Knauf Insulation - Experts & Thought Leaders

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical component of daily health and well-being, yet it's often an aspect of the environment everyone overlooks. Given that the average person spends about 90 percent of their time indoors (EPA), the significance of maintaining clean air in homes, schools, and workplaces is more important than ever. Indoor Air Pollution Indoor air pollution can be a stealthy health hazard, with the EPA finding that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Common culprits contributing to indoor air pollution include: Dust, pollen, and pet dander. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in paints, building products, appliances and cleaning products. Carbon monoxide from cooking, candles, fireplaces, or tobacco. Mold and mildew. Health Impacts from Indoor Air Pollution NIH reports that 50 percent of all illnesses are aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air These pollutants can lead to a range of short-term and long-term health issues. Children, seniors, and people with asthma and allergies are particularly vulnerable. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 50 percent of all illnesses are aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air. Conditions such as asthma, which affects 1 in 12 people (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America), are notably worsened by poor IAQ. Health implications span immediate discomfort, including headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, to potentially long-term health problems including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer (EPA). Some people even experience 'sick building syndrome', a set of symptoms that can include headache, sore throat, and nausea. IAQ in Schools and Workplaces The impact of IAQ is not confined to homes but extends into workplaces and schools as well. Poor indoor air quality has been found to interfere with workers’ productivity and is linked to lower grades for students. Schools face significant challenges with IAQ, with 50 percent of schools struggling with Indoor Air Quality problems (American Lung Association). Poor indoor air quality contributes to higher rates of absenteeism, decreases in students' ability to concentrate, and overall drop in academic performance (EPA). Asthma, exacerbated by poor indoor air, is the leading cause of chronic illness that keeps students away from school (NIH), underscoring the urgent need to improve IAQ in educational environments. How to Improve IAQ Improving IAQ is a multifaceted challenge that requires awareness, education, and action. By understanding the sources and effects of indoor air pollution, we can take steps to mitigate its impact. This includes strategies such as: Regular cleaning to reduce dust, pollen, and pet dander, but avoid harsh cleaners like bleach. Opt for products that emit low levels of VOCs. Look for products that are GREENGUARD certified and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® like Knauf Performance+TM Insulation. Ensure adequate ventilation. Maintain a clean, dry environment to prevent mold growth. Keep humidity between a healthy range of 40-50% If users live in a wet climate, users may need a dehumidifier to keep mold at bay. Raising IQ on IAQ means making informed decisions that enhance the indoor environments, leading to healthier, happier, and more productive lives for everyone.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been getting a lot of attention. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that air inside buildings can be two to five times more contaminated than the air outside.  It is disconcerting when users consider on average they spend around 90 percent of time indoors. One of the key contributors to indoor pollution is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals contaminate indoor air and can negatively affect the health and well being of occupants. VOCs in Buildings There are over 10,000 chemicals classified as VOCs, such as benzene, acetaldehyde, toulene, and phenol. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products including paint, cleaning supplies, furnishings, appliances, and adhesives.  Plus, as buildings become more energy efficient, they are also more airtight, reducing natural airflow from outside and trapping these pollutants indoors. Sick Building Syndrome Fifty percent of illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air The health impact from poor indoor air is widespread. Fifty percent of illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk. Some individuals experience 'sick building syndrome' in which acute health problems appear to be linked to time spent in a building. It's crucial to recognize the dangers of VOCs and other pollutants, and take proactive measures to ensure the air within indoor environments is as clean as possible. Controlling indoor air pollution While there are strict OSHA guidelines for each VOC-emitting chemical, contractors and specifiers can further reduce indoor pollution and improve air quality by making some strategic decisions. Choose materials that are low in VOCs. Products with certifications like GREENGUARD, asthma & allergy friendly®, and Verified Healthier Air™ are reliable indicators of materials that support air quality. Ensure proper ventilation during and after construction to minimize VOC concentration indoors. Handle and store unused materials properly to contain emissions. Simple decisions, like the choice of insulation material, may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of a construction project. However, it can have a profound and lasting impact on the health of future building occupants. HVAC fiberglass insulation By making informed choices and taking proactive measures, they can create healthier, more sustainable living and working environments. It's important to focus on the health of the indoor spaces just as much as everyone focuses on its energy efficiency and design. After all, the true legacy of a well-constructed space lies not just in its appearance or performance, but in its ability to safeguard the well-being of those who inhabit it. Knauf’s portfolio of Performance+TM HVAC fiberglass insulation stands out as the only formaldehyde-free option and the first to earn asthma & allergy friendly® certifications. The asthma & allergy friendly® certification established by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy and Standards Limited (ASL) helps people identify products more suitable for those with asthma and allergies. The program requires rigorous independent physical and chemical testing to ensure products reduce allergen exposure and consistently meet strict criteria for pollutants in the indoor environment.

With the rising energy costs and more extreme weather patterns, it's more important than ever to have an energy-efficient home. But where do users start? Look no further than an energy audit. What is an energy audit? An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation that will identify areas where energy is being wasted and provide recommendations for improvements that will have the biggest impact on the home's efficiency. Not only will the user be able to pinpoint where the energy dollars are going, but the user also be able to develop a plan to lower the utility bills and increase the overall comfort of the home. What to expect during an energy audit An energy audit involves a professional energy auditor coming to the home with specialized tools An energy audit involves a professional energy auditor coming to the home with specialized tools, such as an infrared camera, blower door, duct blaster, and smoke pen to conduct a series of tests and inspections.  Some of the things they may do include: Checking for air leaks and drafts. Examining insulation levels. Inspecting the heating and cooling systems. Evaluating the performance of appliances and lighting. Analyzing the energy bills. Home energy audit report The home energy audit report provided by the expert can be used to prioritize energy efficiency improvements in the home. Some upgrades may be done on the own and some should be done by a trained professional. These projects could be scheduled based on the budget, and the amount of projected savings, and/or coordinated with other events such as cosmetic remodeling projects. Blower door test One of the key tools used in an energy audit is a blower door test. This involves fitting a powerful fan into an exterior door or window and blowing air out of the house, creating a negative pressure inside. This negative pressure exaggerates the amount of air infiltration through leaks in the building envelope. By going room to room, using zonal pressure diagnostics, the auditor can identify where the air is leaking into the home and estimate the extent of the problem. Making energy audits more affordable The home energy audit tax credit offers 30% of the cost of a home energy assessment A home energy audit can cost between $200-$700, depending on the home’s size, location, and the audit level. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, there are now energy audit tax credits available to help offset the cost of a professional energy audit. The home energy audit tax credit offers 30% of the cost for a home energy assessment, up to $150 per year. An energy auditor can also help homeowners gain access to federal, state, local, and utility programs that may help offset the costs. Sustainable and cost-effective An energy audit is a valuable investment for any homeowner looking to reduce their energy consumption, lower their utility bills, and improve the comfort of their home. By identifying areas where energy is being wasted and developing a plan to improve efficiency, users can enjoy a more sustainable and cost-effective home.