Project Overview
Homes near busy roads face a unique indoor air quality challenge that standard HVAC filtration cannot fully address. Opening windows for fresh air actually makes things worse by introducing concentrated vehicle emissions. The solution is a multi-layered approach that filters, purifies, and ventilates — all without relying on open windows.
The iWave bipolar ionization unit works continuously as air passes through the HVAC system, neutralizing pathogens and causing fine particles to aggregate into larger clumps that the MERV-16 filter can capture. The ERV provides the fresh air component — something that is critical for healthy indoor environments but often overlooked in tightly sealed homes.
A follow-up air quality test conducted 30 days after installation showed an 85% reduction in PM2.5 levels compared to the pre-installation baseline. The children's asthma symptoms improved measurably — their mother, the physician, tracked peak flow readings that showed consistent improvement after the system was installed. The family reported sleeping better, experiencing fewer morning congestion symptoms, and feeling confident about the air their children breathe at home.
The Challenge
This Cambridge home sits just 60 feet from a heavily trafficked four-lane road carrying over 25,000 vehicles per day. The homeowner — a physician — was acutely aware that the family was breathing air contaminated with vehicle exhaust, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, and road dust. An indoor air quality test confirmed PM2.5 levels that were 3x higher than the EPA's recommended maximum when windows were opened for ventilation. The family included two children with mild asthma, and their symptoms worsened noticeably during heavy traffic hours and during pollen season.
Our Solution
We implemented a three-layer indoor air quality system designed to address both particulate and gaseous pollutants. Layer 1: An iWave-R air purifier was installed in the supply plenum. This bipolar ionization device creates positive and negative ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to clump together and be captured more easily by the filter. Layer 2: We upgraded the standard 1-inch filter rack to a 5-inch media cabinet housing a MERV-16 filter, which captures 95%+ of particles down to 0.3 microns — including PM2.5 from vehicle exhaust. Layer 3: A Broan AI Series Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) was installed to provide controlled fresh air exchange. The ERV draws filtered outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air, recovering up to 80% of the energy from the outgoing air stream. This means the family gets fresh, filtered air without the energy penalty of opening windows.
Results & Outcomes
- PM2.5 particulate levels reduced by 85%
- Children's asthma symptoms measurably improved
- Fresh, filtered air without opening windows to traffic pollution
- ERV recovers 80% of energy — minimal impact on heating/cooling costs
Project Details
Service
Indoor Air Quality
Location
Cambridge, MA
Duration
2 Days
Equipment
iWave / Broan
Scope
Residential
Result
Completed Successfully
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