Transcript of 1 INTRODUCTION ASSESSING THE HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE HOME /INTERACTIONS WITH THE...
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- 1 INTRODUCTION ASSESSING THE HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE
HOME /INTERACTIONS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Jed Harrison U.S. EPA
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- 2 Course Approach Assumes you have a good understanding of IAQ
basics Sources Health Effects Actions to Improve IAQ Assumes you
understand how homes interact with the environment Environmental:
Climate, Weather, Siting Structural: Design & Construction
Human: Operation & Maintenance
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- 3 A New Approach (2) Focuses on taking the next step, solution
oriented Looking at overall health of the home Providing tools
Developing hands on diagnostic skills Recommends Holistic approach
to Connect with Expertise Resources We Need Your Feedback. Lots of
Information what do you need more / less of?
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- 4 What is Holistic? Viewing house as living, breathing, system
that reacts dynamically to occupant behaviors and environment To
identify root causes of problems, and to identify sustainable
solutions, Home Assessments should adopt a Holistic Perspective
Viewing House, Occupants and Environment not as separate factors
and components, but as Comprehensive & Interrelated Structure
Environment Occupants
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- 5 What is Healthy?
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- 6 Looking beyond Healthy; Seeking Home Wellness Homes as an
important contributor to Resident wellness and Quality of Life
Healthy Safe Comfortable Affordable Durable Sustainable
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- 7 What is Sustainable? The Three Pillars of Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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- 8 What is Sustainable? Holistic and sustainable assessment will
try to identify opportunities to Minimize environmental footprint
of home Make home more affordable and simpler to operate and
maintain Help ensure home will meet needs of residents for the
future
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- 9 Diagnostics with Assessment Tools Course is designed to
enhance and develop your detective and diagnostic skills using a,
comprehensive set of Assessment Tools Eyes, Ears, Nose Forms &
Software tools Measurement Tools & Instruments Assessment is
intended to Diagnose Problems (current and potential) Identify
Causes Identify potential Solutions and Improvements
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- 10 Diagnosing a Home - What is an Assessment? Collecting
information, making a record Observations (Qualitative) Homeowner
input insights, needs Measurements Photographs Interpretation
Following Good Health & Safety Practices Demonstrating
Courtesy, Respect, Cleanliness, Correcting Immediate threats
Sharing Initial observations & Recommendations (Exit
Interview)
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- 11 Diagnosing a Home What does the Assessment consider?
Examines 3 factors that determine a homes Healthy and Sustainable
status Building/Structural Environmental Occupant-related
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- 12 Building / Structural
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- 13 Environmental How the house interacts with the environment
Temperature Wind Precipitation Ambient Air Quality Soil Moisture
Soil Gas Solar Gain
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- 14 Occupant-Related
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- 15 Diagnosing / Improving an IAQ Problem The Four Ps People
Pollutant Pathway Pressure Identifying Root Cause of problem
Leverage for improving or eliminating problem and exposure
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- 16 The Structure: How Home and Environment Interact This
session looks at structural and environmental factors of a Holistic
Approach. Includes short building-science review, then dives in to
types and purposes of the many assessment measurements that will be
made Built Around the Measurements part of the Assessment Tools:
Assessment forms, Tape measures, flashlights, camera, Blower Door,
Duct Tester, moisture Meter, Thermal Imaging, Combustion tester,
pressure gauge, Temp & RH monitor
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- 17 The Structure Environmental Interactions with the
Environment Building Science Review Building Assessment What We
will Measure and Why What Element s of the House Well Focus on
Diagnostic Tools The tools that we will use Measurements &
testing How The tools are used to make the measurement
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- 18 Building Science Review Interactions with the
Environment
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- 19 IAQ Refresher Severity of problem dependent on Strength of
source(s) Dilution Removal (Filtration, absorption, deposition)
Duration Prioritization of Solutions? Control sources Ventilation
Air cleaning
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- 20 Source Control Moisture Control Eliminate / reduce indoor
sources Substitute for cleaner/healthier alternatives Eliminate
pathways Reduce driving forces for transport Prevent condensation
Isolate sources separate from living area Awareness &
Education
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- 21 Quantity of Moisture From Household Activities Natural
Resources Canada
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-home-improvement/choosing/insulation-sealing/air-leakage/khi-moisture.cfm?attr=4
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- 22 Indoor Humidity
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- 23 Occupant Perception of IAQ and Risk We can observe We can
increase awareness and educate We can make recommendations And...
