air quality

notes/house/helene-issues.md

@@ -35,7 +35,8 @@ We've had some hiccups along the way, so I just wanted to start list of issues w
 
 **Craftsmanship**
 
-- messed up the hot water install so we didn't have cold water for a day
+- leaking seal on pipe that ran into the wall and stained the ceiling on the floor below in both the den and downstairs bathroom
+- hot water install mixed with cold water so we didn't have cold water for a couple days
 - poured water under the house instead of piping it out
 - left a pile of debris in the yard for three months
 - left the old sliding door in the yard for a month
@@ -59,6 +60,7 @@ We've had some hiccups along the way, so I just wanted to start list of issues w
 - paint on tile floor
 - had to repaint and drywall because of poor work
 - didn't install backing support for grab bar
+- spilled a heavy amount of paint thinner into the subfloor which then permeated the house for a week causing headaches and eye irritation. So potent that any heating element like our oven on the first floor gave off a lighter fluid smell for a week.
 
 **Costs**
 

posts/2025/2025-08-31-posts.md

@@ -41,9 +41,19 @@ The duct work is in good shape and well wrapped with only minor temperature fluc
 
 The humidity in our area can be brutal and it's particularly bad in August. I bought a [Moiswell MP70](/pdf/house-dehumidifier.pdf)[^9] and set it up. It's got a built-in pump to push the water out from under the foundation. The first time I let it roll, it was almost 75% humidity under the house and I was able to drop it down to 60% in just under an hour. Moisture tests have always come back clean, but **ideally it should stay between 45-55%** just like your interior. I added a remote so that I can monitor and control the conditions in the crawlspace without actually having to crawl anywhere.  
 
-
 Now that I've got the August humidity under control, here comes winter with the heat sucking every bit of the moisture out of the house. We fight that too with humidifiers and houseplants. I'm gonna add some new [gas fireplaces](/notes/house/fire)[^10] this year and I'll be using the direct vent versions because they don't affect the air quality. 
 
+### Construction
+
+I've added this because the more I started monitoring our indoor air quality the more I learned. Although I started with a suspected seasonal allergies from humidity, I've now added VOCs from construction. We've been doing a renovation on our upstairs which involves pulling out ceilings, plumbing, and walls. There is a lot of sanding and sawdust generated. No amount of shop vac can clear it out. We're nearing the end of it with paint. 
+
+![](/img/air-quality-construction.jpg)
+
+We've been running a couple air filter downstairs and letting a cross breeze clear the air upstairs. We've also had both of our attics re-insulated in the process. We're lucky that it' on a separate HVAC system but there are still serious air quality consequences from the construction. The most recent is an interesting in that when we fire up the stove downstairs, there is a smell of lighter fluid. Yes it's odd. First time was a bit of panic with the new gas lines in. Second time I was thinking what's wrong with the stove. Turns out it an effect caused by paint thinner. Odd part is that there's not enough paint thinner fumes left over to smell and it's only been the effect of the stove. Repainting three rooms and a lot of shelving means thinner and paint get spilled onto the sub-floor which seems to absorb it pretty well based on the stains. 
+
+The solution is a commercial grade air scrubber. I'm kinda ticked that our contractors didn't use one. I've spoken with the painters and carpenters about the air and they just said they get used to it. Our general contractor just suggested changing out the air vent filters regularly. Problem is those filters don't really handle VOCs[^11] or even some of the finer drywall dust. Nope - not having it. I apprenticed woodworking while in college we used a really nice ventilation and dust collection system. I've now rigged up a carbon air scrubber and I'm letting it run 24/7 for now. The temps and humidity will cool down enough next week to just let it air out naturally. With fresh carpet going in too, I'm gonna have the sub-floor replaced and I'll plan on running that scrubber until the construction air is gone. 
+
+
 
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@@ -58,5 +68,6 @@ Now that I've got the August humidity under control, here comes winter with the
 [^8]: This Old House - [_Should Crawl-Space Vents Be Open or Closed?_](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21173202/should-crawl-space-vents-be-open-or-closed)
 [^9]: [Moiswell MP70](/pdf/house-dehumidifier.pdf) Dehumidifier
 [^10]: notes / house / [fireplaces](/notes/house/fire)
+[^11]: VOC ( volatile organic compounds ) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound