Rise | We've Done the Research
What Are Indoor airPLUS' Main Areas of Focus?
IAP construction specifications focus on the following key areas:
- Moisture management to help keep mold, pest residue, and common allergens from entering a home
- HVAC systems that are appropriately sized and include improved ductwork and filtration and whole-house spot ventilation to remove indoor pollutants
- Radon-resistant construction systems in areas with high radon potential
- Building materials that have fewer chemicals, which are stored on-site in protected areas to keep them from getting damaged by weather
- Preventing pest infestation by sealing cracks and caulking or screening where pests may enter a home
- Combustion pollutants protection with the installation of heating equipment that can't spill combustion gases into a home and preventing pollutants in the garage from entering the house
What Types of Homes Can Get Certified as Indoor airPLUS Homes?
Currently, the following site-built or modular homes are eligible to earn the IAP label:
- Detached dwelling units (single-family homes)
- Townhouses
- Dwelling units in multifamily or mixed-use buildings with five stories or fewer above grade
According to the EPA website, "The program will continue to explore specifications to expand the Indoor airPLUS label to include high rise buildings as soon as feasible." Several key topics for high-rise buildings need to be addressed. These include ventilation, dehumidification, compartmentalization, and moisture management.
When Is the Expected Update to the Original Indoor airPLUS Specifications?
Version 2 of IAP is out for public comment. The EPA is developing specifications to bring the label into existing homes. The comment period for the proposed Version 2 of the Indoor airPLUS New Construction Specifications began on December 18, 2020, and goes through March 17, 2021.
EPA also is considering releasing a new partnership category called Advocate Partners. These are manufacturers or service providers such as radon service providers, who contribute to helping the builder meet one of IAP's specific requirements in its construction specification.
Is the Indoor airPLUS Certification Accepted Only in the US?
Indoor airPLUS is recognized only in the US and its territories. There is no similar program in Canada, although Canadian builders have reached out to the EPA to implement an IAP program or something similar. As of now, there are no plans for US EPA to make Indoor airPLUS available in Canada.
How Much Does Indoor airPLUS Certification Cost?
It doesn't cost anything for a builder or Rater to partner with EPA to participate in the program. Also, EPA provides advertising materials at no cost to partners.
There are some costs for homes to earn the label. First, the house must undergo verification by an independent Rater who will charge for their services. And, the cost of building an Indoor airPLUS home depends on many factors. These include whether it's built to minimum code and what version of the code has been adopted by the home's jurisdiction; if it's already being built as an ENERGY STAR home; and in what climate and radon zone the home is located. Homes in hot, humid climates will likely cost more to build because of added moisture protection. But, since moisture is detrimental to indoor air quality, homes located in hot, humid climates can be the ones that need Indoor airPLUS the most.
Stacey Freed
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