Indoor air quality is critical to the comfort and longevity of a home.  Mold has become a problem in homes as they become tighter. 

Combustion Venting

All combustion processes in the house are sealed combustion with combustion intake and exhaust air power vented to or from outside the building.

Moisture Control

The central HVAC system has controls to allow it to act in a dehumidification mode

Outdoor Air Ventilation & Local Exhaust

Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling

Room by room heating and cooling loads were calculated using ACCA Manual J and the room-by-room duct flow rates were calculated using ACCA Manual D.  The LEED rater tested the room-by-room flows to assure the HVAC system provided the maximum occupant comfort with the greatest efficiency.

Air Filtering

A MERV 10 filter was installed in the air return system.

Contaminant Control

All permanent ducts were sealed during construction to minimize contamination.  The HVAC contractor installed a temporary furnace in order to provide heat during the cold weather construction and avoid filling the ducts with construction dust.

A shoe removal and storage area is located on the screen porch by the primary entrance into the house to minimize carry-in contamination. 

A whole house vacuum was installed.  It will exhaust directly outdoors.

Radon Protection

The house is located in an EPA Radon Zone 1 area.  Potential radon gas is bled off through the gravel bed located below the seal basement floor to a natural draft radon stack that penetrates the house roof.   A future electrical connection and location for an in-line fan in the radon stack has been provided in the event of a radon problem.

Garage Pollutant Protection

The garage is detached eliminating potential garage related pollution problems.