Introduction Assessing the Health and Sustainability of the Home /Interactions with the Environment Jed Harrison U.S. EPA.

Introduction Assessing the Health and Sustainability of the Home /Interactions with the Environment
Jed Harrison U.S. EPA

Course Approach Assumes you have a good understanding of IAQ basics
Sources Health Effects Actions to Improve IAQ Assumes you understand how homes interact with the environment Environmental: Climate, Weather, Siting Structural: Design & Construction Human: Operation & Maintenance

A New Approach (2) Focuses on taking the next step, solution oriented
Looking at overall health of the home Providing tools Developing “hands on” diagnostic skills Recommends Holistic approach to Connect with Expertise Resources We Need Your Feedback. Lots of Information— what do you need more / less of?

What is Holistic? Viewing house as living, breathing, system that reacts dynamically to occupant behaviors and environment To identify root causes of problems, and to identify sustainable solutions, Home Assessments should adopt a Holistic Perspective Viewing House, Occupants and Environment not as separate factors and components, but as Comprehensive & Interrelated Structure Environment Occupants Holistic Health Analogy (Physical, mental, Emotional, Spiritual); all important to good health, but all affect the other. Moisture indoors: Impacted by Occupant behaviors (water use, use of fans and thermostat, maintenance), Environment (Humidity, Precip and temp), and structure (ventilation fans, insulation, leaks)

What is Healthy? Principles of Healthy Homes Dry Clean Well Ventilated
Pest-Free Safe Comfortable Free of Toxics & Combustion Products Maintained Damp houses provide a nurturing environment for mites, roaches, rodents, and molds, all of which are associated with asthma Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants. Recent studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and cockroaches and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest infestations can exacerbate health problems, since pesticide residues in homes pose risks for neurological damage and cancer. The majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from objects in the home, burns, and poisonings. Chemical exposures include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, carbon monoxide, and second-hand tobacco smoke are far higher indoors than outside. Studies show that increasing the fresh air supply in a home improves respiratory health. Poorly-maintained homes are at risk for moisture and pest problems. Deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing is the primary cause of lead poisoning, which affects some 240,000 U.S. children.

Looking beyond Healthy; Seeking Home Wellness
Homes as an important contributor to Resident wellness and Quality of Life Healthy Safe Comfortable Affordable Durable Sustainable Healthy – IAQ, clean water, free from unnecessary exposures Sustainable – limiting environmental footprint as possible Affordable – Economical and Efficient; especially over the life of the home – to occupants and others (THE) Durable – Long lasting and suitable for the climate Safe – From hazards of all types Comfortable –Occupants can control and maintain comfortable temperature, fixtures and appliances work, family has enough room. The home contributes to a good quality of life

What is Sustainable? “Meeting the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The Three Pillars of Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resource Minimizing Energy Consumption Minimizing Water Consumption Right Sizing Sustainable Materials Recycling & ReUse Stewardship Social Sustainability Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, and Social Sustainability Sustainability requires the reconciliation of environmental, social equity and economic demands - also referred to as the "three pillars" of sustainability or (the 3 Es). Quality of life Economic Sustainability longevity Able to last or continue for a long time

What is Sustainable? Holistic and sustainable assessment will try to identify opportunities to Minimize environmental footprint of home Make home more affordable and simpler to operate and maintain Help ensure home will meet needs of residents for the future six key elements to building a super-efficient home: insulation, ventilation, windows, air-sealing, thermal bridging, and thermal mass.

Diagnostics with Assessment Tools
Course is designed to enhance and develop your detective and diagnostic skills using a, comprehensive set of Assessment Tools Eyes, Ears, Nose Forms & Software tools Measurement Tools & Instruments Assessment is intended to “Diagnose” Problems (current and potential) Identify Causes Identify potential Solutions and Improvements Assessment Tools – Forms, Eyes/Ears, Measurement Tools (Blower Door, Thermometer, etc)

Diagnosing a Home - What is an Assessment?
Collecting information, making a record Observations (Qualitative) Homeowner input insights, needs Measurements Photographs Interpretation Following Good Health & Safety Practices Demonstrating Courtesy, Respect, Cleanliness, Correcting Immediate threats Sharing Initial observations & Recommendations (Exit Interview)