In some cases unique needs of occupants (e.g. asthmatics), require
more emphasis on certain concerns we identify but.... Each family
will make their own decisions and take actions based upon comfort
level, perceptions, economics, abilities, and culture
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- 24 Building an Assessment Team Reality is that most tribes have
limited expertise and funding to address healthy homes as wed all
like to Building a team does several things Can raise the
visibility and priority of healthy housing as a tribal focus Brings
together expertise from many relevant disciplines May bring
resources from other departments or programs Creates shared
ownership; increasing commitment and quality of likely actions
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- 25 The Assessment Team Assembling the team to perform the
assessment Environmental Housing Health Energy Water Cultural
Other? Not a part of the team, but a critical part of the
Assessment and ultimate mitigation approach Occupants
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- 26 The Assessment Form/Software Guides the Assessment process
Creates a record of the assessment observations, measurements,
photos and initial recommendations May perform calculations and
quality checks Difficult to find One Perfect Tool. Course uses hard
copy forms to guide the process and eliminate learning a specific
software
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- 27 TAMS Assessment Forms Based upon several sources NEAT Audit
Software (DOE) Home IAQ Checklist (OSU Extension) Energy Star EPA
Retrofit Protocols BPI NCHH LBL Designed to include essentials
covered in course
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- 28 Focus is on Diagnostic Skills and Tools We wont get to
answer all questions during house visits but you have a
comprehensive list As a team, youll work together to perform the
assessment and interpret your observations and measurements In
practice session and home visits, try to spend some time with all
aspects of the assessment, using all of the tools
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- 29 Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam the house as
the patient
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- 30 Building Assessment Comprehensive Physical Exam the house as
the patient Basic Physical Information Construction Layout/Plan Age
Dimensions / Volume Equipment Occupant Reported /Related How the
house is used Indoor Activities Indoor Sources Housekeeping History
Previous and Current Maintenance Renovations Major Changes Core
Tests / Vital Signs Blower Door /Leakage Duct testing Temperature
Relative Humidity CO 2 Testing Particles Combustion Radon Moisture
Imaging Thermal Imaging Signs & Symptoms Begin assessing root
causes
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- 31 What measurements well makeand why Envelope (Size, Volume,
Foundation, Attic, Materials, etc) Insulation gaps/voids, Thermal
Bridges, water damage, Leakage - Infiltration / Exfiltration
Interior Living Space Health, Safety, Comfort, Efficiency Interior
pathways, leaks, HVAC, heating/cooling, Ducts etc, Energy &
Resources (base loads) Safety (Fire, combustion, radon) Codes,
standards, guidance
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- 32 Envelope & Leakage Inspections & Tests Visual
Inspection Thermal Imaging Smoke test Blower Door Testing To Assess
Water leakage Air gaps/leakage Insulation continuity Moisture
Control Structural integrity Ventilation Sealing Windows &
Doors Opportunities for performance improvement
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- 33 Interior Living Space Indoor Measurements Temperature
Ambient Surface Humidity CO 2 Levels Particles Combustion by
products Moisture Flows Pressure Differences Radon To Assess
Comfort Adequacy of HVAC Effectiveness of HVAC Adequacy of
Ventilation Moisture / Moisture Problems Operation of Combustion
Devices Indoor Sources Housekeeping Radon risk
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- 34 HVAC Efficiency / Effectiveness / Safety HVAC Measurements
Combustion Pressures In system In zones Venting & Draft Ducts
Tightness Supply / Return Distribution To Assess Proper combustion
under all conditions Proper exhaust Leaks in ductwork Location of
leaks Distribution System Balance Safety
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- 35 Energy & Resources Session 5 Measurements Fuel Usage /
Base Loads Water heating Appliances Lighting Other Water
Consumption Materials Selection To Assess Performance Efficiency
Opportunities for reductions in Energy use Opportunities for
