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The federal government recommends that homes be weatherized
in order to reduce the amount of energy needed for heating
and cooling. While winterization is underway, however, steps
should also be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside
the home.
In addition, residents should be alert to the emergence of
signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air, moisture
condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth.
Additional winterization measures should not be undertaken
until these problems have been corrected.
Winterization generally does not cause indoor air problems
by adding new pollutants to the air. (There are a few exceptions,
such as caulking, that can sometimes emit pollutants.) However,
measures such as installing storm windows, weather stripping,
caulking, and blown-in wall insulation can reduce the amount
of outdoor air infiltrating into a home. Consequently, after winterization, concentrations of indoor air pollutants from
sources inside the home can increase.
Air Quality Main Menu
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