Planning Indoor Air Quality Into a Remodel
A renovation can make indoor air worse through dust, fumes and moisture. It can also make the air better through improved ventilation and cleaner materials. Indoor air quality planning covers both the construction period and the finished home. Dust control, low emission products and well vented fans do most of the work.
Start by listing who in the household has asthma, allergies or other sensitivities.
Dust Control During Work
Sealed barriers, covered vents and daily cleanup keep dust from spreading. Also turn off central heating and cooling during dusty phases, or protect returns. Because older homes may contain lead paint, the EPA requires certified firms to use lead safe practices in many pre 1978 homes.
Materials and Finishes
Paints, adhesives, cabinets and flooring can release odors and chemicals as they cure. So ask for low emission products and allow time for airing out. Then move back into rooms after odors fade.
Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation
Bathroom and kitchen fans remove moisture and pollutants at the source. The Building America Solution Center explains that bathroom fans should vent outside, not into attics. The article on kitchen range hood planning covers cooking ventilation.
- Bathroom fans ducted outside
- Range hood vented outside
- Fresh air ventilation in tight homes
- Filters suited to the system
Moisture and Mold
Moisture feeds mold. Fixing leaks, drainage and ventilation prevents it. The article on hidden remodeling damage explains what crews find.
Combustion Appliances
Gas ranges, water heaters and furnaces produce combustion gases. Switching to electric appliances removes those sources inside the home. The article on induction kitchen conversion covers one change.
Indoor Air Quality in Tight Homes
Air sealing saves energy but reduces random air leaks. So planned ventilation becomes more important. The article on insulation and air sealing explains the balance.
Filters and Air Cleaners
Better filters in HVAC systems catch more particles. However, the system must handle the filter. Ask the HVAC contractor.
After the Remodel
Air out rooms, run fans and clean thoroughly. Then indoor air quality improves as finishes cure.
Indoor Air Quality for Sensitive Household Members
People with asthma or allergies may react strongly to construction dust and fresh finishes. So they may need to stay elsewhere during demolition, sanding and painting. Also ask the contractor to schedule the dustiest tasks together.
Because odors linger after finishes go on, plan extra airing time before they return. Then the transition back home goes smoothly.
Cleaning at the End
A final deep cleaning removes fine dust from ledges, vents and floors. Because dust settles for days after work stops, clean more than once. Also change HVAC filters after construction ends. So the system does not keep circulating leftover dust.
Putting It Together
Plan dust control, choose materials carefully and add good ventilation. Attention to indoor air quality protects health during and after the project.