Remodeling old homes and building new homes
While remodeling or improving the energy efficiency of your home, steps should be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside the home, either from new materials or from disturbing materials already in the home. In addition, residents should be alert to signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air, moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth.
When building new homes, homebuyers today are increasingly concerned about the IAQ of their homes. Pollutants like mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor IAQ has been linked to a host of health problems. To address these concerns, builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor IAQ in their new homes using the criteria from EPA’s Indoor airPLUS as a guide.
To help ensure that you will have good IAQ in your new or remodeled home:
- Ask about including radon-reducing features.
- Provide proper drainage and seal foundations in new construction.
- Consider installing a mechanical ventilation system. Mechanical ventilation systems introduce fresh air using ducts and fans, instead of relying on holes or cracks in the walls and windows.
- When installing new appliances (like furnaces) make sure they are installed properly with a good vent or flue.
If you are thinking of building or remodeling, consider contacting Incredible Renovations at www.incrediblerenovations.com
Source: EPA
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