Air Quality Control Agency, Inc installed a radon mitigation system on my home in Aug. 2011. It is UGLY-made out of bulky PVC pipe. Also, it has not reduced my radon level-first reading pos-mitigation was actually higher than pre-mitigation level. When I called co. The rep said that they would come out to inspect the system, but that I would be charged a $195 service charge just to look at it! I was outraged - afterall, I had paid $900 for the system and it wasn't even working! I said "forget it". I certainly don't trust them to do any more work on my system and I'm definitely NOT paying them any more $ to screw it up more!
I decided to have another radon contractor look at my system and he found numerous problems with the system - primary problem being that materials used on the system were not up to EPA/ASTM standards (PVC pipe diameter is too large and plastic is too thin). Also, radon fan not correct size. I had him install a larger radon fan. Two days later, radon level is still elevated, so I will have him take a look at system underground - I question whether suction pit that other tech dug was correct. This radon contractor asked me to check whether tech from Air Quality Control that installed system is certified/licensed to do radon work in VA where I'm from. I said I would check into it.
I made numerous calls - to my state radon officer who confirmed that there have been numerous complaints against AQCA from other VA customers. He told me to call the two national radon licensing bureaus so that I could check and see if the technician who installed my system is actually certified in VA to do radon mitigation. He said that it is against VA code to do radon testing or mitigation in VA without certification. I then called these two agencies who stated that the tech was NOT in their databases as being certified. I then decided to call AQCA and spoke with the service manager who admitted that the tech who installed my system is indeed not certified. I told him that I would give that info to my state radon officer and the two nat. Certification agencies. I will be sending these people pictures of my system, paperwork of my contract/warranty, etc in an effort to stop this co. From practicing in VA. I have been advised that effective enforcement action will be difficult since none of AQCA's "radon technicians" live in-state but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get these scum-bags out of business.
BOTTOM LINE: Air Quality Control Agency uses uncertified technicians to install sub-standard radon mitigation systems that not only look awful, but don't bring radon levels down below EPA action level of 4pCi/L in most cases.
Despite contacting the BBB and other agencies, I am sure I will never see any monetary compensation for my shoddy system, but I will definitely be telling everybody that I can about this
pathetic excuse for a business so that other people can be informed and STAY AWAY from them and seek radon mitigation from a local radon contractor... And to make sure that they verify the contractor's license/certification before signing any contract to do work. Unfortunately, I did not know about all of this before I decided to have AQCA do my mitigation work. I just hope that others will read this and be informed. Then I will feel like some justice has been served.
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