Chemicals and VOCs

There are lots of chemicals and toxins in many standard building materials. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, and they just plain don’t smell good! Using products with little or no toxins will improve the quality of the air inside and reduce the chance of the occupants or installers getting sick.

Ventilation

Having good ventilation is a key in keeping the air inside healthy. Ventilation systems should be sized to allow for several changes of air in a building over the course of a day. In fact, the more the better.

The only down side comes from the cost associated with conditioning the outside air (heating or cooling it). This cost can be lessened by installing a recovery unit that actually harvests the temperature of the outgoing air, using it to condition the incoming air.

Filtration

Good air filtration will remove dust and toxin particles from the air. Filters should be changed regularly (of course). It is also important to note that the filtration media comes in different sizes which remove more or less particles from the air. These sizes are measured by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) factor. The numbers range from 1 to 16, and the higher the number the smaller the openings. Smaller openings are able to trap more particulates, and therefore provide cleaner air.

However, make sure that the HVAC equipment is sized for improved filtration, as higher MERV factors reduce the air flow that is allowed through the filter.

Cleaning Up

Most cleaning products today are just chalk-full of chemicals and toxins. Using natural cleaning products, or ones with less toxic chemicals, will reduce the amount of bad stuff in the air. Today there are more choices than ever when it comes to “green” cleaning products.

These should be used as much as possible, both during construction and after the building is occupied.

Mold

In recent years, mold has become the scourge of the construction industry. Many people have lost lots of money in law suits. To prevent mold, framing lumber should be kept covered and not stored directly on the ground until used. Now, in Oregon, this is a great preventive measure, but it always rains before the roof is put on. Dehumidifying equipment should be used to reduce the moisture content before installing insulation and drywall. Also, be sure to remove any lumber that shows signs of mold growth before closing in the framing. Ductwork should be dried inside and out before installation, and branch line ends wrapped at the end of the day to prevent moisture intrusion. This will keep mold and other nasties out of the HVAC system.