Looking for a NYC metro area fresh air systems contractor
I am in the process of buying a house, it closes next month. Its relatively new built in 2004 – but there aren’t any special green features. I hope to change that gradually, starting with a fresh air system.
I am interested in getting an assessment for air quality for fresh air exchange and consistent year round humidity and then taking the necessary steps if I need to install a ventilation system (exhaust-only, ERV, HRV, etc). The house currently has forced hot-air (no humidifier) and central AC. I know the ERV/HRV systems take special knowledge the average heating/cooling contractor would be unfamiliar with – does anyone know any resource to find knowledgeable contractors (I’m in Central NJ). I am thinking possibly given the size (smaller 2 story 3 bedroom 2.5 bath) maybe I can just get a ventilation only system if an ERV/HRV isn’t worthwhile (maybe a Panasonic or Broan Smartsense ventilation system).
Some other things I think I should fix right away are an attic fan (doesn’t have one) and maybe a whole house carbon water filter system and maybe a reverse osmosis filter in the kitchen (any recommendations for brands and models?). Any cost effective green improvements you would suggest to start with (and if so, contractor resources I should look to in this area)?
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Replies
J.M.,
Q. "Any cost-effective green improvements you would suggest to start with?"
A. My usual advice: hire a home-performance contractor (someone with a blower door) to conduct an energy audit. Most homes benefit from air-sealing work and added attic insulation.
Whatever you do, don't install an attic fan. Attic fans use more energy to operate than they save, and they are sometimes dangerous (because they can depressurize a home enough to cause water heaters and furnaces to backdraft).
I wasn't think of a large whole house ventilation fan in the attic - I was talking about the small active exhaust fans that keep the air space in the attic ventilated - they don't use much power and can run off small solar panels: http://www.broan.com/products/lifestyle/powered-ventilation-options-214161b1-6a0a-4c84-94b0-1d300c1815b4
The home does have attic fiberglass insulation, but I don't know the details.
J.M.,
My advice is the same: you don't want an attic fan.
(You've got it backwards, by the way.
Whole-house attic fans = good.
Smaller attic fans used to ventilate the attic = bad.)
More information here:
Are Solar-Powered Attic Ventilators Green?
Martin’s Useless Products List
Thanks Martin, can you recommend home-performance auditors or a reference site for them? I know someone who had one done but all they did was use an IR camera (no door test) and didn't really help the home owner with concrete suggestions for improvements and contractors.
I'm more interested in fresh air systems as I want good indoor air quality and comfortable humidity levels in the wintertime when the forced hot-air system is running - that's my primary concern.
Thanks
JM,
I'm hoping that a GBA reader who lives in New York City will see your question and suggest a contractor.
Here's the problem: If you consult a surgeon, it's fairly likely that you will be told that you need surgery. If you consult a yoga teacher, you may be told that all you need is yoga.
You wrote, "I want good indoor air quality and comfortable humidity levels in the wintertime when the forced hot-air system is running." To achieve that, you need a whole-house approach. For example, if your house is dry during the winter, an inexperienced HVAC contractor might recommend a humidifier, when the best solution is to reduce air leakage into your basement and out of your second-floor ceiling.
To find a home performance contractor who can conduct an energy audit with a blower door, check out the websites of the two major certifying organizations:
Building Performance Institute
RESNET