Radon fans are a key part of many sub-slab depressurization (SSD) systems, helping draw radon gas from beneath a home and vent it safely outdoors. If you’re deciding between AprilAire and Fantech, the “best” option usually comes down to sizing, performance characteristics, and how easily the fan fits your installation plan.

Below is a practical comparison to help you narrow the choice—whether you’re replacing an existing fan or building a new SSD system.

AprilAire: what it’s typically best at

AprilAire is widely known in the HVAC and radon space for offering packaged solutions aimed at straightforward residential installs. In many cases, buyers choose AprilAire when they want a radon fan that’s designed to work with common SSD approaches and when they prefer products backed by radon-focused support and documentation.

Indoor fountains can transform a room, but their look depends on reliable plumbing. Unlike outdoor setups, indoor installations need careful planning for water supply, pump operation, and—most importantly—safe drainage and overflow control.

Before you buy parts, decide on the fountain’s recirculating design. Many indoor models use a closed-loop system where a pump pulls water from a reservoir and returns it to the display. Others require a continuous feed with drainage. Your selection determines what plumbing lines (water supply and/or drain) you actually need.

1) Water supply: where the incoming water comes from

Most recirculating fountains still need some method to top off evaporated water. Options include connecting to a household water line via a small shutoff valve (often under a sink) or using a refill approach depending on system design. If you connect to plumbing, include a dedicated shutoff for mainte ... Read more »

Multi-unit buildings rely on shared plumbing systems—supply lines, risers, drainage stacks, valves, and domestic hot water equipment—so small issues can escalate quickly into service disruptions, tenant complaints, and costly repairs. A structured maintenance schedule helps property managers spot wear early, reduce emergency callouts, and document compliance-ready inspections.

The schedule below is designed as a baseline framework. You should still tailor it to your building’s age, fixture types, water quality, local code requirements, and manufacturer recommendations for boilers, water heaters, pumps, and backflow devices.

Monthly: focus on high-frequency checks

Run short inspections and quick preventive tasks that catch problems before they become emergencies. Start with tenant-facing signals (slow drains, recurring clogs, unusual odors, or pressure complaints) and verify upstream causes. Al ... Read more »

Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that forms naturally in soil and can enter homes through cracks in basements, crawl spaces, and foundation walls. Because you can’t detect it by smell or sight, the only reliable way to know your indoor risk is to test.

Illinois has regions where radon levels can be high, so the question for many homeowners is not whether radon exists, but whether their specific home has elevated concentrations that warrant action. Public health guidance generally emphasizes testing first, then installing mitigation only when results justify it.

Why radon testing matters in Illinois

Radon exposure is linked to lung cancer, and indoor concentrations can be significantly higher than outdoor levels. Even homes that look sealed or well-maintained can still allow gas to enter through microscopic gaps, plumbing penetrations, or construction joints.

Because r ... Read more »