Mechanical Ventilation and IAQ in Recently Constructed US Homes

Date Published
04/2024
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Abstract

Data were collected to characterize whole-house mechanical ventilation (WHMV) and indoor
air quality (IAQ) in 139 homes across four US regions, including 29 in the Marine climate of
Oregon, 26 in Cold-Dry Colorado, 32 in Mixed-Humid Illinois, and 52 in the Hot-Humid
Southeast. Thirty-six homes were monitored with and without WHMV operating. All homes
had operational cooktop ventilation and bathroom exhaust. Envelope and duct airtightness;
mechanical ventilation airflows; time-resolved CO2, PM2.5 formaldehyde and radon; and time-
integrated NO2, NOx and formaldehyde were measured. Participants provided information
about IAQ-impacting activities, perceptions and ventilation use. Preliminary results indicate
that the installed WHMV often did not meet requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2010; WHMV
was operating in only half of the homes as found and 22% had WHMV airflow at or above the
requirement, as found. Homes with WHMV had significantly lower CO2 and radon
concentrations compared to those without WHMV running

Conference Name
Indoor Air 2024
Year of Publication
2024
Organizations
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