ASHRAE Journal - May 2011 - 96

iaq applications
Low-Income Assistance Program
there are combustion appliances in the home. The primary concern is with natural draft appliances. Tests are done under “worst-case” conditions, with mechanical systems and doors set to provide the maximum depressurization of the combustion appliance zone. If a problem is discovered, it is permissible to use funds to correct venting. These tests are required before and after weatherization. It is common in some parts of the country to find unvented combustion appliances in WAP client homes. WAP requires that these heaters be removed if they are being used as the primary heat source in the home, otherwise the home must be deferred. Unvented heaters are allowed as secondary heaters as long as they have been listed to ANSI Standard Z21.11.2. This requirement is tighter than previous guidance, which allowed any secondary heater to remain in the home. Repairs of combustion appliances to correct health and safety problems are permissible. However, WAP does not allow the use of funds to bring an existing appliance up to code unless testing indicates a problem. For example, if the gas piping is not black pipe (non-galvanized steel pipe, required by many codes for gas piping), funds cannot be used to install black pipe unless a new appliance is being installed or testing indicates a problem related to the piping. However, as indicated previously, if testing indicates a venting problem then the venting can be corrected.

Weatherization & indoor air quality T
By paul Francisco, Member ASHRAE

he U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has been active since 1976. Approximately

100,000 homes a year received weatherization assistance through this

program from 2002 – 2007. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided funding to weatherize 600,000 homes. To date, more than 6 million homes have been weatherized under this program.
The structure of weatherization delivery is as follows. U.S. DOE provides funds to grantees, usually states. These grantees then provide funds to local agencies. These agencies do the assessments and final inspections of the homes. Some agencies have their own crews to install weatherization measures, while others contract out to private contractors. The focus of these efforts is the client, usually a homeowner, but in some cases a renter, who must meet eligibility requirements. The mission statement for WAP reads “To reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.” Although energy savings are the primary focus of the program, maintaining health and safety are recognized as critical. WAP has provided health and safety guidance to grantees to detail what measures are required, what measures are allowed but not required, and what measures are not allowed using WAP funds. This guidance was updated in January 2011. This article presents the guidance pertaining to indoor air quality (IAQ).
96 ASHRAE Journal

It must be kept in mind the focus of WAP is energy savings, and that the funding per home is limited. Therefore, it is not possible to remedy all indoor air quality problems. As a result, the program focuses on conditions related to the weatherization work being performed, such as combustion appliances, and the durability of weatherization measures being implemented. In some cases, conditions are such that a home must be deferred. In addition to this guidance, at the time of this article a major national WAP evaluation is being conducted with funding from DOE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. One of the components of this project is an IAQ study. The study includes measurements before and after weatherization of radon, carbon monoxide, temperature and humidity, combustion safety, and in some homes formaldehyde. Airtightness levels are also being measured in each home to help interpret the IAQ results.

Radon
Radon testing is permitted in locations with high radon potential (as defined by each state), but not required. WAP requires that exposed dirt be covered with a vapor barrier such as sealed polyethylene, except in mobile homes, whenever site conditions permit. WAP also states that, in locations where high radon is possible, precautions should be taken to prevent increasing indoor radon levels.

asbestos
Asbestos can be found in siding, insulation, and tape on pipes and ducts. If necessary to implement energy efficiency measures, asbestos siding may be removed but may not be cut or drilled. WAP recommends installing wall insulation from the interior when asbestos siding is present.
May 2011

combustion appliances
The primary concern for IAQ related to combustion appliances is the spillage of combustion products into the home, such as carbon monoxide. WAP requires combustion safety tests be performed whenever
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ASHRAE Journal - May 2011

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