Diagnosing a Home – What does the Assessment consider?
Examines 3 factors that determine a home’s “Healthy and Sustainable” status Building/Structural Environmental Occupant-related 3 Factors detailed in next 3 slides Human health analogy- Building – Physical condition of body and organs Environmental – Exposures and external risks Occupant – Behavioral: smoking, diet, elective risks

Building / Structural How the house operates as a system
Envelope/Shell Insulation Heating/Cooling/ Mechanical Water / Sewer Base Loads Safety Features General Condition

Environmental How the house interacts with the environment Temperature
Wind Precipitation Ambient Air Quality Soil Moisture Soil Gas Solar Gain Wood smoke etc

Occupant-Related Largely the “Behavioral “ side
How the house is Operated Indoor activities Furnishings Special Needs of residents Pets Housekeeping & Maintenance Great opportunity for improvement through education, simple and low cost changes, to manage moisture and odors, eliminate or reduce hazardous activities indoors, limit use of unsafe products and appliances, (e.g. smoking behaviors, substituting products, use of ventilation fans, eliminating use of unsafe heaters, etc)

Diagnosing / Improving an IAQ Problem
The Four Ps • People • Pollutant • Pathway • Pressure Identifying Root Cause of problem “Leverage” for improving or eliminating problem and exposure • People – must be an exposure for a problem, may be special age or health related concerns; behavioral changes may be needed for successful solution People =perception? In some cases, it may be that perceived problem cant be easily identified. • Pollutant – sources (including occupants) includes what the occupant brings into the home. • Pathway – for source to impact indoor air- maybe multiple pathways involved • Pressure – driving force to transport the source/pollutant (may be as simple as vapor pressure and diffusion) Can be complex – moisture into bldg, saturation of media (bldg materials), mold growth, sporulation emanation of volatile constituents, distribution through air flow (mechanical, heat driven, diffusion) Can be simple – diffusion of chemical (e.g. solvent) into breathing zone.

The Structure: How Home and Environment Interact
This session looks at structural and environmental factors of a Holistic Approach. Includes short building-science review, then “dives in” to types and purposes of the many assessment measurements that will be made Built Around the “Measurements part” of the Assessment Tools: Assessment forms, Tape measures, flashlights, camera, Blower Door, Duct Tester, moisture Meter, Thermal Imaging, Combustion tester, pressure gauge, Temp & RH monitor

The Structure Environmental Building Assessment
Interactions with the Environment Building Science Review Building Assessment What We will Measure and Why What Element s of the House We’ll Focus on Diagnostic Tools The tools that we will use Measurements & testing How The tools are used to make the measurement

Building Science Review Interactions with the Environment
How the house interacts with the environment - We’ll go thru each of 4 in more detail

IAQ Refresher Severity of problem dependent on Strength of source(s)
Dilution Removal (Filtration, absorption, deposition) Duration Prioritization of Solutions? Control sources Ventilation Air cleaning • People – must be an exposure for a problem • Pollutant – sources (including occupants) • Pathway – for source to impact indoor air- maybe multiple pathways involved • Pressure – driving force to transport the source/pollutant (may be as simple as vapor pressure and diffusion) Can be complex – moisture into bldg, saturation of media (bldg materials), mold growth, sporulation emanation of volatile constituents, distribution through air flow (mechanical, heat driven, diffusion) Can be simple – diffusion of chemical (e.g. solvent) into breathing zone.

Source Control Moisture Control
Eliminate / reduce indoor sources Substitute for cleaner/healthier alternatives Eliminate pathways Reduce driving forces for transport Prevent condensation Isolate sources separate from living area Awareness & Education The same methods for controlling sources are valid for controlling moisture in the home What about occupants as sources (moisture, odors, CO2)? Rely on ventilation .

Quantity of Moisture From Household Activities
This is a family of 4. Note that the occupants are the major source. If the house is fairly tight, this can lead to condensation on cold surfaces and related problems Natural Resources Canada

Indoor Humidity Why is humidity control important?
If it is too humid, really bad for bio growth. Too dry and respiratory infections. Example – Dry Las Vegas climate – no worries about mites, but respiratory infections. For Asthmatics and health in general, humidity control is important.