reductions in Water use Selection of more sustainable items and
materials
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- 36 Safety & Health Inspections Combustion Electrical Fire
Lead paint Asbestos Other To Assess Safety of combustion devices
Identification of Hazards Code Compliance
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- 37 Building Assessment Tools Cognitive Ability Questions
Identifying Clues Sensory Eyes Ears Nose touch Forms / Software
Flashlight Tape measure Smoke tube Camera Digital (Spot)
Thermometer Thermal imaging Thermometer RH Meter CO2 CO Moisture
meter Anemometer Digital pressure gauge Particle Counter Blower
Door Duct Tester
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- 38 TAMS Assessment Forms Part 1 - Occupant Related Occupants
Activities HVAC Use Indoor Sources Housekeeping Allergen Control
Health & Safety Part 2 Structural Construction Details
Dimensions and Volume Thermal Performance Moisture Control HVAC
& Ducting Operation Combustion Energy Use
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- 39 Measurements and Testing For each type of test, determine
Why were making the measurement Where in the home it is made How
the Tool works How it is used What the results tell us
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- 40 Temperature / Humidity / CO 2 Thermometers / Hygrometers/ CO
2 Monitors Temperature (Ambient) Temperature (Surface) Relative
Humidity (RH) Carbon Dioxide CO 2
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- 41 Thermal Imaging Infrared Camera Identify Cold / Hot Spots
Moisture Presence Leaks & gaps Pathways Electrical Assess
Insulation Gaps Voids Thermal Bridging Energy waste
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- 42 Particulates Particle Counter Results should generally
correlate with furnishings physical activity occupant activities
(e.g. cooking, candles, vacuuming) air movement Maintenance outside
PM sources May show temporal variations based upon physical
activity and Living and bedrooms
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- 43 Pressure Differentials Smoke Tube Manometer / Smoke Tube
Simple way to test for Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone
Room/Room Simple way to identify Direction of flow Leaks and
pathways Presence & quality of seals
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- 44 Pressure Differentials Micromanometer Simple way to test for
Pressure imbalances Indoor/Outdoor Zone/Zone Room/Room Simple way
to identify leaks and pathways Presence & quality of seals
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- 45 Moisture Testing Pin Type Moisture meter Contact Moisture
meter
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- 46 Air Flow Testing Tested Devices Heat Exchanger Intakes
Exhausts Exhaust fans Bathrooms Laundry Rooms Kitchen Supplemental
Ventilation Other Instruments Anemometer Pressure pan Pitot tube
Flow Hood
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- 47 Ventilation Testing CO 2 Monitors Determine minimum
ventilation requirement for occupants Measure mechanical
ventilation Determine leakage rate
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- 48 Blower Door Test Used for testing the air tightness of the
structure Air tightness of a building impacts energy consumption,
comfort, and ventilation A blower door consists of Calibrated fan
to measure air flow rate Micromanometer to measure the pressure
created by the fan flow Airflow directly Proportional to Surface
Area of Bldg Leakage
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- 49 Blower Door Test
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- 50 Blower Door Test Natural Driving Forces- Air leakage not
measurable because pressure differences are small and variable
Blower Door Air leakage is measurable because the pressure
difference is Larger and Steady. Blower door equivalent to a steady
20 mph wind on all surfaces of building
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- 51 Blower Door Test ELA: Estimated total air leakage of all
little holes in the building. Pre and Post Weatherization Blower
Door readings to determine effectiveness of actions Can also
compare to other houses of same building type. The blower door is
your ultimate quality control device
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- 52 Blower Door Test Air Changes per Hour (ACH) Fresh air
ventilation rate based on size of home and number of occupants
Building Tightness Limit (BTL) / Minimum Ventilation Level (MVL) To
ensure adequate fresh air through leakage if no mechanical
ventilation CFM 50 (standard for blower door) Blower Door measures
