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Change in the way we build Tighter More chemicals Air conditioning

IAQ…Why is it a bigger issue than ever?. Why Are IAQ Concerns Growing ?. Change in the way we build Tighter More chemicals Air conditioning. Change in the way we live 90% of time indoors Don’t open windows More moisture. Change in products we use Carpets &furnishings

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Change in the way we build Tighter More chemicals Air conditioning

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  1. IAQ…Why is it a bigger issue than ever? Why Are IAQ Concerns Growing ? • Change in the way we build • Tighter • More chemicals • Air conditioning • Change in the • way we live • 90% of time indoors • Don’t open windows • More moisture • Change in • products we use • Carpets &furnishings • Cleaners & hygiene • More “stuff” inside

  2. Potential Pollutant Sources Multiple Causes Building Related • Off gassing – paints, building materials • Moisture & mold • Construction dust • Combustion products • Radon • Garage pollutants People Related • Cleaners, personal hygiene products • Furniture, toys, clothes • People – moisture, odours • Pets, plants • Cooking • Pesticide use

  3. IAQ Parameters 6 Key IAQ Parameters Temperature Relative Humidity Carbon Dioxide Carbon Monoxide TVOCs Particulate Matter

  4. IAQ – What we know We spend up to 90% of our time in buildings Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air – Health Canada & EPA The young, the old and the sick are at greatest risk Carbon monoxide (CO) poses a deadly risk Dampness and molds increase respiratory problems and affect the immune system Childhood asthma is increasing at an alarming rate Radon is a significant factor in cancer deaths Issues & Concerns

  5. What is good air? What is Good Indoor Air ? • Has no odours - as fresh and clean as outdoor air • Has fewer pollutants • Is easy to breath • Is the right temperature and humidity

  6. Optimal Relative Humidity Range

  7. IAQ – the opportunities Investigation, education & testing Requirements for Good IAQ Providing solutions • On-going maintenance

  8. Diagnosing IAQ Issues Clean & Dry Tools • Your Nose • Musty odours in basements • Air fresheners used to mask other smells • Chemical odours • Your “fresh” nose is very valuable to clients • Your Eyes • Water damage, peeling, cracking, stains, condensation • Excessive crowding, storage • Excessive dust, sooting

  9. Diagnosing IAQ Issues Other Tools Accurate Temperature & RH Carbon Monoxide Particle counters & VOC monitors

  10. Diagnosing IAQ Issues More Advanced Tools Data loggers for long term monitoring of multiple parameters Infrared to find cold surfaces that may lead to moisture & mold

  11. Solution Strategies Remove the sources of pollutants (the “skunks”) Seal or isolate pollutants Ventilate or dilute them Filter the air 4 Step Process These strategies are in order of importance.

  12. Ventilation Opportunities Remove the Source • Quiet Bath & Kitchen Fans • Under 1 sone • On timers or automatic control • Central Exhaust Fans • Ducted from bathrooms • On timers / controls • HRVs/ERVs • Simplified or exhaust ducted • Good controls

  13. HRV / ERVs“Lungs” of the house Heat Recovery Ventilator Typically 70% - 80% Efficient Stale air to outside Fresh air to the home Recovery core Fresh air from outside Stale air from the home

  14. A “symptom” of moisture problems Remove the source of moisture Fix & avoid leaks Ensure proper drainage Manage RH levels In summer <55% In winter <35%-45% - low enough to avoid excessive condensation Keep surfaces warm & dry with proper air circulation “Remove” Example Mold

  15. Radon Control Radon Mitigation An example of combining seal & ventilate strategies A. Gas Permeable Layer(4” clean gravel) B. Plastic Sheeting(under slab or over crawl space) C. Sealing and Caulking(all openings in concrete floor) D. Vent Pipe(3 or 4 inch PVC pipe) E. A powered exhaust fan on the vent pipe

  16. At least a MERV 8 or better in the furnace return Measure for pressure drop to ensure proper air flow Other options: HEPA - portable or central Specialized high MERV Electronic Filtration Solutions Filters & Ducts

  17. Duct Cleaning ?

  18. Be cautious of : Ozone generators Chemical cleaners / fungicides Tea Tree Oil Air purifiers Duct cleaning sanitizing Ultraviolet light purifiers Remove, seal, ventilate, filter There are no “silver bullets” Caution

  19. IAQ Facts • The air freshener market is over $200 million annually in Canada • CBC News Report, 2008 • The high efficiency, high profit residential filter market is growing at 8% - 8 times faster than the regular filter market • Non-woven Filter Fabric Association Study 2009 • 50% of homebuyers will pay more for houses that have healthier indoor air – 8% to 12% moreUSGBC Study 2007 Facts:

  20. Remove or leave out What potential pollutant sources can be taken out? Seal What you can’t leave out, look for a “seal” strategy Ventilate Is there sufficient ventilation? Both local source and whole house Filter Is there suitable filtration on the air handling equipment? Final thoughts… What is Good Indoor Air ?

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