| Radon mitigation system installed |
As radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, the Living In Place Institute Idea Home has a built-in passive radon mitigation system, where the vent pipes go through the interior of the home and exits through the roof. If the radon levels are not low enough with the passive system to be lower than what the US EPA suggests, a fan can be plugged in so it can be an active system. This system will also remove other subsoil gases, like natural gas, and helps reduce moisture from getting into the home. |
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| Actively sensing radon in the home using a Swidget Radon sensor |
To continuously monitor for radon in the home. |
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| All materials that are being used in the home are selected to have no or very low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that may outgas in to the living spaces. |
Ensuring that the Idea Home minimizes the levels of chemical outgassing |
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| Aromatherapy |
The steam shower has the capability of injecting aromatherapy in with the steam to help clear nasal passages |
Brizo |
| Automatically opening baffle system when kitchen vent hood is operated |
To allow the kitchen vent fan to operate properly, exterior air needs to be pulled into the house. |
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| Bathroom fans that are activated by motion-sensor and turned off by humidity sensor |
High levels of humidity can allow mold to grow in these areas. |
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| Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) |
ERVs pull out stale air from inside the home and replace it with fresh outdoor air. The outgoing air warms the incoming air during cooler outdoor periods, and also cools the incoming air during warmer outdoor periods. The system is programmed to turn on at specific intervals or when indoor air quality is poor. |
Panasonic |
| Ensuring that the Idea Home minimizes the levels of chemical outgassing |
All materials that are being used in the home are selected to have no or very low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that may outgas in to the living spaces. |
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| MERV 13 air filters |
The higher the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) for a filter the better the filtration of particles. The Idea Home will be using MERV filters that are rated at 13 (the highest level is 16). |
LG HVAC |
| Swidget devices that can sense when particulate and carbon dioxide levels in the home are at a poor level to activate the ERVs |
Interior air quality can deteriorate quickly, especially in Colorado where we are prone to forest and wildfires, along with cooking smoke and particles. |
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| Whole house water filtration |
To ensure the municipal water that is used in the home is as safe as possible |
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