NEW HOME INDOOR AIR QUALITY FAQ

What does the EPA recommend to improve indoor air quality in my new home?

The EPA recommends that new homebuilders employ radon resistant building techniques including:  gas permeable layers, plastic sheeting, sealing and caulking, vent pipes, and junction boxes.  Source:  www.epa.gov/radon/construc.html

New homes can be certified as having met Energy Star Indoor Air Package specifications, including:   moisture control, HVAC systems, pest management, combustion venting systems, building materials, radon control, and homeowner education.  Also, homes with the Energy Star Indoor Air Package are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and are designed to have improved indoor air quality compared to code-built homes.  Source: Energy Star

What products does HomeAire recommend to new homebuilders?

The homebuilding process is a perfect time to consider what elements will keep your indoor air healthy and safe for your family.  For clean air, consider the following:

• DuoVac central vacuum systems from HomeAire, which have five times more power than standard upright and cannister vacuums.
  
• Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), which dehumidify and cool incoming air, while continuously supplying fresh air and exhausting stale air. ERVs reduce the load on air conditioners and saves on cooling costs. ERVs are recommended for warmer, more humid climates.
  
• Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), which are designed to bring a continuous supply of fresh air into a home while exhausting an equal amount of contaminated air.  HRVs are recommended for colder climates.
  
• Whole House HEPA Filtration Systems by Fantech, which clean allergens and indoor air pollutants, removing particles down to 0.3 microns.
  
• Spruce plastic inline fans and metal inline fans, which are appropriate for a wide range of ventilation applications. They are virtually silent in living areas and carry a 5 year warranty.
  
• Panasonic and Nutone bathroom fans, which remove damaging moisture from your bathroom's air.

Contact HomeAire for more information about your new home's IAQ needs.