1 1 Weatherization & Indoor Air Quality Impacts of Weatherization on Air Quality and Comfort Inside Your Home Prepared with the assistance of Jed Harrison, EPA

What is Weatherization? Conservation activities applied to a building that help to protect building from elements, conserve heating or cooling energy, maintain temperature and provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy living environment

Typical Weatherization Components Weatherization Assessment Determining the condition of the home Energy Audit Visual Inspection Blower Door / Duct test Other Diagnostics Weatherization Retrofits 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” Comfort Health Safety Durability Sustainability Changes made as part of a weatherization plan can impact more than energy efficiency. A Holistic approach to renovations will also address:

Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols Building Systems –HVAC –Combustion Safety –Source Ventilation –Whole House ventilation –Multi Family Ventilation 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

Weatherization Assessment What’s Done? 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, CO 2,RH, Purpose Determine Baseline Determine Options Identify IAQ Concerns

Weatherization Plan What improvements will be performed Approach Prioritized –Health –Cost Effectiveness Customized –Test results –Building Specific –Occupancy & Operation Considerations Safety Energy Indoor Air Quality Comfort Cost Effectiveness Sustainability

Weatherization Retrofits How can changes impact Indoor Air? Temperature Differentials – –Condensation –Air Flow Pressure Differentials – –Air Flow Moisture Management – –Humidity Air Sources, Volume, Movement (Ventilation) Pollutant Sources & Controls

Building Envelope Sealing, Tightening, Windows & Doors Weatherization Action Blower Door / Duct Test based Reduce air leakage, resistance to heat transfer, thermal losses/gains Size and distribution of uncontrolled airflow Impact on IAQ 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 Resistance to heat transfer, thermal losses/gains Impact on IAQ Moves dew point surface – Shifts condensation to exterior wall VOC – type of insulation Loss of containment - Fibers / Particulates Decreased Air Movement

Heating /Cooling / HVAC Weatherization Action Programmable Thermostat Ducts –Replacement –Sealing –Balancing Furnace or A/C changeout –Efficiency –Right sizing –Combustion Venting –Fuel type Wood stove changeout Ventilation Impact on IAQ Alter Pressure balance Combustion makeup air Spillage/Backdrafting Emissions Humidity

Designed Ventilation / Radon Ensuring Adequate Ventilation Weatherization Action Minimum Ventilation Rate –Blower Door data based –Sized for occupancy –Volume –Natural ventilation Designed Fresh Air Heat Exchangers Exhaust fans Active Radon Control Impact on IAQ Humidity Odors Comfort Radon Point Sources

Energy Efficient Upgrades Weatherization Action EE Lighting Hot water –Replacement H 2 O heater –Insulation –Reduce demand (lo flow) Fans (attic, ceiling) Appliances PV/Wind Impact on IAQ Air movement Mixing Emissions Humidity

Holistic Considerations Landscaping shading Water conservation

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 –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: Climate Change: The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality: ENERGY STAR Home Improvement: Mold and Moisture: Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center (WAPTAC)