INNOVATIONS & TRENDS in Residential IAQ and Ventilation

By Dr. Iyad Al-Attar with Mr. Andrew Guido

Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, a correspondent for International Filtration News, visits Toronto to interview Mr. Andrew Guido, a recipient of the prestigious Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Excellence in Healthier Homes Award and most recently the GIA Global Innovation Home of The Year from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Their conversation highlights the evolving landscape of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), including filtration and HVAC systems, ventilation technologies, smart home integrations, and sustainability initiatives. They discuss the challenges and opportunities homeowners face in improving their health and well-being. The discussion reveals a significant shift toward prioritizing IAQ, driven by advancements in filtration, ventilation, sensor technologies, and smart home solutions, all while emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Iyad Al-Attar: Considering the growing awareness of IAQ, what are the most impactful innovations in residential HVAC systems that address homeowners’ specific needs and challenges today?

Guido: The growing awareness of indoor air quality has led to significant innovations in residential HVAC systems. One of the most impactful changes is the shift away from traditional MERV 8 filters, primarily designed to protect HVAC components from dust and particles. Today, builders are increasingly incorporating higher efficiency filters such as MERV 11 and MERV 13 to provide better protection against airborne contaminants (ASHRAE Journal, 2022). These filters are more effec-