New Course: 7 Steps to Good Indoor Air Quality

When you change the filter in your heating and air conditioning system and see all that dirt and debris collected there, it’s a eye-opening reminder: that stuff was floating around in your home. While you might not be able to see these tiny particles suspended in the air, they can and often do have real impacts on your health.

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) isn’t a single fix – it’s the result of multiple factors working together. From the furniture and paint in your home to your HVAC system’s ductwork, from cooking odors to potential mold growth, there are numerous sources of indoor air pollutants. And if you think simply buying an air purifier will solve all your problems, think again. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about air cleaners and what they can (and can’t) do.

That’s why we’re excited to announce our new course: 7 Steps to Good Indoor Air Quality.

Why Take This Course?

Improving indoor air quality requires a comprehensive approach. You need to understand the different types of pollutants, where they come from, and which strategies work best for addressing each one. In this course, you’ll learn exactly that – a systematic seven-step approach to achieving better air quality in your home.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Name the types of pollutants best removed by filtration. Not all indoor air problems can be solved with a filter, so understanding which ones can is crucial for making smart decisions about your IAQ strategy.
• Explain why “Build tight; ventilate right” is an incomplete prescription for good indoor air quality. This popular building science mantra is a good start, but it’s not the whole story. You’ll learn what’s missing and why it matters.
• Describe the 7 IAQ methods covered in the course. You’ll gain concrete, actionable strategies for improving air quality and the background knowledge you need to apply them in different situations.

Course Overview

The course starts by exploring the various indoor air pollutants students might encounter – from particulate matter to volatile organic compounds to moisture issues that can lead to mold growth. Then it dives deep into the seven methods for improving indoor air quality, giving students a practical toolkit for creating healthier indoor environments.

The course also examines how duct systems can hurt indoor air quality and what can be done about it. And yes, it tackles that topic of air cleaners and air purifiers, separating fact from fiction so learners can make informed decisions.

Throughout the course, Allison provides concrete advice and background knowledge needed to implement these strategies effectively, whether students are working on their own homes or helping others improve theirs.

Meet Your Instructor

Allison Bailes III is the founder of Energy Vanguard, where he specializes in residential HVAC design and building science consulting. Since 2010, he has written over 1,100 articles on the Energy Vanguard blog and contributed to publications like Green Building Advisor, Fine Homebuilding, and the Journal of Light Construction. He’s also the author of the bestselling book A House Needs to Breathe—Or Does It?

Allison’s background is in physics – he earned his PhD and taught in academia before making a career change to building science in 2004. He’s been teaching since 1988 and brings over two decades of building science experience to this course.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

If you’re ready to take a comprehensive approach to indoor air quality – one that goes beyond quick fixes and addresses the root causes of poor air – this course is for you.

Enroll now and start your journey to better indoor air quality today!