Your Health and Your HomeIn recent years, the connection between the indoor living environment and personal health has become much better understood. The housing industry has made great strides in its efforts to address concerns over indoor air quality, and today's new homes offer a healthier, fresher living environment.Poor indoor air can have a detrimental impact on people's well-being, from a general sense of feeling tired or "under the weather" to contributing to, or even triggering, allergies and asthma.  Molds and dust, improper combustion of heating equipment and off-gassing from building materials, furniture and even household cleaners can seriously affect the air quality in a home and, as a consequence, the health of the people living in it. Unfortunately, these contaminants are common and can be found in many homes, often without the homeowners being aware of them. Extensive research by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the development of their Healthy Housing™ initiative have provided a solid underpinning for many of the techniques used by professional new home builders to ensure good air quality in your home. Design and constructionGood indoor air quality begins with solid construction that prevents air leakage and moisture penetration. Eliminating dampness and cold spots not only increases comfort, but also prevents mold growth. Exterior walls are well insulated with air barriers, vapour retarders and careful caulking. Energy-efficient windows help to prevent condensation.VentilationGetting rid of moist, stale air is key to good indoor air quality. The most effective approach is the heat recovery ventilator (HRV), sometimes referred to as a fresh-air machine. The HRV serves as the lungs of your home, continuously bringing fresh air from the outside and exhausting stale air.Excessive moisture, dust, pet dander and other "pollutants" that are part of everyday living are diluted and expelled 24 hours a day. To make sure the system is not simply bringing in problems from the outside, the incoming air is filtered. It is also pre-heated by the outgoing air to save energy—this is the "heat recovery" part of the system. Heating systemsHeating equipment in a new home is energy efficient and state-of the-art. Forced-air furnaces deliver a smooth flow of filtered air for even temperatures and comfort throughout the house. Combustion air comes directly from the outside, and exhaust air is vented to the outside to avoid any risk of noxious fumes inside your home.Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of in-floor radiant heating systems which provide steady, consistent warmth, reducing on-and-off heating cycles. Construction and finishing productsBy choosing low- or no-offgassing materials, such as non-solvent glues, formaldehyde-free cabinetry and factory-finished flooring, you can limit the amount of contaminants brought into your home. Ask your builder for details.The builder will also help you to plan ahead by choosing products that don't collect dust or require chemical cleaners, for instance, or by installing a central vacuum system with direct outside exhaust. When you begin with the right home, it is easy to maintain a healthy indoor living environment. A brand new home—there's no place like it. Click here for more information about Healthy Housing™, or call Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1.800.668.2642. back to About new homes |
