Transcript Document
IAQ…Why is it a Why Are IAQ Concerns Growing bigger issue? than ever? Change in the way we build Change in the way we live Change in products we use - Tighter - More chemicals - Air conditioning -90% of time indoors -Don’t open windows -More moisture -Carpets &furnishings -Cleaners & hygiene -More “stuff” inside Potential Pollutant MultipleSources 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 6IAQ Key IAQ Parameters Parameters • • • • • • Temperature Relative Humidity Carbon Dioxide Carbon Monoxide TVOCs Particulate Matter IAQ – What Issues & Concerns • • • • • • • 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 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 Optimal Relative Humidity Range – the RequirementsIAQ for Good IAQopportunities Investigation, education & testing Providing solutions On-going maintenance Diagnosing IAQ Issues Clean & Dry Tools Your Nose Your Eyes - Musty odours in basements - Water damage, peeling, cracking, stains, condensation - Air fresheners used to mask other smells - Excessive crowding, storage - Chemical odours - Excessive dust, sooting - Your “fresh” nose is very valuable to clients Diagnosing IAQ Issues Other Tools Accurate Temperature & RH Carbon Monoxide Particle counters & VOC monitors 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 Solution Strategies 4 Step Process 1. 2. 3. 4. Remove the sources of pollutants (the “skunks”) Seal or isolate pollutants Ventilate or dilute them Filter the air These strategies are in order of importance. Ventilation Remove Opportunities the Source Quiet Bath & Central Exhaust HRVs/ERVs Kitchen Fans Fans - Simplified or exhaust -Under 1 sone - Ducted from ducted -On timers or bathrooms - Good controls automatic control - On timers / controls HRV / ERVs Heat Recovery Ventilatorof the house “Lungs” Typically 70% - 80% Efficient Stale air to outside Fresh air to the home Recovery core Fresh air from outside Stale air from the home “Remove” Mold • 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 Example Radon Radon Mitigation Control 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 Filtration Solutions Filters & Ducts • 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 Duct Cleaning ? There are no Caution “silver bullets” Be cautious of : • • • • • • Ozone generators Chemical cleaners / fungicides Tea Tree Oil Air purifiers Duct cleaning sanitizing Ultraviolet light purifiers Remove, seal, ventilate, filter Facts: 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% more USGBC Study 2007 thoughts… What is GoodFinal Indoor Air ? • 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?