Occupant Perception of IAQ and Risk
We can observe We can increase awareness and educate We can make recommendations And . . . In some cases unique needs of occupants (e.g. asthmatics), require more emphasis on certain concerns we identify but Each family will make their own decisions and take actions based upon comfort level, perceptions, economics, abilities, and culture Perception works both ways; Exaggerated sense of risk (or what is causing it), underestimating risk or personal role in mitigating it. Indoor pets, furnishings,, household products, indoor activities, housekeeping and maintenance all impact IAQ and health, but ultimately the homeowner needs to decide what they are comfortable with. When we decide on mitigation and weatherization actions, we should look first for actions that require little or no ongoing operating cost, maintenance or significant lifestyle changes. These are likely to be most sustainable (longevity).

Building an Assessment Team
Reality is that most tribes have limited expertise and funding to address healthy homes as we’d all like to Building a team does several things Can raise the visibility and priority of healthy housing as a tribal focus Brings together expertise from many relevant disciplines May bring resources from other departments or programs Creates shared ownership; increasing commitment and quality of likely actions You may be on your own, and hopefully this course will better prepare you to identify the nature and cause of problems (and potential problems), and be as effective as you can be in solving or improving them.

The Assessment Team – Assembling the team to perform the assessment
Environmental Housing Health Energy Water Cultural Other? Not a part of the team, but a critical part of the Assessment and ultimate mitigation approach Occupants Environmental – Expertise in IAQ, environmental monitoring, often the first to respond to an IAQ problem or question Housing – Special expertise in construction, renovation, building systems (HVAC); may have responsibility for maintaining house, may have housing funds that can be used for mitigation , repairs & improvements Health – Health related Expertise and knowledge; may have requested assessment/intervention (or performed a health assessment). May have special resources that can be used, may be able to monitor occupant health following mitigation Energy, Water, - Specific expertise in Weatherization and conservation useful for holistic approach. May have special resources that can be used Cultural – May be helpful in engaging community and specific occupants, ensuring the Assessment team avoid culturally related problems Other? Occupants – again to emphasize You can have a very healthy house, but it’s the occupants that furnish, operate, maintain, and live in the house. Learning their insights, understanding how they live in the home and their needs, gaining their understanding and cooperation is critical, their commitment may be necessary to any sustainable solutions.

The Assessment Form/Software
Guides the Assessment process Creates a record of the assessment observations, measurements, photos and initial recommendations May perform calculations and quality checks Difficult to find “One Perfect” Tool. Course uses “hard copy forms to guide the process and eliminate learning a specific software

TAMS Assessment Forms Based upon several sources
NEAT Audit Software (DOE) Home IAQ Checklist (OSU Extension) Energy Star EPA Retrofit Protocols BPI NCHH LBL Designed to include essentials covered in course

Focus is on Diagnostic Skills and Tools
We won’t get to answer all questions during house visits – but you have a comprehensive list As a team, you’ll work together to perform the assessment and interpret your observations and measurements In practice session and home visits, try to spend some time with all aspects of the assessment, using all of the tools

Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam ”the house as the patient”

Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam ”the house as the patient”
Basic Physical Information Construction Layout/Plan Age Dimensions / Volume Equipment Occupant Reported /Related How the house is used Indoor Activities Indoor Sources Housekeeping History – Previous and Current Maintenance Renovations Major Changes Core Tests / Vital Signs Blower Door /Leakage Duct testing Temperature Relative Humidity CO2 Testing Particles Combustion Radon Moisture Imaging – Thermal Imaging Signs & Symptoms Begin assessing root causes How is the house used/lived in – exposures (e.g. occupational, physical activity) How large, old, general health (height, weight, blood pressure) How well maintained – housekeeping and structural repairs (diet, exercise, supplements, Known health conditions – e.g. health problems and prescriptions Previous known issues – renovations, water damage, major replacements (surgeries, disease history) Symptoms (occupant symptoms as well as odors, visible condensation, dust, ) Testing - Sensitivity and Specificity (radon, CO) Imaging – Non –invasive – can see what’s not visible to the eye Signs – specific (cracked heat exchanger), Symptoms – Non Specific (condensation / rash) Respiratory – Blower Door Circulatory – HVAC Diet - What goes in the house – Sources Exercise – Housekeeping & Maintenance

