Indoor AirPlus label helps healthy homes stand out

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor AirPlus certification builds on the energy efficiency of high-performance homes by adding proven measures that improve indoor air quality (IAQ), moisture management, and occupant comfort.

This voluntary partnership and labeling program results in homes with greater resilience to wildfire smoke, which is increasingly important in the Northwest. Builders can use this as a guide for designing homes that meet a higher IAQ standard.

Homes with an Indoor AirPlus label adhere to construction practices and product specifications that improve IAQ and durability by addressing challenges including:

Meeting Indoor AirPlus standards can significantly improve protection against wildfire smoke, pollen, and other pollutants. For example, requirements for air sealing and moisture control reduce infiltration pathways, limiting entry of pollutants into the home, while requirements for air filters and low-emission interior materials further clean the indoor air.

Mechanical ventilation is a key component to meeting the Indoor AirPlus requirements, and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) are a great way to meet that requirement.

ERVs and HRVs bring in outdoor air and exhaust stale indoor air at controlled rates, which helps meet ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation targets. When paired with high-quality air filters and well-designed duct systems, these ventilation systems help remove particulates, distribute fresh air evenly throughout the home, and improve IAQ. ERVs also help moderate indoor humidity by transferring moisture between air streams, reducing the risk of condensation and mold growth.

Northwest builders who already focus on energy efficiency and healthy homes may find that Indoor AirPlus is a logical next step for their business. Net-zero builder TC Legend Homes in Bellingham, Washington, installs an HRV or equivalent system in their homes to promote healthy IAQ, all of which are Indoor AirPlus certified. "That way, it doesn't matter what the outdoor air quality is,” said Ted Clifton, TC Legend co-owner and founder.

How to achieve Indoor AirPlus certification

To satisfy high-performance construction programs and design workflows, builders can incorporate Indoor AirPlus into their existing efforts. Here’s a brief rundown of what this can look like:

1. Start with ENERGY STAR® Single Family New Homes requirements

2. Integrate Indoor AirPlus specifications into plans

3. Complete third-party verification process

4. Receive ENERGY STAR and Indoor AirPlus labels

For builders pursuing the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Efficient New Homes Program, Indoor AirPlus is required, not optional, to qualify for DOE recognition and potential incentives.

Achieve higher energy performance with Indoor AirPlus

For builders already pursuing high-performance construction through above-code programs and other home certifications, Indoor AirPlus is a natural next step in advancing home performance. The most effective way to achieve certification is to plan for Indoor AirPlus during the design phase, rather than adding the requirements during construction. By doing so, new homes can support occupant health and climate resilience while minimizing energy use.

Review these resources to learn more about how high-performance builders can prioritize healthy IAQ and energy efficiency:

• Building resilient new homes for today’s changing climate (Article)

• High-Performance Homes: Where fire-resistance meets energy resilience (Case Study)

• Bend-based builder focuses on affordable, above-code homes (Case Study)

• EPA Indoor AirPlus | Building America Solution Center (Guide)