Impacts of weatherization on indoor air quality: A field study of 514 homes

S. Pigg, D. Cautley, P. W. Francisco

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Residential energy efficiency retrofits continue to be common in the United States, especially through governmental and utility programs. Because of the potential for reduced air exchange, there have been concerns raised regarding the potential for negative impacts on health and safety of residents when air sealing occurs. To address this concern, a study was undertaken in 2009-2010 to evaluate the indoor air quality impacts of weatherization performed through the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program. Testing was conducted on 514 homes throughout the United States. The results show that weatherization, as performed at the time of the study, could result in small but statistically significant increases in some indoor contaminants such as radon and humidity, while also reducing exposures to elevated carbon monoxide in some homes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)307-317
Number of pages11
JournalIndoor Air
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2018

Keywords

  • carbon monoxide
  • field measurement
  • formaldehyde
  • humidity
  • radon
  • residential retrofit

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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