What measurements we’ll make–and why
Envelope (Size, Volume, Foundation, Attic, Materials, etc) Insulation gaps/voids, Thermal Bridges, water damage, Leakage - Infiltration / Exfiltration Interior Living Space Health, Safety, Comfort, Efficiency Interior pathways, leaks, HVAC, heating/cooling, Ducts etc, Energy & Resources (base loads) Safety (Fire, combustion, radon) Codes, standards, guidance Categories for measurements: How the house interfaces with the Exterior and interior environment The main sources of occupant controlled drivers How efficient the envelope is at retaining air How much the house consumes in energy Safety for residents Equivalent to “vital statistics and understanding the vital organs of the body Looking for symptoms as well as indicators of general health

Envelope & Leakage Visual Inspection Thermal Imaging Smoke test
Inspections & Tests To Assess Visual Inspection Thermal Imaging Smoke test Blower Door Testing Water leakage Air gaps/leakage Insulation continuity Moisture Control Structural integrity Ventilation Sealing Windows & Doors Opportunities for performance improvement

Interior Living Space Temperature Humidity CO2 Levels Particles
Indoor Measurements To Assess Temperature Ambient Surface Humidity CO2 Levels Particles Combustion by products Moisture Flows Pressure Differences Radon Comfort Adequacy of HVAC Effectiveness of HVAC Adequacy of Ventilation Moisture / Moisture Problems Operation of Combustion Devices Indoor Sources Housekeeping Radon risk

HVAC Efficiency / Effectiveness / Safety
HVAC Measurements To Assess Combustion Pressures In system In zones Venting & Draft Ducts Tightness Supply / Return Distribution Proper combustion under all conditions Proper exhaust Leaks in ductwork Location of leaks Distribution System Balance Safety

Energy & Resources Session 5
Measurements To Assess Fuel Usage / Base Loads Water heating Appliances Lighting Other Water Consumption Materials Selection Performance Efficiency Opportunities for reductions in Energy use Opportunities for reductions in Water use Selection of more sustainable items and materials

Safety & Health Combustion Electrical Fire Lead paint Asbestos Other
Inspections To Assess Combustion Electrical Fire Lead paint Asbestos Other Safety of combustion devices Identification of Hazards Code Compliance

Building Assessment Tools
Cognitive Ability Questions Identifying Clues Sensory Eyes Ears Nose touch Forms / Software Flashlight Tape measure Smoke tube Camera Digital (Spot) Thermometer Thermal imaging Thermometer RH Meter CO2 CO Moisture meter Anemometer Digital pressure gauge Particle Counter Blower Door Duct Tester

Part 1 - “Occupant Related”
TAMS Assessment Forms Part 1 - “Occupant Related” Part 2 – “Structural” Occupants Activities HVAC Use Indoor Sources Housekeeping Allergen Control Health & Safety Construction Details Dimensions and Volume Thermal Performance Moisture Control HVAC & Ducting Operation Combustion Energy Use

Measurements and Testing
For each type of test, determine Why we’re making the measurement Where in the home it is made How the Tool works How it is used What the results tell us

Temperature / Humidity / CO2
Thermometers / Hygrometers/ CO2 Monitors Temperature (Ambient) Temperature (Surface) Relative Humidity (RH) Carbon Dioxide CO2 Tests: Where: Every Room, Outdoors Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us: Shows comfort , effectiveness of air distribution, adequacy of ventilation, moisture

Thermal Imaging Identify Cold / Hot Spots Assess Insulation
Infrared Camera Identify Cold / Hot Spots Moisture Presence Leaks & gaps Pathways Electrical Assess Insulation Gaps Voids Thermal Bridging Energy waste thermal imager also locates electrical hot spots and energy waste (uninsulated water lines etc.) Tests: Effectiveness of Insulation & Sealing Where: Everywhere Indoor & Out – note unusual findings and take IR photos Why – condensation, energy, How Tool works: superimposes “heat image” (sees IR spectrum) over visible image How it is used: What results tell us: Where we need to insulate, seal, investigate potential moisture

Particulates Results should generally correlate with
Particle Counter Results should generally correlate with furnishings physical activity occupant activities (e.g. cooking, candles, vacuuming) air movement Maintenance outside PM sources May show temporal variations based upon physical activity and Living and bedrooms

