When designing a healthy home, the single most important consideration is indoor air quality (IAQ). Many factors influence the quality of the air in your home: the building envelope and penetrations, the type, quality, and maintenance of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, and the materials and finishes you select. A well-designed home will minimize contaminants such as formaldehyde and mould. This will in turn improve your quality of life, and reduce the chances of respiratory infections and illnesses. Some common strategies to promote IAQ include regular HVAC maintenance, installing hard flooring rather than carpet, installing a central vacuum and kitchen and bathroom vents that exhaust directly to the home’s exterior, and choosing paints and finishes with low- or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Beyond good air quality, other important determinants of health include water quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort. For additional information, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Health Canada websites on healthy indoor environments.