Picture your dream home. What do you see? Perhaps you see modern sprawling architecture, smart technology, and inviting outdoor living spaces as well as indoor ones. However, what is much more difficult to envision– and is often neglected in consideration –is the health of the home’s indoor air quality.

The average new home in the US has air pollution levels two to five times higher inside than the levels outside. Before the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, people were spending almost 90% of their time inside. So now more than ever it’s critical to manage the pollution levels inside our homes– especially in new homes.

The building process is an ideal time to take air quality into consideration. From the materials used to the building practices, there are multiple factors that can impact home health.

Using Safe Building Materials

Healthy indoor air quality starts with the materials used to build the house. Many building materials contain chemicals and toxins which can pose a risk to your health long-term. Responsible builders use materials that minimize health risks. This includes using safe paints, glues, caulks, carpets, and other materials that otherwise may contain formaldehyde or other harmful toxins.

Donnelly Timmons uses safer building materials as well as safe practices to build high-performance custom homes, ensuring minimal toxins are added to the materials.

High-Efficiency HVAC System

The traditional duct systems in homes are typically built in between the drywall where the air passes through dust, debris, and other irritants. These pollutants end up circulating through the home via the ducts.

A high-efficiency HVAC system can help resolve this issue because it is a closed return system. This means that the air flows through a house and back into the central system through a system closed, fully ducted, and sealed with sheet metal.

Not only do high-efficiency HVAC systems keep more irritants out and more clean air in, but they also help you save energy and money.

Controlling the Moisture

Another issue that can lead to the accumulation of pollutants in the home is moisture. One of the most dangerous consequences of too much moisture is mold– which produces allergens, irritants, and toxins.

A good home builder can help control the moisture by properly sealing and insulating the home to prevent air and moisture infiltration– particularly in basements, attics, wall crevices, and windows.

You can also manage humidity levels in your home by using a dehumidifier. A whole-house dehumidifier can remove humidity from your home without cooling the air, which is useful for before and after summer when it’s not as hot but still quite humid.

Keeping Garage Air Out of the Rest of the Home

Attached garages can pose a threat to your health because even when all the doors are closed, CO2 and carcinogens can seep through cracks. Without proper sealing and ventilation, these contaminants can linger in the home.

The high-efficiency HVAC systems that Donnelly Timmons can build into your home can filter the contaminants out, along with the chemicals and toxins from the cooking in the kitchen that can pose a health risk. With close systems and efficient ventilation, you can rest assured there are fewer pollutants in the home.

Work with a Builder Who Cares about Indoor Air Quality

Donnelly Timmons understands and cares about the importance of indoor air quality. Whether you’re looking to build a house soon or far off in the future, we are here when you’re ready to build a new healthier, custom home with great air quality. We can also do renovations with healthier indoor air considerations.

For a free consultation, call 615-456-7983 or fill out a contact form.