Mold Survey In early March, 2003, we were contracted by the HUD Office of Native American Programs (through Magna Systems) to do a rapid survey of mold problems in Alaska Native Housing. We contacted 73 of 88 regional or village housing authorities in Alaska and documented over 1700 apartments or homes that had some level…
Evaluating Ventilation Systems & IAQ Indoor air quality is one of the greatest challenges in cold climate homes. Not only do people spend more time indoors, but they also tend to live in more efficient, airtight homes that can trap excess moisture and pollutants indoors if not properly ventilated, leading to problems for the both…
Combustion Safety Test Failure Analysis CCHRC worked with the Alaska Association of Energy Professionals (AAEP) to assess why combustion safety tests are failing in Alaska homes and provide solutions to help buildings pass the tests. Combustion safety tests are required as part of a home energy rating to make sure that combustion gases from a…
Healthy Home in Alaska CCHRC partnered with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) on the Healthy Homes Initiative in Fairbanks and Hooper Bay in 2004-2005. This was a two-year project that included the University of Alaska and state weatherization agencies. The purpose of the program was to demonstrate cost-effective, preventative measures to correct health hazards…
Garage Wall Analysis Roughly half the homes in Fairbanks and Anchorage have an attached garage. Many garages are filled with exhaust from vehicles and heating appliances as well as VOCs. The current building technique in Alaska is to build an exterior wall between the home and garage sealed with an air/vapor barrier, such as 6…