Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Vancouver
Vancouver homeowners are no strangers to damp, chilly weather that keeps windows closed for much of the year. While it’s great for staying warm, it can also mean poor ventilation—and poor indoor air quality.
What many people don’t realize is that the air inside their homes can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. This isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a health issue. From mold and allergens to lingering cooking fumes and household chemicals, indoor air can carry contaminants that affect your well-being over time.
At Monolith Housing, we focus on building and upgrading homes with health and sustainability in mind. A key part of that? Following ASHRAE guidelines to ensure every home breathes as well as it looks.
What Is ASHRAE and Why It Matters
ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. It’s an international organization responsible for setting the gold standard when it comes to building ventilation, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
For homeowners, the most relevant guideline is ASHRAE Standard 62.2, which outlines minimum ventilation requirements for residential buildings. It covers everything from whole-house airflow to local exhaust systems in kitchens and bathrooms.
In simple terms, ASHRAE guidelines help ensure your home gets the right amount of fresh air, at the right rate, and in the right places.
To learn more, visit the ASHRAE official website.
Why Indoor Air Quality Is a Big Deal in Vancouver
Vancouver’s rainy, cool climate makes ventilation especially important. Common indoor air quality problems in our region include:
- Excess moisture and mold in basements, bathrooms, and poorly ventilated areas
- Accumulated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, finishes, and furniture
- Cooking and heating emissions that linger in sealed spaces
- Pet dander, dust, and allergens trapped indoors during the winter months
When air doesn’t circulate properly, pollutants build up, leading to health issues and a general decline in comfort.
How ASHRAE 62.2 Helps
ASHRAE 62.2 provides a framework for designing and maintaining ventilation systems that:
- Supply a steady flow of fresh outdoor air into the home
- Remove contaminants and humidity from high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens
- Maintain appropriate air change rates (ACH) for improved comfort and air freshness
- Reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and airborne pollutants
These standards are not only useful—they’re also integrated into BC’s Energy Step Code, meaning homes built or renovated to meet energy performance targets often align with ASHRAE principles.
How Monolith Housing Applies ASHRAE Standards
At Monolith Housing, we apply ASHRAE guidelines in all our energy assessments, blower door testing, and ventilation consultations. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, we can help you:
- Identify and eliminate air leakage through comprehensive blower door testing
- Design effective ventilation strategies that meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements
- Improve indoor air quality through system upgrades and airtightness improvements
- Comply with the BC Energy Step Code
Make It Affordable with Grants and Rebates
Investing in indoor air quality is also a smart financial decision—especially with the rebates and incentives available to BC homeowners. Through programs like CleanBC, FortisBC, and the Canada Greener Homes Grant (for those already enrolled), you may be eligible for support that covers:
- Home energy evaluations
- Ventilation upgrades such as HRV or ERV systems
- Airtightness improvements through blower door testing and air sealing
These programs are designed to help you create a healthier, more efficient home—without breaking your budget.
Explore current opportunities at our Grants and Rebates page.
Build a Healthier Home with Confidence
Indoor air quality isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for healthy living. And with ASHRAE’s time-tested standards as your guide, you can be confident that your home is safe, efficient, and built to last.
At Monolith Housing, we help Vancouver homeowners implement practical, proven strategies for better air. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply concerned about your family’s health, we’re here to help you make smart, sustainable choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ASHRAE 62.2 and why is it important?
ASHRAE 62.2 is the standard for residential ventilation. It outlines the minimum amount of fresh air a home needs to ensure good indoor air quality and reduce pollutant buildup.
2. How can I tell if my home has poor indoor air quality?
Common signs include musty smells, condensation on windows, visible mold, and symptoms like headaches, allergies, or fatigue when indoors.
3. Can ventilation systems really improve my health?
Yes. Proper ventilation reduces moisture, pollutants, and allergens, all of which can affect respiratory health and comfort.
4. Are HRVs or ERVs required in Vancouver homes?
While not always required, HRVs and ERVs are highly recommended for new builds and renovations to meet both ASHRAE and BC Energy Step Code targets.
5. What’s the difference between whole-house and local exhaust ventilation?
Whole-house ventilation provides general air circulation throughout the home, while local exhaust removes moisture and pollutants from specific areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
6. What role does airtightness play in indoor air quality?
Airtight homes can trap pollutants if not properly ventilated. However, when paired with controlled mechanical ventilation, airtightness enhances both efficiency and air quality.
7. Do I need an energy audit to qualify for rebates?
Yes. Most rebate programs require a pre-retrofit energy evaluation to determine eligibility and guide improvement recommendations.
8. Can Monolith help me access rebate programs?
Absolutely. We assist clients with the application process and provide all the required documentation for programs like CleanBC and FortisBC.
9. Is indoor air testing part of your service?
While we don’t offer lab-based air quality testing, our energy audits include ventilation assessments that identify potential IAQ issues and solutions.
10. Do ASHRAE standards apply to older homes?
Yes. While originally developed for new construction, ASHRAE 62.2 is widely used to guide retrofits and ventilation upgrades in existing homes as well.
