A lot of research has gone into assessing and guaranteeing the quality of our food and water. However, air quality is just as important, if not more so. The average American eats 4 pounds of food daily, drinks 8 pounds of water, yet breathes 30 pounds of air. Indoor air quality deserves its own focus.
Airtight Buildings
Airtight buildings are great for reducing energy consumption and creating comfortable environments. However, they can also become the perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. That’s why monitoring air quality and promoting proper ventilation in our homes and buildings is so important.
In a TOH demonstration, plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey showed just how dramatically building standards have changed: Older homes breathed at a rate of 10 to 12 air changes per hour—meaning all the air in the house was completely replaced every five or six minutes. Today, the national average is around seven air changes, and in states like Massachusetts, new construction targets just three, thanks to spray foam and advanced air barriers. That tighter envelope is why mechanical ventilation, such as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV), is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Custom-home builder Jerry Effren, who has seen houses become ever more efficient over the past 30 years, explains: “The goal was always to build homes that would stay comfortable, while expending less energy and costing less to keep them that way. You’d achieve that with things like adding insulation inside the walls, replacing drafty windows—pretty much anything to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. But all of that insulating meant that little to no air was escaping, and no fresh air was getting in.”
For Many, IAQ is an Unknown Variable
Many people are scared of indoor air quality because it’s something of an unknown variable. It’s not something you can see or even smell, many times, so the subject makes them nervous. But, data is easily accessible with the right tools.
TOH home technology expert Ross Trethewey puts it simply: “Knowledge is power. A monitor will let you know if your air quality is not that great, so you can do something about it.”
Air Quality Monitors
IAQ monitors are widely available and can help homeowners get a better idea of the quality of their air. These monitors can track the quality of the air on several different levels, providing a baseline to determine how the building is performing and how healthy the air is.
When choosing an IAQ monitor, decide what specific pollutant you want to track — not all devices monitor all pollutants. If someone in your home is allergic to dust or pollen, for example, make sure the device you select tracks those specific particulates. Also note that while most monitors use carbon dioxide (CO2) as a general indicator of air quality, few track carbon monoxide (CO) or radon. All homes should have a dedicated CO detector installed on each level, and radon can be detected with an at-home test kit.
We Don’t Know What We Don’t Test
Indoor air quality testing sets the baseline for the home and helps homeowners better understand their home’s performance. With this baseline in mind, adjustments can be made to improve the air quality and the home’s overall health. But, without testing, there’s no telling where to start.
Beyond everyday pollutants, certain hazards demand dedicated monitoring. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the U.S., and all homes should have a CO detector on each level. Radon, a carcinogenic gas, can be detected with an at-home test kit; if levels are high, a dedicated mitigation system that vents the gas outside should be installed.
