Occupant Handbook - 5.0 Indoor air quality

The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) is committed to providing healthy and safe residential housing units (RHU) for its occupants. CFHA’s maintenance program is designed to manage the condition of the housing portfolio including indoor air quality through preventative, cyclical and planned maintenance activities. In addition to the maintenance program, CFHA manages indoor air quality issues on a case-by-case basis with individual management plans established to deal with each occurrence.

5.1 Mould

Mould is present in varying degrees and forms in all Canadian houses. Moulds can enter the RHU in many ways, for example through open windows or doors, and on clothing, pets, food and furniture. Moist conditions in a home can foster the growth of mould but ensuring good air circulation and reducing excess moisture in your RHU can help prevent mould issues from arising.

CFHA’s maintenance program along with occupant actions both contribute to the management of mould. CFHA encourages occupants to do their part in managing indoor air quality and preventing mould growth by:

  • keeping items stored in the basement off the floor and away from walls to allow for air circulation;
  • keeping floor registers open and clear of furniture;
  • when possible, using a hygrometer to monitor/maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 55%, as recommended by Health Canada;
  • using bathroom and kitchen fans regularly, as well as Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) where installed;
  • operating a dehumidifier throughout the spring, summer, and fall;
  • ensuring dryers are properly vented; and
  • keeping curtains opened in the daytime.

For more information regarding indoor air quality and mould, CFHA occupants are encouraged to refer to Health Canada’s guidance.

5.2 Duct cleaning

There is a lot of debate in the public domain over the frequency at which ducts must be cleaned. Studies from Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) demonstrate that duct cleaning will not usually change the quality of the air you breathe, nor will it significantly affect airflow or reduce heating costs. Additionally, the process of duct cleaning can temporarily increase particles in the air as the system is disturbed.

As an alternative solution for indoor air quality issues associated with dust, occupants are advised to check their furnace filters monthly and replace them every three months. Research shows that airborne dust particles can be reduced when an upgraded filter is installed. Occupants can also reduce household levels of respirable particles through diligent vacuuming with an efficient vacuum cleaner (HEPA filter), removing footwear on entry and reducing major dust generators (i.e., smoking, pets, etc.).

If the Occupant of Record wants to have the ducts cleaned, prior approval from the Housing Service Centre (HSC) must be obtained. The Occupant of Record will be responsible for all costs associated with the cleaning and any related damage caused to the RHU.

5.3 Heat recovery ventilators

RHUs that underwent an exterior siding, windows, doors and insulation upgrade are more airtight, which helps save energy but can make the inside air stale. To complement this airtightness, these units use heat recovery ventilators (HRV) or energy recovery ventilators (ERV) to distribute fresh air throughout the house.

What is an HRV?

An HRV is a ventilation device that helps make your home healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable by continuously replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

What is an ERV?

ERVs are a type of HRV that can exchange both heat and moisture.

Moisture control: An ERV can give you more control over moisture levels in your home during warm and humid weather, by keeping excess moisture out of your home. Because less energy is required to lower the temperature of dry air compared to moist air, an ERV can reduce the work your air conditioner needs to do and save you money.

Moisture recovery: If your winter climate is extremely dry, ERVs recover some of the moisture that would leave your house through a regular HRV. This helps you maintain a comfortable humidity level within your home, avoiding static electricity, sore throats and other discomforts caused by air that is too dry.

Tips for maintaining your HRV/ERV:

  • never turn your HRV/ERV off (other than for servicing), it should always be running;
  • make your unit accessible for CFHA’s accredited contractor for the annual servicing of the system. It is worth the inconvenience to ensure the optimum function of the system; and
  • clean your unit regularly, including the air filters every 1–3 months.

For more information about the presence and operation of HRVs, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact the local HSC.

5.4 Asbestos

There are several minerals commonly known as asbestos. These minerals can be used to make products strong, long-lasting and fire-resistant.

Before 1990, the housing industry used asbestos in materials such as:

  • shingles and felt for roofing
  • exterior siding
  • pipe and boiler covering
  • drywall joint compounds and cement
  • wallboard
  • vinyl floor tiles
  • attic insulation

Materials containing asbestos were used in military housing from the 1950s until the material was removed from the Canadian market in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Asbestos fibres can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition. There are no significant health risks if materials containing asbestos are inaccessible and undisturbed.

5.5 How we manage asbestos

CFHA manages asbestos-containing materials in accordance with provincial health and safety regulations and applicable directives. If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and are enclosed or inaccessible, we manage them “in place,” except during the course of demolition or renovation or in other cases where the product must be handled, dealt with, disturbed or removed.

We assess the condition of each RHU regularly and take measures to ensure that any asbestos-containing material in the unit remains in good condition and undisturbed, or arrange for its removal, depending on assessment results.

We’ve done a visual inspection of all housing units to identify the presence of asbestos insulation. We’ve sealed all joints and cracks around ventilation or lighting fixtures in ceilings next to attic spaces in units that contain asbestos insulation and labelled the attic hatches.

For more information on asbestos, please visit Health Canada’s website.

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