Building Performance
Building Science
Ventilation IAQ
HVAC
7 Steps to Good Indoor Air Quality
About this course
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the result of a combination of factors. To improve it, you have to take a comprehensive approach that addresses the sources and types of pollutants that find their way into your indoor air.
In this course, you'll learn the 7 steps to good IAQ and the importance of each. You'll get concrete advice on how to implement the strategies and the background knowledge you need to apply them in different situations.
In this course, you'll learn the 7 steps to good IAQ and the importance of each. You'll get concrete advice on how to implement the strategies and the background knowledge you need to apply them in different situations.
Learning Objectives
- At the end of this course, attendees will be able to name the types of pollutants best removed by filtration.
- At the end of this course, attendees will be able to explain why "Build tight; ventilate right" is an incomplete prescription for good indoor air quality.
- At the end of this course, attendees will be able to describe the 7 IAQ methods covered in the course.
Course outline
11 modules
5 - 20 hours to complete
2:08 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
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Module 1 • 8 assignments
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality & Pollutants
Module 1 • 8 assignments
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality & Pollutants
The heart of this course on the factors that lead to good indoor air quality and a healthy home. The two videos here set the stage for what you'll learn when discuss the 7 steps to good IAQ.
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Module 2 • 3 assignments
The 7 Steps Explained + Step 1
Module 2 • 3 assignments
The 7 Steps Explained + Step 1
An overview of the 7 steps to good IAQ and a dive into the first one: source control.
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Module 3 • 4 assignments
Step 2. Airtightness
Module 3 • 4 assignments
Step 2. Airtightness
The steps are numbered but after source control, they're not in order of importance. Step 2 is airtightness, and it keeps pollutants that are outside the house from getting into the house.
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Module 4 • 4 assignments
Step 3. Filtration
Module 4 • 4 assignments
Step 3. Filtration
Filtration doesn't get near the attention it should get. That's because of some misconceptions in the HVAC industry and because filters just aren't as sexy as air cleaners from a marketing standpoint.
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Module 5 • 4 assignments
Step 4. Ventilation
Module 5 • 4 assignments
Step 4. Ventilation
Ventilation includes bath fans and range hoods, but there's more to it than that.
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Module 6 • 4 assignments
Step 5. Moisture Control
Module 6 • 4 assignments
Step 5. Moisture Control
Mold, dust mites, and some other allergens and air pollutants respond to moisture levels. When you control the moisture, you go a long way toward controlling those pollutants.
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Module 7 • 4 assignments
Step 6. Pressure Balancing
Module 7 • 4 assignments
Step 6. Pressure Balancing
This step is the hidden treasure. Those of us trained in building science know about it, but many of those who work on homes—even some who deal with IAQ—can miss the importance of unbalanced pressures inside a home.
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Module 8 • 4 assignments
Step 7. IAQ Monitoring
Module 8 • 4 assignments
Step 7. IAQ Monitoring
If you're not measuring, you're guessing. Why spend money to improve IAQ if you don't know if your work had any effect?
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Module 9 • 4 assignments
Air Cleaners
Module 9 • 4 assignments
Air Cleaners
"Hey, my indoor air is bad, so I need a HEPA thingie or an ultraviolet zapper." Unfortunately, this is what a lot of air cleaner marketing has led to. This module covers pros and cons of air cleaners and how they fit into an IAQ plan...or not.
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Conclusion • 6 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 6 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
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Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 8 BPI CEUs
- 8 NATE Continuing Education Hours
Instructor
Allison Bailes III
President, Energy Vanguard
Allison A. Bailes III, PhD, is founder and co-owner of Energy Vanguard in Decatur, Georgia. Like many in the field of building science and green building, he is multi-faceted: His academic credentials in physics (BS, MS, MST, and PhD all in that field) give him a solid foundation in the science that underlies buildings. Having taught physics at the high school and...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.