Weatherization & Indoor Air Quality Impacts of Weatherization on Air Quality and Comfort Inside Your Home 1

What is Weatherization? www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Conservation activities applied to a building which help to protect the building from the elements, conserve heating or cooling energy, maintain temperature and provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy living environment. Weatherization is often thought of solely from an energy perspective – eg sponsored incentives from utility Prevent water damage to the building envelope Reduce energy consumption

Typical Weatherization Components www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Typical Weatherization Components Weatherization Assessment Weatherization Retrofits Determining the condition of the home Energy Audit Visual Inspection Blower Door / Duct test Other Diagnostics Building Envelope Sealing/Tightening Windows & Doors Insulation HVAC – Heating, Cooling, Ducts Designed Ventilation EE Upgrades (Appliances) Weatherization Plan Prioritized Customized

The House as a “Living System” www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Changes made as part of a weatherization plan can impact more than energy efficiency. A Holistic approach to renovations will also address: Comfort Health Safety Durability Sustainability Weatherization can make problems worse, potentially lethal

Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Organized by Priority Issues – Alerts auditor, planner and contractor to to potential issues; recommends minimum and expanded actions Contaminants Moisture Radon Wood Smoke CO, NOx, etc Lead Pests Building Products Asbestos Other Building Systems HVAC Combustion Safety Source Ventilation Whole House ventilation Multi Family Ventilation http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/retrofits.html

Weatherization Assessment www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Weatherization Assessment What’s Done? Purpose: Determine Baseline Determine Options Identify IAQ Concerns Energy Audit Energy performance Base Loads Visual inspection Overall condition Visual clues Thermal Imaging Blower door Test Amount and distribution of leakage Duct test Loss of conditioned air Other Diagnostics & Tests Backdraft, CO2,RH, Envelope/Shell Walls Windows Doors Attic Finished Unfinished Foundation Heating Cooling Programmable Therostat Ducts/Infiltration Blower Door Pressure Balance Baseloads Water Heater Refrigerator Lighting Health & Safety Whole House Smoke and CO Detectors Equipment Stove Woodstove/Fireplace Dryer Exhaust Fans Draft Measurement Building Shell Basement http://www.waptac.org/Weatherization-Assistant/Weatherization-Assistant-8002E5.aspx

www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange

Weatherization Plan What improvements will be performed www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Weatherization Plan What improvements will be performed Approach Considerations Prioritized Health Cost Effectiveness Customized Test results Building Specific Occupancy & Operation Safety Energy Indoor Air Quality Comfort Cost Effectiveness Sustainability

Weatherization Retrofits How can changes impact Indoor Air? www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Weatherization Retrofits How can changes impact Indoor Air? Temperature Differentials – Condensation Air Flow Pressure Differentials – Moisture Management – Humidity Air Sources, Volume, Movement (Ventilation) Pollutant Sources & Controls Carbon Monoxide CO2 NOx Particulates Aldehydes Water Vapor

Building Envelope Sealing, Tightening, Windows & Doors www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Building Envelope Sealing, Tightening, Windows & Doors Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ Blower Door / Duct Test based Reduce air leakage, resistance to heat transfer, thermal losses/gains Size and distribution of uncontrolled airflow Stack Effect / Source of Leakage Air Radon Reduced “Natural” Ventilation Less fresh air for occupants Increased Humidity Increased Pollutant Levels (indoor sources) Increased Odors Spillage / Backdrafting

Insulation Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Insulation Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ Resistance to heat transfer, thermal losses/gains Moves dew point surface – Shifts condensation to exterior wall VOC – type of insulation Loss of containment - Fibers / Particulates Decreased Air Movement Wilson says his "expectation" would be that polyurethane foams are, on the whole, healthier choices. After they have cured, VOC emissions are extremely low and the foam should pose no problems to all but those who have chemical sensitivities. In any event, they don't off-gas formaldehyde. He's "not as confident" of either phenol- or urea-formaldehyde products.

Heating /Cooling / HVAC www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ Programmable Thermostat Ducts Replacement Sealing Balancing Furnace or A/C changeout Efficiency Right sizing Combustion Venting Fuel type Wood stove changeout Ventilation Alter Pressure balance Combustion makeup air Spillage/Backdrafting Emissions Humidity Repair connections on ducts Hi efficiency units EPA approved stoves Carbon Monoxide CO2 NOx Particulates Aldehydes Water Vapor

Designed Ventilation / Radon Ensuring Adequate Ventilation www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Designed Ventilation / Radon Ensuring Adequate Ventilation Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ Minimum Ventilation Rate Blower Door data based Sized for occupancy Volume Natural ventilation Designed Fresh Air Heat Exchangers Exhaust fans Active Radon Control Humidity Odors Comfort Radon Point Sources CFM at 50pa /20= natural ventilation ASHRAE 15cfm/person 1989 0.35 min ACH Inadewquate Ventilation Moisture may accumulate from everyday activities, such as bathing, cooking, and use of combustion appliances IAQ impact: exposure to mold, mites, and bacteria Insufficient air exchange can lead to the concentration of pollutants IAQ impact: exposure to radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, secondhand smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Chemicals used to combat pests and mold accumulate IAQ impact: exposure to toxic levels of chemicals Dilution of background sources + occupancy factors – Larger than 0.35 for samall house/smaller than 0.35 for larger house

Energy Efficient Upgrades www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Energy Efficient Upgrades Weatherization Action Impact on IAQ EE Lighting Hot water Replacement H2O heater Insulation Reduce demand (lo flow) Fans (attic, ceiling) Appliances PV/Wind Air movement Mixing Emissions Humidity Fans in warm climates Pilot lights / direct combustion

Holistic Considerations www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Holistic Considerations Landscaping shading Water conservation Buildings contribution

www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Homeowner / Resident Education How to Effectively Operate and Maintain the Renovated House Energy conservation Ventilation Humidity Sources Lifestyle Maintenance Routine Scheduled In response to observations Economics – cost of ventilation (AAHX) Thermostat override - “Free energy” – new base load Hot water usage Ventilation for health / for building durability / Moisture control Sources - Consumer Products, Pets, Furnishings, Occupants, Occupant Activities Mintenance - Cleaning (routine), Cleaning and repair (sealing, spills, etc), Building and systems (drainage, roof, gutters, fans, filters, Lifestyle - pets, smoking, cleaning, energy & water use, Don’t ignore changes that you observe “Listen” to what your body & family are telling you

Additional Resources EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site: www.epa.gov/iaq/climatechange Additional Resources EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site: www.epa.gov/iaq Climate Change: www.epa.gov/climatechange/ The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Intro ENERGY STAR Home Improvement: www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement Mold and Moisture: www.epa.gov/mold Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (WAPTAC) http://www.waptac.org/ Resources Climate Change Learn more about climate change, factors that contribute to climate change, and what you can do to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality Find more information about the risks of poor indoor air quality and how to improve it. Weatherizing or (sealing and insulating)—including installing storm windows, weather stripping, caulking and insulating—can help you save energy on heating and cooling, but can reduce ventilation. The Inside Story includes tips on improving and maintaining ventilation. The ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Web site Get tips on sealing and insulating to help you save energy and maintain proper ventilation. Mold and Moisture Learn more about how mold and moisture can affect your home and what to do about it. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon- http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html#lower Learn how to reduce radon levels in your home Controlling Pest Problems- http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/ Learn more about how to control pest problems without sacrificing indoor air quality.