Occupant Handbook - 5.0 Indoor air quality
The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) is committed to providing healthy and safe residential housing units (RHUs) 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 established individual management plans to deal with each occurrence.
5.1 Mould
Mould is present in varying degrees and forms in all Canadian homes. Moulds can enter the RHU in many ways, including through open windows or doors, on clothing, pets, food, and furniture. Damp 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 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, where installed.
- Operating a dehumidifier throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
- Ensuring dryers are properly vented.
- Keeping curtains opened during the day.
For more information, CFHA occupants are encouraged to refer to Health Canada’s guidance on mould.
5.2 Duct cleaning
There is much debate in the public domain over the frequency at which ducts must be cleaned. Studies from Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation 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 (3) 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 (e.g., smoking, pets, etc.).
If the Occupant of Record would like their ducts cleaned, prior approval from the Housing Services 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 with exterior siding, window, door, and insulation upgrades are airtight, resulting in saved energy costs. However, this airtightness can often lead to stale indoor air. To counteract this issue, upgraded units use heat recovery ventilators (HRV) or energy recovery ventilators (ERV) to distribute fresh air throughout the RHU.
What is an HRV? It 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? It is 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 RHU during warm and humid weather by keeping excess moisture out of your RHU. 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 RHU through a regular HRV. This helps you maintain a comfortable humidity level within your RHU, 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 annual servicing of your HRV/ERV, to ensure it keeps running efficiently.
- Clean your unit regularly, including changing the air filters every 1-3 months.
For more information about your HRV, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact your HSC.
5.4 Asbestos
Asbestos minerals have historically been used to make products strong, long-lasting, and fire-resistant.
Prior to 1990, asbestos was commonly used 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 to 1980s, before it was removed from the Canadian market.
Asbestos fibres can cause health risks if damaged or 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.
CFHA assess the condition of each RHU regularly and takes measures to ensure that any asbestos-containing material in the unit remains in good condition and undisturbed, or arranges for its removal, depending on assessment results.
A visual inspection has been completed on all RHUs to identify the presence of asbestos insulation. Joints and cracks have been sealed around ventilation or lighting fixtures in ceilings next to attic spaces containing asbestos insulation. These attic hatches have been labelled.
For more information on asbestos, please visit the Health Canada website on asbestos.
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