Existing Multifamily

Indoor air quality and energy efficiency in 2021


Indoor air quality (IAQ) is expected to be crucial for buildings in the future. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), IAQ refers to the air quality in and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to health and comfort of building occupants. Poor IAQ can result in health impacts due to concerns of COVID-19 transmission and air pollutants from wildfires.

Large equipment vendors are diversifying offerings in the IAQ space, many of which can be installed without a full overhaul of existing equipment. For example, electronic air cleaners with ultraviolet (UV) systems can be retrofitted along with other energy efficiency measures, such as dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), energy recovery ventilators (ERV), or energy management systems (EMS) to provide the customer with an attractive return on investment through energy savings, while improving air quality. Air sanitization and filtration equipment improves air quality by removing air particulates and killing airborne viruses while the DOAS, ERV, and EMS provide on-demand fresh air, energy savings through heat recovery, and sophisticated control of the equipment.

These comprehensive retrofit solutions combine the benefits of increased IAQ and energy savings. Building owners see improved IAQ and operations savings, occupants have improved peace of mind, and facilities managers have a platform to manage and maintain air quality across the facility’s lifetime.

Energy Trust’s custom project track can provide incentives for your customers’ qualifying comprehensive IAQ solutions.

For more information contact Ali Ujan, trade ally manager, at 503.956.6035.