Indoor Air Quality in Your New Home

It’s exciting to build a new home. At the same time it can be a bit consuming. With all the choices to be made during construction it’s easy to overlook some of the simpler strategies that can lead to better indoor air quality when you’re finally moved in.

Indoor air quality starts when construction begins and it should be one of your top priorities. The EPA estimates that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air and this applies even to new and shiny abodes.

One of the best strategies is to prevent chemicals from sneaking into your new home. Choose low-VOC paints and finishes including walls, cabinets, countertops and flooring. Also avoid products and materials that contain formaldehyde. Eliminating as many of these chemicals as possible will cut down indoor air pollutants.

Consider installing a whole house HEPA filter as you pick out your HVAC system. HEPA filters are effective in cleaning dust, allergens and pollutants from indoor air. A whole-house HEPA filter can be attached to your furnace. The downside is it will only work when air is being mechanically conditioned.

When your new HVAC system and air ducts are installed protect them from dust and contaminants. Insist that your builder supports your efforts to keep new elements clean. I hate to say it but I’ve seen more than a few open ducts used as trash or waste material receptacles. I’m not sure about the mentality behind this behavior but I do know you can prevent it.

Take extra steps to vacuum dust and dirt from within components even if they will be sealed. Cabinets, wall cavities and joints between walls and floors tend to collect sawdust and debris during construction. The more of this that is removed before voids are closed up, the less it will impact indoor air quality.

Even new homes can be a bit dirty. Windows, floors, tubs, toilets, and countertops all need cleaning before moving day. Most builders hire professional cleaners to do a “Cat in the Hat” before keys are turned over but it’s not guaranteed that the cleaning supplies are non-toxic. If you want to keep it clean and natural, buy non-toxic cleaners for the cleaning crew to use. They’ll be happy to oblige, especially if the supplies are delivered with a couple coffees for break time.

One last strategy, don’t rush to move in. It’s not necessarily something you want to think about but your home has been a construction site for at least several weeks, if not months. It’s been dusty, filled with chemicals and probably has had some tobacco smokers treating it like the outdoors.

If time permits, let your new home ventilate with fresh air for a day or two after closing. It may be officially yours but up until yesterday it was still a construction site. Let it breathe and move in fresh without odors or lingering contaminants.

Keep your home’s indoor air in top quality by using non-toxic cleaners, keeping it well ventilated and taking care of any moisture problems immediately. Also be sure to install a carbon monoxide alarm and test for radon periodically.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional, general contractor or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.