Comments on: Indoor Air Quality — What the Nose Knows http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/ Setting an Example by Design Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:08:57 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: John Zito http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/comment-page-1/#comment-5707 John Zito Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:29:49 +0000 http://greenbydesign.com/?p=2928#comment-5707 KimR You can improve the seal in an attic by caulking at all penetrations into the attic: Pipes, wires, where the drywall meets the framing. Also any can lights (recessed lights) need special treatment. Build a box around them using 2" rigid foam. Make sure to build the box big enough to leave 3-4" of air space around the can, even it's an in contact (IC)can--due to the heat build up (If using spray foam on an IC, it may cause the light to fail). Caulk the boxes' seams. The energystar website does a pretty good job of explaining it (with pictures): http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/DIY_Guide_May_2008.pd Another option is to have the attic sealed with spray foam. Care still has to be taken around the can lights and chimney's and flue pipes. Also, check with your utility provider. Some of them may perform a blower door test and use an infrared imaging camera to help locate areas that need addressed. It's best to have that done before and after, to make sure that all areas were sealed. Good luck KimR

You can improve the seal in an attic by caulking at all penetrations into the attic: Pipes, wires, where the drywall meets the framing. Also any can lights (recessed lights) need special treatment. Build a box around them using 2″ rigid foam. Make sure to build the box big enough to leave 3-4″ of air space around the can, even it’s an in contact (IC)can–due to the heat build up (If using spray foam on an IC, it may cause the light to fail). Caulk the boxes’ seams.

The energystar website does a pretty good job of explaining it (with pictures):

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/DIY_Guide_May_2008.pd

Another option is to have the attic sealed with spray foam. Care still has to be taken around the can lights and chimney’s and flue pipes.

Also, check with your utility provider. Some of them may perform a blower door test and use an infrared imaging camera to help locate areas that need addressed. It’s best to have that done before and after, to make sure that all areas were sealed.

Good luck

]]> By: KImR http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/comment-page-1/#comment-5705 KImR Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:13:00 +0000 http://greenbydesign.com/?p=2928#comment-5705 How do you improve the seal in an attic? How do you improve the seal in an attic?

]]> By: Joe Spangle http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/comment-page-1/#comment-5678 Joe Spangle Wed, 27 May 2009 15:54:02 +0000 http://greenbydesign.com/?p=2928#comment-5678 The only product that captures air particles at the SOURCE is the PURIFAN indoor clean air system. Every 90 seconds, over 40 times per hour. Uses only safe technology. No OZONES or IONS. Joe Spangle The only product that captures air particles at the SOURCE is the PURIFAN indoor clean air system. Every 90 seconds, over 40 times per hour. Uses only safe technology. No OZONES or IONS.

Joe Spangle

]]> By: mike http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/comment-page-1/#comment-5642 mike Tue, 12 May 2009 17:53:07 +0000 http://greenbydesign.com/?p=2928#comment-5642 I've always wanted to find a good, scientifically grounded source of information on the indoor air ramifications of specific products (paints, building materials, furniture, carpets). I came across this post in a google search for just that. Do the good people at green-by-design know of such a book/website? I’ve always wanted to find a good, scientifically grounded source of information on the indoor air ramifications of specific products (paints, building materials, furniture, carpets).

I came across this post in a google search for just that.

Do the good people at green-by-design know of such a book/website?

]]> By: John Zito http://greenbydesign.com/2009/04/27/indoor-air-quality-what-the-nose-knows/comment-page-1/#comment-5582 John Zito Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:46:17 +0000 http://greenbydesign.com/?p=2928#comment-5582 Dust will also occur in poorly sealed homes. For example, if the attic is not sealed well, dust will migrate into living areas. When the HVAC system starts, attic air (and dust) will draw through wire and pipe penetration into building cavaties and make their way into living quarters. Aside from the energy loss, it is also an air quality issue as well as more more work for the occupants. Dust will also occur in poorly sealed homes. For example, if the attic is not sealed well, dust will migrate into living areas. When the HVAC system starts, attic air (and dust) will draw through wire and pipe penetration into building cavaties and make their way into living quarters. Aside from the energy loss, it is also an air quality issue as well as more more work for the occupants.

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