A BPI (Building Performance Institute) Healthy Home Evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of a home’s indoor environment to ensure it promotes the health and safety of its occupants. It typically includes the following tasks:

1. Visual Inspection

• Structural Integrity: Inspecting walls, ceilings, and foundation for any damage that could lead to air or moisture infiltration.
• Signs of Mold, Mildew, and Water Damage: Identifying areas with potential health risks, such as mold growth or damp conditions.
• Ventilation Systems: Assessing the home’s ventilation systems, including exhaust fans, HVAC systems, and passive ventilation sources, for adequate airflow and functioning.
• Indoor Air Quality: Checking for any visible hazards that could affect air quality (e.g., dust, soot, debris).

2. Moisture and Humidity Testing

• Moisture Levels: Measuring moisture content in walls, floors, and ceilings to identify hidden water damage or potential mold growth.
• Humidity Levels: Ensuring humidity levels in the home are within a healthy range (ideally 30-50%) to prevent mold growth and maintain comfort.

3. Air Quality Testing

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Testing: Checking for any sources of CO, especially near combustion appliances like furnaces, water heaters, or stoves.
• Radon Testing: Measuring radon levels in the home, as radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.
• Particulate Matter Testing: Using devices to measure airborne particulate matter that can contribute to respiratory problems.

4. Ventilation Evaluation

• Airflow Assessment: Evaluating if the home has adequate ventilation to remove indoor pollutants, moisture, and stale air.
• Balancing Fresh Air and Exhaust: Ensuring that fresh air is being introduced into the home while stale air is being effectively exhausted without creating imbalances or drafts.

5. Energy Efficiency Assessment

• Insulation and Air Sealing: Evaluating areas for air leaks (around windows, doors, and ductwork) and checking insulation effectiveness.
• Thermal Imaging: Using infrared cameras to identify heat loss or cold spots in the home that could lead to energy inefficiency.
• Appliance Efficiency: Assessing the performance of heating, cooling, and other appliances for energy efficiency and ensuring that they don’t release harmful pollutants.

6. Water Safety and Quality Evaluation

• Water Quality: Testing for contaminants in the drinking water (e.g., lead, bacteria).
• Plumbing System Inspection: Identifying leaks or water pressure issues that could lead to mold or structural damage.

7. Hazardous Material Identification

• Lead Paint and Asbestos: Conducting tests to detect lead-based paints or asbestos, which can pose serious health risks, especially to young children.
• Pest Infestation: Checking for signs of pest infestations (e.g., rodents, insects) that could contribute to poor air quality or health hazards.

8. Health and Safety Concerns

• Fire Safety: Ensuring that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are present and working.
• Radon Testing: Measuring radon levels in the home, as radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.
• Electrical Safety: Inspecting the electrical system for potential hazards that could lead to fires or electrocution.

9. Review of Occupant Behavior

• Assessing how occupants interact with the home’s systems, such as opening windows for ventilation, use of space heaters, or their habits regarding air filters and maintenance.

10. Recommendations

• After gathering data, providing a detailed report with suggestions on improving indoor air quality, reducing moisture levels, improving ventilation, and making the home safer and healthier overall.

The overall goal of a BPI Healthy Home Evaluation is to identify any environmental risks that could negatively impact the health and comfort of the inhabitants and provide solutions to create a safer, healthier living environment.