While new homes are being built tighter than ever, more and more contractors are helping their customers identify and rectify sources of energy loss in their homes, ensuring future energy savings and comfort for homeowners. But, as contractors seal up these homes, they also need to consider proper ventilation, avoid common mistakes, and follow industry protocols to ensure occupant health and safety.
Drake Erbe, chair of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and vice president of market development at Airxchange Inc., said that while mechanical ventilation is mandated in most commercial building codes in the U.S., it is rarely required on the residential side. That means many of the tightly built or sealed homes aren’t bringing in enough fresh air to ensure occupant health and safety.