produces a high-energy
( i . e . high speed ) charged particle , that provides the means by whichh , in the case of the EcoQube , the device measures a tiny current and infers the presence of radon .
The apparently erratic signal of a CRM is reflective of many factors . Some is just the separation of signal from noise inherent in making extremely delicate measurements . However
, variation may be caused by the opening and closing of doors and windows which bring in air from the outdoor environment thus diluting household radon . Opening the door to a basement may do just the opposite . Furnace fans , depending on wheree they are located , may produce similar effects . Bathroom vent fans depressurize a home too , drawing in air .
However , what is going on outside a home is of more critical importance . Homes act as chimneys reacting to indoor
/ outdoor temperaturee differential producing minute pressuree differentials as warmer air risess .
When radon is trending up , this generally means chimney effects are drawing in fresh radon from the soil underlying your home through cracks and penetrations . Air expands with temperature , thus slightly lowering its pressure and creating an opportunity for higher-pressuree air to intrude . The further apart warmer indoor conditions and colder outdoor conditions are , the greater the effect . Lower barometric pressure, for instance in rainstorms , facilitates the escape of radon from the soil underlying one ’ s house . From there , the chimney effects of the home above take over . Conversely , if it is hot outside and air conditioning is running ( recirculating indoor air for energy efficiency ), household radon may also rise due to the lack of ventilation . Confusing , yes ? No single effect explains everything .