HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC
SO, YOU WANT TO BE IN THE
IEQ BUSINESS?
T
here is so much going on to raise the public’s awareness of the challenges and opportunities in providing safer, healthier, more comfortable indoor environments. CBC’s Marketplace recently aired an episode where they measured the air quality in several homes and evaluated five commonly available portable air “purifying” devices. There have also been multiple stories in national newspapers and on national network news broadcasts on the efficacy of air cleaning devices in schools and workplaces. Even my community newspaper ran a story about air cleaners being used in local schools. With consumer awareness and angst regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) at all-time highs, let’s explore the opportunities for HVAC professionals.
While most HVAC professionals are undoubtedly edly offering elements of each of these opportunities es now, I would advocate tuning up your approach to match the heightened expectations and needs of clients. Those expectations include relevant credentials or, at the very least, demonstration of training and experience in the specific field of indoor environmental quality IEQ.
designations, in the short term I would advocate developing a relationship with accredited professionals who you can refer clients to as needed. Use their knowledge to guide you in finding the most effective resolutions to indoor air challenges.
In workplace environments, the expertise and services of a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) are usually expected to create remediation plans for hazards such as mould, asbestos, lead and soil gases (radon). Creating a protocol for reducing viral infection spread in a workplace may also best be handled by a CIH. A CIH designation involves a college or university level education in a science or engineering related field, in addition to a field mentoring experience. There are other recognized designations such as those offered by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification (IICRC), or the Building Biology Institute. While some readers may wish to pursue these
Gord Cooke
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M e c h a n i c a l
Photos courtesy Flir, Extech
There are at least four business opportunities in helping your residential and commercial clients breathe the healthiest possible air: testing and diagnostic services; remediation and restoration; installation of HVAC products targeting indoor environmental quality (IEQ); and maintenance programs specific to air quality control.
In most residential applications and even in many general commercial applications, such as offices or small retail stores, HVAC contractors with commonly available industry training and appropriate tools can provide a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis and air quality remediation or enhancement plan to clients. Start with information from Canada enh Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Environmental Protection M Agency (U.S.). Information from these sources represents the findings and opinions of consensus documents and independent research. For training, a great start would be the two-day Indoor Air Quality course offered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) through its SkillTech Academy. The course covers a range of building issues that can lead to air quality problems. It
Gord is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and airflow management in houses, and can be contacted at gordc@buildingknowledge.ca.
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