kit is a screening option with lab processing, while a digital monitor provides on-screen readings over time.

If results concern you, follow local public health guidance for confirmation and next steps.