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4 Common Air Quality Issues in Homes and How to Fix Them
Reading time: 6 minutes
Comfort
Homeowners often overlook indoor air quality, yet it directly impacts health, comfort, and code compliance. As a builder or HVAC contractor, guiding clients through common IAQ challenges and effective solutions can set you apart as a trusted expert.
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1) Airtight Design in New Construction
Modern homes are built with airtight designs to maximize energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. However, this same airtight construction limits infiltration, trapping indoor pollutants such as moisture, pollen, and combustion byproducts. Without proper ventilation, these contaminants can accumulate indoors, leading to poor indoor air quality, discomfort, and potential health risks.
The Challenge
Without balanced ventilation, airtight homes can experience backdrafting, excessive humidity, and poor indoor air quality.
Solution
Follow ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standards to ensure proper air exchange (ASHRAE, 2022).
Install mechanical ventilation systems like Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) to maintain fresh air circulation (EPA, 2023).
Use demand-controlled ventilation to adjust airflow rate based on occupancy and activity levels (DOE, 2022).
2. Chemical Off-Gassing
Under certain conditions, many building materials, furniture, and household products may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) into the air. These chemicals, found in paints, adhesives, flooring, and synthetic furnishings, can off-gas for weeks or even months after installation. Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to respiratory irritation, headaches, and long-term health risks, including organ damage and increased cancer risk. Without proper indoor air quality solutions and material selection, these pollutants can accumulate in the indoor air, compromising indoor air quality.
The Challenge
Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can lead to respiratory issues and long-term health risks.
Solution
Utilize low-VOC or no-VOC building materials, paints, and finishes (EPA, 2023).
Implement proper curing and off-gassing time for new materials before occupancy (CDC, 2022).
Integrate high-efficiency filtration systems in ventilation designs to capture airborne chemicals (ASHRAE, 2022).
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3. Radon Infiltration
Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through foundation cracks, gaps in flooring, and improperly sealed sump pits. Because radon is undetectable without testing, it can accumulate to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, making mitigation essential in both new and existing homes.
The Challenge
Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Solution
Seal foundation cracks and improve sub-slab ventilation to reduce radon levels (DOE, 2022).
Install passive or active radon mitigation systems in high-risk areas (CDC, 2022).
Include radon vapor mats beneath the slab in new construction to create a barrier and improve ventilation.
Conduct radon testing during new construction and renovations (EPA, 2023).
4. Poor Maintenance
Even well-designed ventilation systems require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to perform at their best. Without proper upkeep, indoor air quality solutions can lose efficiency, leading to higher energy costs and compromised indoor air quality.
The Challenge
Homeowners often neglect maintenance, leading to clogged filters, reduced efficiency, and compromised air quality.
Solution
Provide homeowners with a maintenance checklist covering tasks like filter replacement and ERV/HRV core cleaning (ASHRAE, 2022).
Offer annual maintenance services or partner with HVAC professionals for scheduled checkups (EPA, 2023).
Educate homeowners on recognizing signs of poor ventilation, such as persistent odors and excessive humidity (DOE, 2022).
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Educating Homeowners About Ventilation Best Practices
Homeowners may have misconceptions about IAQ, such as assuming that opening windows is sufficient for ventilation. They need to be educated on the importance of mechanical ventilation and how it ensures a consistent supply of fresh air.
Key Talking Points
Mechanical ventilation provides controlled and filtered airflow, unlike open windows that let in pollutants and allergens (EPA, 2023).
Balanced ventilation improves air quality without significantly increasing heating and cooling costs (ASHRAE, 2022).
Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture-related issues like mold and structural damage (CDC, 2022).
Why Homeowners Need to Know About IAQ Standards and Trends
With evolving building codes and industry standards, keeping up with the latest indoor air quality solutions and energy efficiency requirements has never been more important. These updates influence not only construction practices but also a home's overall comfort, health, and long-term value. Builders and contractors serve as key guides in helping homeowners understand and comply with these changes while addressing the growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient homes. One major shift is the recent revision to ASHRAE 62.2, which increases ventilation rate requirements to enhance indoor air quality. Additionally, an increasing number of states and provinces now mandate mechanical ventilation in all new residential construction, reinforcing the need for well-designed ventilation systems.
Beyond compliance, homeowners are becoming more aware of how ventilation impacts indoor air quality, making IAQ a strong selling point for builders. Effective ventilation helps reduce pollutants, enhances comfort, and improves energy efficiency. Educating homeowners about these benefits empowers them to make informed choices, ultimately leading to healthier living environments.
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Integrating IAQ Solutions with Builder-Friendly Strategies and Tools
The growing emphasis on indoor air quality solutions in both regulations and consumer preferences underscore the importance of integrating effective ventilation solutions into residential construction. For builders and HVAC contractors, the challenge lies in implementing IAQ strategies that align with evolving standards without adding unnecessary complexity. Fortunately, industry-proven tools and streamlined approaches make it easier to incorporate ventilation solutions while ensuring compliance. By leveraging these resources, builders can enhance project efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and provide long-term value to homeowners.
Effective Strategies for Seamless Integration
Integrating indoor air quality solutions into residential construction doesn’t have to be complicated. By leveraging proven strategies, builders and HVAC contractors can streamline the process, ensuring homes meet modern ventilation standards while enhancing homeowner comfort. The following tools and resources make it easier to specify, install, and communicate the value of IAQ systems.
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Real-World Success Stories
Archello (a social media platform specifically for Engineers, Architects, Builders and more) offers a collection of real-world implementations, featuring the products, professionals, and stories behind innovative architectural projects. By browsing our page, we offer a selection of success stories that highlight the tangible benefits of prioritizing indoor air quality.
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Ventilation Selection Tools
We provide an easy-to-use selection guide that helps contractors specify the right IAQ system for each unique project. This tool ensure that ventilation solutions meet both code requirements and homeowners' comfort needs, saving time and reducing guesswork in system selection.
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Access to Comprehensive Resource
Builders and HVAC contractors can access a wealth of resources, from detailed product specifications to installation manuals on our website. These tools ensure that all aspects of IAQ implementation are covered, making it easier to maintain compliance and deliver top-tier indoor air quality solutions.
By addressing common IAQ challenges with proven solutions, builders and contractors not only enhance home comfort and health but also ensure compliance with evolving codes. Leveraging the right strategies and resources makes it easier to integrate effective ventilation systems, adding long-term value to every project. As industry leaders, builders and HVAC contractors have the opportunity to educate homeowners, helping them make informed decisions about the air they breathe every day.
Sources:
ASHRAE. (2022). Standard 62.2-2022: Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Indoor Air Quality Guidelines.
Environment Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Volatile Organic Compounds and Health Risks.
Department of Energy (DOE). (2022). Best Practices for Home Ventilation.
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