What system for best IAQ in new home?

[karalina]

We are building a new 2800 sq. ft. home. WE want the heating/ cooling system that will give us the best IAQ. We origionally wanted radiant heat/ evaporative cooler but now are considering a forced air system. Can a forced air sysyem be truly healthful? if so- which one would experts recommend? Would you choose radiant heat over forced air? Radiant heat will heat objects (furniture and appliances, flooring) and cause them to outgas more than if no heat were appied to them. We just want the system that will not cause ill- health effects. What do you recommend?

[karalina]

Also, our builder is recommending putting the forced air unit above a dropped ceiling (NOT an attic) because he thinks there will be too much drag on the system if it is located in the garage and wants it more centrally located. But we don't have an attic because most of the house has exposed high ceilings, but there will be a few dropped ceilings. I am concerned about the unit being inside the house (not even in an attic). What would you suggest?

[uktra]

If you want the best IAQ you need to go to http://www.buildingscience.com and study the Build America section among others. The home as well as the HVAC system must be designed together to be truly effective. The type of materials in the home is also paramount. You are in a unique position to gain your objectives at minimal cost. DO NOT depend on your builder or HVAC contractor--you need to do the research on what works. You are the customer!

[karalina]

wow!!! this is a GREAT site!!!! thank you SO VERY MUCH!!! have already sent it to our builder- it is perfect for what i was looking for! karalina

[teddy bear]

Originally posted by karalina
We are building a new 2800 sq. ft. home. WE want the heating/ cooling system that will give us the best IAQ. We origionally wanted radiant heat/ evaporative cooler but now are considering a forced air system. Can a forced air sysyem be truly healthful? if so- which one would experts recommend? Would you choose radiant heat over forced air? Radiant heat will heat objects (furniture and appliances, flooring) and cause them to outgas more than if no heat were appied to them. We just want the system that will not cause ill- health effects. What do you recommend?
What's your summer climate? Evaporative cooler indicates dry climate. Avoid evap cooler because constant wet surface problems may grow mold. Consider make-up air ventilation with good air filtering like Filter-Vent or others. If in a green grass climate systems like Ultra-Aire provide make-up air ventilation/filtration and dehumidification. These systems control the humidity in the fresh air and indoors independent of the a/c load during wet cool weather..

[karalina]

thanks- we live in a hot dry climate- in CA. Some rain and cold in winter but mild. Very hot summers.

[teddy bear]

Originally posted by karalina
thanks- we live in a hot dry climate- in CA. Some rain and cold in winter but mild. Very hot summers.
In hot dry climates, Filter-Vent is an ideal concept. It blends fresh outside air with inside air, filtering the blend, and delivering it to the home with heating/cooling ducts or independent ducts. The fan uses 140 watts of electricity like a large light bulb. The fan has a life cycle timer to operate when occuppied. The filter system is 95% EFF.
http://www.thermastor.com/pdf/filter-vent2.pdf

[derrick1623]

a company called nature's home, puts out what is known as a "micro-power gaurd". it is 97% effective on particles down to 3 microns in size. they also have an oxyquantum light, cabable of sterilizing MOST airborne bacterias.

if you need more info feel free to contact me.

[cdp3]

Karalina,

For your new home, consult a Design Specialist (usually employed by a quality HVAC/R company and estimates are free) regarding your new home. Be prepared! Have drawings at the ready. Here in DC area, we have a lot of large homes, and from an efficiency standpoint, many times more than one system is necessary for total comfort throughout the home. This can be accomplished by one system with dampers (VVT) or multiple systems etc...this is where the design guy earns his keep!

As far as filtration-see my post under the "Pureatech" thread.

I'm not a big fan of filters with extremely technical sounding names.

Nature has provided our bodies with a filtration system of our own, and for most people anything beyond media filtration is purely a psychological need.

And for the person that told you NOT to rely on your contractor-Get Real! I would not want to diagnose my own terminal illness through a website or a book-I want experience! In his defense, however, DO know what you are doing every step of the way. Ask questions, make recommendations. You will have to live in the home, and a reliable contractor can be your best friend in the world.

Good Luck! (and post pics of installation)

cdp3

ps...have you considered horizontal air handlers behind knee walls in the attic/upper floor-it's done here all the time with GREAT success!