House as a System

PresenPresentsts House as a System

Presented by Dana Mosher and Peggy Curran

House as a System Agenda

General Overview of House SystemsDiagnostics – Whole House ApproachHome Performance Contractor Challenge

“Think Outside the Box”Air MovementsMoistureVentilationQ & A

House as a System

About a third of owner-occupied homes are now at least 45 years old and an additional third is between 25 and 45 years old meaning that a large majority of homes are in increasing need of remodeling and repair… AND upgrade of the home’s performance.

What is House as a System?

• The systematic approach to improving the comfort, health, safety, energy efficiency and durability of a home.

Definition of System

• A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.

Building

Occupants

Environment

Moisture

UV RadiationHeat

The System, . . .

To understand you must first, . . .

BEFORE YOU DESIGN,BUILD OR RENOVATE

Courtesy Building Science Corp.

http://www.buildingscience.com/doctypes/guides-and-manuals

Air Leakage

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

• Formaldehyde• Lead• Radon• Asbestos• Vermiculite• Mold• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S)

Drain plane continuity at windowsDrain plane continuity at windows

Courtesy Terry Brennan

Pan FlashingPan Flashing

Courtesy Terry Brennan

Moisture

• Big Factor in Durability of Home• Major influence IAQ• High Humidity – Kitchen – Bath – Basement• No Ventilation or Improper Ventilation

And a Moisture Problem

Courtesy Terry Brennan

Every Mold Problem is a Contamination Problem

Courtesy Terry Brennan

UNHEALTHY WALL SYSTEM

Heating System

• Regular maintenance – change air filter• Registers & Baseboards clean &

unobstructed• Bleed Trapped Air from Hot Water

Radiators• CO and Draft Test• Programmable Thermostats

HEATING SYSTEM EFFICIENCY

WHAT CONDITION INDOOR AIR QUALITY SYSTEM?

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

• Formaldehyde• Lead• Radon• Asbestos• Vermiculite• Mold• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S)

Thank you for your interest in House as a System – Questions?

• For additional information on Energy Efficiency Programs visit: www.nhsaves.com

• Contact – Dana Mosher - email: dmosher@ccsnh.edu

• Contact – Peggy Curran - email: margaret.curran@us.ngrid.com