This webinar will present findings from the Breathe Easy Study, a 3-year study conducted in partnership between Elevate and Illinois Institute of Technology to evaluate the impacts of residential mechanical ventilation retrofits on indoor air quality and adult asthma in Chicago homes. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with co-funding from ComEd. This study provides a holistic understanding of the costs and benefits of mechanical ventilation systems designed to provide minimum flow rates specified by ASHRAE Standard 62.2. The three types of systems investigated are: 1) continuous exhaust-only ventilation systems; 2) intermittent central-fan-integrated-supply (CFIS) ventilation systems with automatic fancycler timers integrated into the existing air handling units (i.e., with the air handler operating approximately 20 minutes out of every 60 minutes to meet 62.2 requirements); and 3) continuous balanced supply and exhaust ventilation systems with energy recovery ventilator (ERV) units. The study utilized a pseudo-randomized crossover study with quarterly periods of week-long data collection for one year pre-installation and one year post-installation, as well as monthly asthma symptom questionnaires throughout the two-year study time period. The findings provide guidance on cost effective ventilation upgrades for homes to improve indoor air quality and asthma outcomes.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW) (PENDING)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable

Lessons Learned:

1. What types of ventilation systems are available for use in residential retrofit applications, and what practical issues determine their use (e.g., costs, installation challenges, etc.).
2. How different types of ventilation systems impact indoor air quality.
3. How indoor air quality and ventilation retrofits impact adult asthma.
4. What participants perceived the benefits and drawbacks of their systems were.

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Instructor: Brent Stephens

Brent Stephens is a Professor and Department Chair and Insung Kang is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. Anna McCreery is Senior Manager for Research and Innovation at Elevate in Chicago, IL.