(Illustration: U.S. EPA)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ENERGY STAR, weatherization not only helps homeowners save energy and money, but can also provide an avenue to improving indoor air quality. When combined with proper mechanical ventilation, energy efficiency improvements can control where air enters and exits the home and can help prevent mold growth by reducing condensation. Control is particularly important. In a leaky home, outdoor air can enter the house intermittently through cracks, unsealed joints, or penetrations. Dependent upon the weather there may be too much leakage, resulting in a drafty house or too little ventilation, resulting in stuffy air. Leakage also means that the air coming into your home may be filtered through dirty, dusty areas.

When sealing up leaks and upgrading your home’s efficiency, paying attention to indoor air quality is crucial. If performed improperly, weatherization can have negative impacts on occupant health, so it is important to read up on indoor air quality tips. You may also consider hiring a professional to assess your home. When done correctly efficiency improvements have the potential to save energy and improve air quality. Mechanical ventilation in a well-insulated, well-sealed house can exhaust pollutants and bring in outdoor air in a planned way, limiting the intake of unwanted pollutants. This makes a house both comfortable and energy efficient.

• Tips for remodeling your home
• Home improvement with ENERGY STAR
• Overview of weatherization challenges and solutions