Pressure Differentials Smoke Tube
Manometer / Smoke Tube Simple way to test for Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone Room/Room Simple way to identify Direction of flow Leaks and pathways Presence & quality of seals Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Pressure Differentials Micromanometer
Simple way to test for Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone Room/Room Simple way to identify leaks and pathways Presence & quality of seals Can use Blower Door /Dust tester Micromanometer as standalone tool to measure small pressure differentials , and use with pressure pan or pitot tube to measure flow

Moisture Testing Pin Type Moisture meter Contact Moisture meter Tests:
Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Air Flow Testing Tested Devices Instruments Anemometer Pressure pan
Pitot tube Flow Hood Heat Exchanger Intakes Exhausts Exhaust fans Bathrooms Laundry Rooms Kitchen Supplemental Ventilation Other Ensure exhaust fans and dryer vent to outside

Ventilation Testing CO2 Monitors Determine minimum ventilation requirement for occupants Measure mechanical ventilation Determine leakage rate Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Blower Door Test A blower door consists of
Used for testing the air tightness of the structure Air tightness of a building impacts energy consumption, comfort, and ventilation A blower door consists of Calibrated fan to measure air flow rate Micromanometer to measure the pressure created by the fan flow Airflow directly Proportional to Surface Area of Bldg Leakage Inside thermal boundary Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Blower Door Test Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used:
What results tell us:

Blower Door Test Natural Driving Forces- Air leakage not measurable because pressure differences are small and variable Blower Door – Air leakage is measurable because the pressure difference is Larger and Steady. Blower door equivalent to a steady 20 mph wind on all surfaces of building Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Blower Door Test ELA: Estimated total air leakage of all little holes in the building. Pre and Post Weatherization Blower Door readings to determine effectiveness of actions Can also compare to other houses of same building type. The blower door is your ultimate quality control device Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Blower Door Test Air Changes per Hour (ACH) Fresh air ventilation rate based on size of home and number of occupants Building Tightness Limit (BTL) / Minimum Ventilation Level (MVL) To ensure adequate fresh air through leakage if no mechanical ventilation CFM 50 (standard for blower door) Blower Door measures air flow rate in CFM at House pressure of -50 pascals Is my house tight? Here are some comparison points to help interpret an ach50 reading: A 2002 study of 24 new Wisconsin homes showed a median air leakage of 3.9 ach50. New home builders in Minnesota routinely achieve 2.5 ach50. The Canadian R-2000 program has an air tightness standard of 1.5 ach50. The Passivhaus air tightness standard — a tough standard to achieve — is 0.6 ach50. David Keefe, the manager of training services for Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, recently wrote an article on blower-door testing. “Houses with less than 5 or 6 ach50 are considered tight, and those over 20 are quite leaky, though these numbers can be misleading without considering other variables such as climate, house size, and old versus new construction,” Keefe wrote. “Tight houses tend to measure less than 1,200 cfm50, and moderately leaky homes measure between 1,500 and 2,500 cfm50. Homes that measure over 3,000 cfm50 are considered leaky.” According to The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy by Dan Chiras, “A really good measurement is around 500 to 1,500 cfm50. The older houses we work on typically fall in the 6,500 to 8,500 cfm50 range.”

Blower Door Test Typical Sources of Depressurization
Temperature Differential (Stack Effect) Combustion Appliances Air Handlers Duct Leakage Exhaust fans Clothes Dryer Door Closures

Zonal Pressure Tests Zone = Outside Zones Not Conditioned Attics
Blower Door Configured for Whole House Tests relative leakiness of different zones Surface exposed to interior and to outdoors Can be separated from rest of house Zone = Outside Zones Not Conditioned Attics Garage Porches Crawlspace Basement Inside Zones Conditioned Interior Walls Floors Between Stories Crawlspace Basement Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Duct Testing Determines the leakiness of supply and return ducting
Identifies loss of conditioned air to outside (supply) Identifies unconditioned air entry to interior (return) Identifies the need for sealing of ducts Calibrated Duct testing fan attached to main air handler or return Registers temporarily sealed conditioned air loss to outside at supply ducts, unconditioned air entry at return ducts Also duct spelled dust WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Studies indicate that 10%-30% of the heated or cooled air is lost—along with the money spent to heat or cool that air—through leaky ducts. Duct testing can indicate the relative leakiness of the ducts and help determine whether the duct system should be sealed, repaired, or renovated. Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Duct Leakage Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used:
What results tell us: Point out negative leaks in basement near combust appliances Often folks focus on supply ducts (so as not to lose conditioned air) but can accentuate localized problem if negative side not sealed as well