air flow rate in CFM at House pressure of -50 pascals
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- 53 Blower Door Test Typical Sources of Depressurization
Temperature Differential (Stack Effect) Combustion Appliances Air
Handlers Duct Leakage Exhaust fans Clothes Dryer Door Closures
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- 54 Zonal Pressure Tests Blower Door Configured for Whole House
Tests relative leakiness of different zones Outside Zones Not
Conditioned Attics Garage Porches Crawlspace Basement Inside Zones
Conditioned Interior Walls Floors Between Stories Crawlspace
Basement Surface exposed to interior and to outdoors Can be
separated from rest of house Zone =
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- 55 Duct Testing Determines the leakiness of supply and return
ducting Identifies loss of conditioned air to outside (supply)
Identifies unconditioned air entry to interior (return) Identifies
the need for sealing of ducts Calibrated Duct testing fan attached
to main air handler or return Registers temporarily sealed
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- 56 Duct Leakage
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- 57 Duct Testing Variations Duct Leakage Duct Leakage to Outside
While simultaneously pressurizing house Blower Door Subtraction
With and without registers sealed Pressure Pan Test While house is
depressurized, measured at each register.
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- 58 Pressure Pan Test Measures Pressure in duct (at register)
relative to house pressure Ducts should be 0 WRT House pressure
Indicates relative leakiness of duct in proximity to that register
Higher the P, Leakier in that area of duct Identifies loss of
conditioned air to outside
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- 59 Air Flow Testing Heat Exchanger System Temperature
Difference Exhaust fans Anemometer Pitot tube Calibrated Pan
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- 60 Combustion Testing & Inspection Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Combustion Flue Gases Venting System Combustion Appliance Zone
Outdoor (reference) Gas/Oil Leakage Inspection Unvented Combustion
Appliances Combustion Appliance Zone Combustion appliance vent
inspection Oven Range
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- 61 Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) Any zone that contains
combustion appliances. including Furnaces Boilers Water heaters
Fireplaces, gas logs or solid fuel appliances Cooking ranges and
ovens Vented and unvented space heaters
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- 62 Worst Case Draft Test Assures Combustion Appliances will
operate in a safe draft condition during periods of
depressurization created by occupants and environmental drivers
Test performed with house in a condition that will put the
Combustion Air Zone (CAZ) in the highest negative pressure
Identifies need for appropriate actions to ensure proper drafting
Must be done after modifications that tighten envelope or
mechanical exhaust systems
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- 63 Worst Case Draft Test Turn all combustion devices off
Measure baseline pressure relative to outdoors Tighten House
Replace or clean filters Activate all Exhaust Appliances Activate
air handler Position CAZ and Interior doors to maximize P in CAZ
Fire Appliance check for spillage after 2 minutes Measure Draft in
flue
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- 64 Water Heater Draft Test Thermostat setting Signs of leakage
Insulation of pipes Pressure relief valve
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- 65 Radon Testing Recommended even if house previously tested
(and mitigated) Identifies potential for elevated Radon levels
requiring mitigation Conducted in Living Area in worst case
conditions Can be affected by weatherization actions test after
weatherization retrofits
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- 66 Quality Assurance QA Plan (QAP/QAPP) Recommended to assure
that data supports good decisions May be required by Tribe or
funding source If supported by EPA Grant funds, QAP is needed
(check with Project Officer) Level of rigor should match type of
measurements and intended use: graded approach
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- 67 Quality Assurance Standardized assessment procedure Standard
procedures for instruments Calibration is current and documented
Good recordkeeping for data and associated information (e.g.
photos) Training records for staff Ensure procedures are followed
and deviations noted