IAQ of Sound Treated Houses

CEE developed and managed a sophisticated yet production-focused indoor air quality (IAQ) diagnostics and management system for houses undergoing sound insulation treatments by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). Over 7,500 houses received an IAQ test as part of this program and the effort was expanded to include multi-family buildings. The IAQ evaluation used an automated, data logger assisted computer program to provide unequaled reliability and extensive documentation of house air leakage, zone air leakage, house depressurization, and combustion vent performance. Results were stored in a central database and used to design customized remediation measures.

The MAC Sound Insulation Program data was analyzed to provide information to update the Department of Commerce State Energy’s Office HouseWarming Guide on Indoor Ventilation and produce a report on ventilation and depressurization concerns. The report includes some of the most comprehensive information ever published on single family house tightness, depressurization, and combustion safety.

CEE staff also helped manage a similar IAQ effort for the Milwaukee County Homeowners Protection Program that served 300 houses per year and has developed IAQ policies and procedures for other sound insulation programs including those located in Key West, Orlando, Tallahasee, and San Antonio.

Contact Dave Bohac at (612) 335-5866 for more information.