Duct Testing Variations
Duct Leakage Duct Leakage to Outside While simultaneously pressurizing house Blower Door Subtraction With and without registers sealed Pressure Pan Test While house is depressurized, measured at each register. ELA and CRM25 To Outside: Amount of air in cfm to equalize pressure in ducts when house is pressurized Subtraction: Difference in leakage due to duct leakage Pressure pan: Qualitative test to locate leaks. Higher values signify greater connection to outside

Pressure Pan Test Measures Pressure in duct (at register) relative to house pressure Ducts should be 0 WRT House pressure Indicates relative leakiness of duct in proximity to that register Higher the ∆P, Leakier in that area of duct Identifies loss of conditioned air to outside • Remove Furnace Filters • Make sure registers in conditioned areas are open • Make sure registers in semi and unconditioned areas are sealed off (garages, shop, etc.) • Temporarily seal outside combustion air inlets or ventilation system connections which are hard ducted into the duct system Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Air Flow Testing Heat Exchanger Exhaust fans Anemometer Pitot tube
System Temperature Difference Exhaust fans Anemometer Pitot tube Calibrated Pan Can also use Flow grid to measure flow in ducts and pipes Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Combustion Testing & Inspection
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Combustion Flue Gases Venting System Combustion Appliance Zone Outdoor (reference) Gas/Oil Leakage Inspection Unvented Combustion Appliances Combustion appliance vent inspection Oven Range Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us: See ANSI requirements. 1ppm resolution, visual readout, accuracy +/-5% Above 9ppm in CAZ more than 15 min. Stop testing 25 ppm stop testing

Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ)
Any zone that contains combustion appliances. including Furnaces Boilers Water heaters Fireplaces, gas logs or solid fuel appliances Cooking ranges and ovens Vented and unvented space heaters

Worst Case Draft Test Assures Combustion Appliances will operate in a safe draft condition during periods of depressurization created by occupants and environmental drivers Test performed with house in a condition that will put the Combustion Air Zone (CAZ) in the highest negative pressure Identifies need for appropriate actions to ensure proper drafting Must be done after modifications that tighten envelope or mechanical exhaust systems Worst-case draft testing is required three separate times during the course of a weatherization project. 1. Energy Audit 2. Final Day of Weatherization Installation Phase Final Quality Control Inspection Turn off heater, water heater on pilot, extinguish fires, etc. Tighten (close all windows and vents,

Worst Case Draft Test Turn all combustion devices off
Measure baseline pressure relative to outdoors “Tighten” House Replace or clean filters Activate all Exhaust Appliances Activate air handler Position CAZ and Interior doors to maximize ∆P in CAZ Fire Appliance check for spillage after 2 minutes Measure Draft in flue Measure ∆P as each change is made

Water Heater Draft Test Thermostat setting Signs of leakage
Insulation of pipes Pressure relief valve Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Radon Testing Recommended even if house previously tested (and mitigated) Identifies potential for elevated Radon levels requiring mitigation Conducted in Living Area in “worst case” conditions Can be affected by weatherization actions – test after weatherization retrofits Tests: Where: Why How Tool works: How it is used: What results tell us:

Quality Assurance QA Plan (QAP/QAPP) Recommended to assure that data supports good decisions May be required by Tribe or funding source If supported by EPA Grant funds, QAP is needed (check with Project Officer) Level of rigor should match type of measurements and intended use: graded approach

Quality Assurance Standardized assessment procedure
Standard procedures for instruments Calibration is current and documented Good recordkeeping for data and associated information (e.g. photos) Training records for staff Ensure procedures are followed and deviations noted

Introduction Assessing the Health and Sustainability of the Home /Interactions with the Environment Jed Harrison U.S. EPA.

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Introduction Assessing the Health and Sustainability of the Home /Interactions with the Environment Jed Harrison U.S. EPA.

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