As a very crude example, there will be situations where cracking a window can be a cost-effective way to achieve much better air quality. The next level would be that the window can be closed when the inside-outside temperature differential exceeds X because the natural air exchanges could be high enough.

I hope to have an ERV/HRV installed by this winter. With standard setups, two items seem to be missing. First, the fan speed should be based on the inside-outside temperature differential. On extremely cold nights in a less-than-perfect house, it is possible that the ERV does not need to be running (Midwest US). Similarly, on cool/dry Spring or Fall days, just open the windows. The other missing piece is monitoring. Air quality monitoring with possible direct or indirect feedback should be standard.

Yes, these constant/average calculations can be used for estimations and sizing, but they could still result in improperly configured air quality systems.

If radon venting is necessary, it needs to be included in any air quality configuration.

In summary, most residential air quality professionals focus on high-end housing and high-end solutions. This makes sense because that is where the money is. As I mentioned above even these solutions could be mismatched. But, what about the average Jane/Joe homeowner? I’m not looking for an answer, just trying to keep it all real.

It is great that we can measure ACH50 with blower door tests. But for instantaneous (daily/hourly) air quality we need to know instantaneous air exchanges. We know delta-temp, wind, and exposure contribute to this. It is a shame that this all gets generalized into a single N-Factor. Minimally, the delta-temp should be pulled out of the N-Factor. Temperature is easily measured and can be used as a control input.

My air quality improvements so far have started with monitoring. That has led me to a small adjustable speed DIY radon vent and a configurable fresh air to HVAC air return vent. Long-term monitoring will be required to decide how well this is doing. Early results suggest more fresh air may be needed, thus I’m hoping to improve my fresh air venting with a DIY HRV before this winter.

Thanks again for all your contributions! They are outstanding! Eric

Hi Pat,

Thank you so much for this thoughtful response and for all you do for the industry! Your organization’s approach at Age Well at Home is exactly what was discussed during this opening session panel and something every organization should strive for.

I’d love to talk to you more about your work so we can keep telling these stories. If you’re interested in working with me on an article, please do reach out: mmelendez@building-performance.org.

Thanks again.

Just read your timely article. Thank you so much for putting the emphasis on the people we serve! At Age Well at Home, we serve older homeowners of color to create a safe environment to live and so they can preserve homeownership and generational wealth. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, we have some of the highest racial gaps in homeownership in the country. Our work is to try and close the gap – keeping older adults of color in their homes and passing on their property to the next generation when they are ready to do so.

We use a person-centered trauma informed approach that puts the homeowner (rather than the house) at the center of all we do. It dramatically changes the impact. The safety renovations and modifications we install are important but the relationships we build are critical to our success!

So thank you for highlighting the kickoff general session. Hoping it trickles down to eventually impact all the sessions that are taught throughout the conferences in the future.

Also, appreciate you highlighting the importance of equity within the industry.

Jasmine, keep bringing a positive atmosphere and continue to help us breathe. Reminding us to take a full breath to help us relax and stay mentally healthy! Thank you again

Hi Michael – We’ll reach out to you via email to assist. Thanks for letting us know!