Given that Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors and indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, it’s surprising that indoor air quality isn’t top of mind for more homeowners. Fortunately, home indoor air quality (IAQ) can be dramatically improved by implementing three steps: assess, weatherize and electrify.

Assess

The first step toward a healthier IAQ is a home energy assessment. A professional home energy assessment measures the leakiness of a building and its ability to maintain a desired temperature. A complete assessment includes a blower door test, a thermographic inspection and a written report. Blower door tests determine leakiness by measuring how much air can be blown out of a building. Thermal imaging measures temperature differences and points out where a building needs improvement. The assessment report should also recommend specific improvements. Many assessors include quotations for insulation and heating and cooling equipment. However, it’s wise to obtain several quotations before choosing a contractor. Local nonprofit Sustainable Putnam can help homeowners find qualified energy assessors and contractors.

With an energy report and quotations in hand, the next step is weatherization with air sealing, insulation and regulated ventilation. Air sealing keeps air pollutants from infiltrating a building while keeping conditioned air from escaping. Ignoring a building’s holes and gaps is as wasteful as filling a bathtub with the drain open. Caulk or a targeted application of foam can seal most gaps. The most important areas to seal are the attic and basement because air leaks at the top and bottom of a building produce a “chimney effect”. Cold air is sucked in at the foundation, as hot air escapes through the leaky roof. Insulation products are available in a variety of materials and forms today. Locally, the most popular materials are cellulose and spray foam. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Cellulose, for example, is fireproof and nontoxic, while foam generally insulates more effectively and is waterproof. Foam also has a significant carbon footprint and may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The “best” option varies depending on the building and the owner’s budget and priorities. Energy Recovery Ventilators, or ERVs, filter indoor air while exchanging its energy with fresh air. The refreshed air is distributed throughout the home as stale air is expelled. An ERV can eliminate significant indoor pollution and is essential in tightly sealed homes. There are simpler options too, such as programming bathroom and kitchen fans for timed use throughout the day.

The last step in improving IAQ is electrification. Swapping electric for fossil-fueled appliances eliminates many potentially harmful pollutants. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that gas ranges can increase health risks, especially for children, seniors and those with existing conditions. Cold- climate heat pumps offer one solution. They can supply homes with sufficient hot water, heat and air conditioning, even in sub-zero temperatures. And they’re more efficient than electric baseboards, space heaters and oil heat. Major appliances present another opportunity to improve IAQ. When ready for replacement, choose Energy Star Most Efficient appliances for laundry and cooking. Although they may cost a bit more, the lifetime costs are lower. For example, heat pump clothes dryers are ventless, gentler on clothing and some models can be plugged into an ordinary 120-volt outlet. There’s no need to vent exhaust outdoors which adds additional energy savings.