Join us for this 5-module online course, via Zoom, Thursdays at 3:00pm EST, beginning June 4th through July 2nd. Participate in all 5 modules, take and pass the test at the end, and earn the HERS Associate Designation!

MODULE DESCRIPTION:
A high-performance home isn’t just efficient and comfortable. It has to be a place where the occupants can breathe safely. Given that North Americans spend 90% of our lives inside of buildings, understanding indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial to achieving healthy homes. Managing pollutants is the key to good IAQ and this module will address the pollutant hierarchy in four areas:

• Source control – eliminating pollutants either by design or by deliberate action
• Pollutant separation by managing and stopping the way they can get to the occupants
• Diluting pollutants via flushing them out with intentional ventilation
• Capturing pollutants with a deeper, pleated filter to remove them from the air stream.

Methods and standards for determining the minimum amount of fresh air required will be discussed. Also, strategies and technologies to provide fresh air for the building occupants will be presented and vetted, including:

• Understanding negative pressure (e.g., continuous exhaust fan)
• Learning about balanced systems (e.g., ERV)
• Explore hybrid approaches (combination of fans)
• Gain knowledge about positive pressure (in-line supply fans, fresh air ducted into the return, ventilating dehumidifiers, etc.)
• Finally, the qualities of an ideal ventilation system will be discussed.

INSTRUCTOR:

Mike Barcik
Technical Principal