Problem:

Homeowner Question: After the insulation in my home was upgraded, I started to experience the following: headaches, dizziness/sleepiness, watery eyes, or having trouble breathing, why?

Cause: Why is this happening?

If there are combustion appliances in the home: Now that your house is more air-tight it is possible that the house is being depressurized when the combustion appliances or other exhaust appliances are active. Before, air was able to enter your house through leaks to provide make-up air for the combustion occurring in the home. Now outside air cannot get in as easily creating a negative pressure inside the house possibly leading to air back drafting through the appliance spilling combustion gases into the home.

If there are no combustion appliances in the home: The home owner may have recently used varnishes, paints, or other products that off gas pollutants or VOCs. These will remain in the home longer now that it is more airtight. Such pollutants may cause irritation and breathing issues.

If there is an attached garage: Fumes could be leaking into the home from the garage, causing irritation and breathing issues.

Solution: Indoor Pollutants

Solution 1: If there are combustion appliances in the home:

Recommend CO detectors for every floor and bedroom, and recommend that a depressurization test be performed to determine the best course of action.

• If the home has an HRV it may need to be rebalanced or changed to a more appropriately sized unit
• If the home does not have an HRV then they may want to consider one now
• Consult a ventilation specialist to determine the best course of action

Solution 2: If there are no combustion appliances in the home:

• If the home has an HRV it may need to be rebalanced or changed to a more appropriately sized unit
• If the home does not have an HRV then they may want to consider one now
• Consult a ventilation specialist to determine the best course of action
• Check the door between the house and the garage to ensure it has a weatherstrip and self-closing device that pulls the door into the closed and latched position