Page 25 - CodeWatcher Spring 2017 Issue

Healthy House Solutions

Insulation

ROXUL ComfortBatt provides improved levels of energy
efficiency for a comfortable indoor environment. It’s made of a
Healthy House Upsides combination of natural basalt rock and recycled slag, a mineral
The organization analyzed the results of 12 residential energy by-product of the steel-
efficiency and two related ventilation strategies studies that making process. The
all document improvements in occupant health or indoor product features a flexible
environmental conditions. Some studies also observed edge that is designed to
reductions in emergency department or hospital visits in compress as the batt is
those homes which have occupants that suffer from asthma inserted into walls, attics,
or other respiratory ailments. ceilings and floor frames.
Improvements in asthma symptoms are significant
because 1 in 14 adults have asthma, and it is even more The spring-back aspect of this insulation expands the batt
prevalent in low-income households (16 percent of adults against the frame studs to give a complete fill and compensates
in the DOE Weatherization Program National Evaluation for normal variations in stud centers caused by distortion or
reported having asthma.). Experts estimate that 40 percent warping. The insulation can be cut with a serrated blade and
of diagnosed asthma is associated with home exposures (e.g., trimmed for the best possible fit around electrical and plumbing
moisture, temperature variations, pests), some of which can for optimal R-value and maximum sound absorption.
be improved through energy efficiency activities. Ventilation
Additional Health Benefits
While most residential energy efficiency work is not focused Bosch’s Total Comfort Control System includes Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) products that are key components of a home’s
on improving occupant health, common energy efficiency
practices can create a drier home with more consistent tem- comfort system.
peratures, fewer air indoor pollutants and reduced allergens. The average person
In addition to improving the health of occupants who suffer spends 80% of the
from Asthma and other respiratory ailments, the report time indoors at work,
identifies other potential health benefits of a bundled set school or at home.
of energy efficiency activities (insulation, heating upgrade, According to EPA tests,
ventilation and efficient cooking appliances), including a levels of pollutants
reduced risk of cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular are 2 to 5 times higher
issues and mental health problems. indoors than outside. The key to improving your indoor air quality
Leveraging the Results is elimination of the source of the contaminants; by way of

The key findings of this study can be used to encourage ventilation and refreshing the air, as well as filtration and removal
of harmful particles where possible. The system includes
residential energy efficiency program administrators,
implementers, regulators, funders and advocates to build humidifiers, fresh air dampers, Photo-Catalytic Oxidizers (PCO),
their knowledge and understanding of the potential occupant filters and controls including thermostats and a zoning system.
health benefits of energy efficient activities. Roof and Wall Sheathing
For builders and those who work within the energy efficien-
cy space, this analysis provides credible evidence for home- By limiting airflow and the amount of moisture that seeps into
owners about the associated health benefits of home energy a home, Huber’s ZIP System roof and wall sheathing helps
efficiency activities and should be utilized to help consumers prevent energy from escaping a
understand the potential health benefits of such efforts. CW building and contributes to better
indoor air quality. Designed to meet
Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd is the Director new energy codes, all-in-one ZIP
of Communications for North American
Insulation Manufacturers Association System R-Sheathing panel provides
(NAIMA). an innovative approach to sealing
and insulating the building envelope.
One panel delivers thermal, air and
moisture resistance, while providing
excellent strength and durability.

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