There’s common sustainability features in all homes.

Green is a collection of the best of all the best.

At the time your house was built, the developer and builder wanted to provide a top quality product with the latest techniques possible.  Years of training and trail and error went into the design of your home.  The most important thing a builder wants to do is to sell the finished product. So, they add view-able amenities and non-view-able amenities.  The amenities are attributes that create a more comfortable environment which is a long standing philosophy to sell homes.  These common attributes are more prevalent in custom homes and became increasingly common in track built suburban homes.  You can see trends in housing mechanical technology and design from the past change as health and energy concerns the public vision.

The best air quality techniques in your home.

Open fossil fuel burning flame chimneys and hearths are still a air quality hazard throughout the world.  At one point in time, the building in this picture had a coal fired boiler and natural gas wall and ceiling lamps.  The home was originally built in 1894 and renovated in 1942, and was then renovated again in the 1990's.  

During the first renovation the gas lines were used for electrical, mica insulation poured into exterior wall cavities, and a forced air furnace replaced the coal burner.  Sheet asphalt siding was installed covering the original basement window placements on the north and south walls and provides a decent wind protection as a house wrap air and moisture barrier. Vinyl siding was later added over the asphalt sheeting to the front and rear of the house, which you'll still see today.

During the second renovation, an electric static air purifier, cloth wiring replaced, exposed foundation and framing were paint sealed in the basement, new windows, plumbing vent pipes repaired, simple spray foam air sealing techniques and bathroom exhaust fans were added.  

In the summer, the house is primarily shaded after noon. So, open windows utilizing natural ventilation for cooling is enhanced by ceiling fans on each of the upper floors.  A central air conditioning unit should be installed to get the most air quality control over allergens and city street dust. Ceiling fans also support the mechanical air filtration during enclosed winter months. Carpeting in the bedrooms may seem comfortable, but carpeted flooring wears down and releases fibers into the air while also collecting dust and allergens. Solid smooth flooring is preferable for air quality purposes. Providing a HEPA air filtration panel, sealing ventilation ducts to the forced air furnace would also enhance air quality.  

Hopefully, the individual that bought the property a year ago will renovate a little in the "right" air quality direction to continue the trend.

Find out more about air quality at:

https://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/indoor-airplus-videos-podcasts-webinars-and-interviews