HealthMatters 2010
reduce indoor pollutants. An advanced
air f_i ltration system that is part of the
furnace includes several layers and types
of matter to clean the air continuously
before sending it throughout the house.
Healthy
O’Brien’s “healthy home package” of-
fers optional upgrades, such as a HEPA
f_i lter and ultraviolet-light air cleaner,
similar to commercial systems.
“We use all water-based f_i nishing
Homes
products, and we do the f_i nishing of_f
site,” O’Brien says. “You know that ‘new
car smell’? Cars are pretty airtight, too,
and you’re really smelling of_f -gassing
from the products. T_h at’s not a very
Indoor air quality and age-friendly alterations
healthy situation to be in.” So the com-
pany uses paints and other products
are the keys to making your home a safe,
that release little or no volatile organic
compounds.
comfortable haven.
Also, the basement is waterproofed
BY SCOTT R. WEINBERGER
– not just “damp-proofed,” as required
by the building code – to assist in pre-
venting mold and mildew. Closed-cell
foam, which is more ef_f ective than f_i -
berglass batt insulation, seals the area
separating the basement from the f_i rst
f_l oor, helping to prevent moisture or ra-
don gas from entering the living quar-
ters from below.
Aging in Place
Buying a house to live in for the rest of
your life? You’ll want features that will
accommodate you as you age and pos-
sibly become disabled. Or perhaps you
already use a wheelchair or have other
limitations. “Universal design,” which
RETROFIT YOUR HOME
YOU CAN MAKE your current home
T
HE ENERGY CRISIS OF THE ’70s helped foster tighter, more energy- healthier and perhaps score federal tax
ef_f_i cient homes, with exterior envelopes that locked air in the house and
credits or rebates from Wisconsin’s Focus
kept the elements out.
on Energy program as a bonus. Tim
Unfortunately, ventilation systems often didn’t keep pace. Condensation
O’Brien, president of Tim O’Brien Homes,
offers these suggestions:
spawned mildew and mold, and indoor air pollutants stayed inside.
Improve air quality. Enhance your
But the green building movement has led to important changes in that area, in-
ventilation system by upgrading or adding
cluding Energy Star-certif_i ed energy-ef_f_i cient homes. Better air quality means better
exhaust fans.
health and more comfort, with an airf_l ow that is properly cleansed, humidif_i ed and Seal your basement box sill.
circulated.
Install closed-cell foam in the area of your
“In the future, we’re going to build homes so tight that if you don’t bring in air, it
basement ceiling to keep moisture and
will be unhealthy,” says Tim O’Brien, president of Tim O’Brien Homes. He’s the
pollutants from penetrating into the fi rst
general contractor for the Energy Producing Home and the Wisconsin Trend Home,
fl oor. “It’s a quick, easy no-brainer,”
O’Brien says.
both of which showcase the latest and best in building materials, technologies and
Hire an Energy Star consultant. The
energy ef_f_i ciency.
consultant will inspect your home and offer
O’Brien’s homes are Energy Star- and Green Built-certif_i ed, with sophisticated ven- energy effi ciency suggestions that can
tilation systems in which even the microwave fan is vented directly to the outside to benefi t both your body and your budget. ✚
24 › Milwaukee Magazine › HealthMatters 2010 ›
milwaukeemagazine.com
1109_HM_Home.indd 24 9/21/09 11:17:09 AM
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