Indoor Air Quality | Carmel Building and Design

Many people think of the heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) system as the part of the house that keeps us warm or cool, but a well-designed HVAC system also contributes to your good health. We can achieve a healthful, comfortable indoor environment while saving energy and resources if we consider the complexity of air movement and the value of fresh air in the design of your HVAC system.

The HVAC system functions in concert with the “building envelope”, which is comprised of the materials that separate indoors from out (windows, insulation, siding, and roofing). A well-designed and well-built envelope eliminates drafts and the intrusion of moisture and mold, and allows the HVAC system to maintain the desired comfort level and air quality using a fraction of the energy needed in a conventionally built home.

Here are some ways we can create an efficient, cost-effective HVAC system and building envelope that will provide a healthful, comfortable indoor environment (see also the Indoor Air Quality section):

• Use high-quality materials and methods for the building envelope and HVAC system
• Choose high-R-value alternative insulation products (cotton, wool, cellulose, concrete-based or soy-based foam)
• Integrate passive solar design into your heating and cooling plan
• Install sealed combustion units (furnaces & water heaters), which can save energy and protect your home from carbon monoxide intrusion
• Install HVAC ductwork within the conditioned space
• Use duct mastic on all duct joints and seams (leaky ducts account for much of the wasted energy in a house)
• Install a sealed gas fireplace with an efficiency rating of at least 60%
• Install effective exhaust systems (in bathrooms and kitchens) vented to the outside
• Install a mechanical fresh air ventilation system to control fresh air circulation
• Install an air-to-air heat exchanger
• Install high-efficiency heating systems and ENERGY STAR fans
• Choose ENERGY STAR roofing materials
• Locate operable windows to take advantage of prevailing breezes
• Install carbon monoxide alarms
• Consider a radiant heating system; these heating systems are substantially more efficient and maintain constant temperatures better than forced air systems. In contrast to forced-air systems, these store heat in solid materials, resulting in lower energy consumption and a warmer, cozier atmosphere. There are both hydronic (hot water) and low-voltage electric kinds that both require significantly less maintenance than traditional systems. They are also great for bare feet on cold mornings.

There are also ways in which we can quantify the performance of your home:

• A High Performance Home is one that exceeds the California Title 24 energy efficiency standard by at least 15%
• An energy-efficient home can qualify for an ENERGY STAR certification
• Diagnostic evaluations can be performed to evaluate your building envelope (for example: blower door test, pressure test, combustion safety backdraft test)

» Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

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FAX 831-626-8607 info@carmelbuilding.com
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