Providing Healthy Air and Efficient Heating for Rural Alaska Homes with the BrHEAThe System

Abstract

BrHEAThe is a combined heating and ventilation system designed to ensure adequate indoor air quality in small, efficient, airtight homes in Alaska. The system addresses issues faced by rural, cold climate homes: simple installation for locations with no skilled contractors; low-cost, safe operation; and an understanding of the importance of ventilation for occupants who might otherwise be motivated to turn off ventilation to save money or prevent cold drafts. This paper describes a formal evaluation of BrHEAThe, undertaken to ensure the system is meeting its original goals and to discern potential improvements. Researchers conducted interviews of 14 individuals with experience designing, installing, or living with BrHEAThe and conducted system tests and in situ monitoring on one BrHEAThe installation over the course of a heating season. While BrHEAThe provided safe operation, adequate air exchange, and low energy use over the study period, several issues were identified, including uneven indoor temperatures, low interior relative humidity, and a need for improved educational materials. Researchers plan to use these results to improve future BrHEAThe installations.