Residential energy efficiency retrofits continue to be common in the United States, especially through governmental and utility programs. Because of the potential for reduced air exchange, there have been concerns raised regarding the potential for negative impacts on health and safety of residents when air sealing occurs. To address this concern, a study was undertaken in 2009-2010 to evaluate the indoor air quality impacts of weatherization performed through the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program. Testing was conducted on 514 homes throughout the United States. The results show that weatherization, as performed at the time of the study, could result in small but statistically significant increases in some indoor contaminants such as radon and humidity, while also reducing exposures to elevated carbon monoxide in some homes.

This study could only be completed with the cooperation and contributions of the 88 local weatherization agencies whichin the midst of meeting ambitious production goalsprovided us with data, assisted in recruiting households, accompanied study technicians, and arranged for our technicians to borrow equipment when needed. We appreciate the additional burden that our requests place on agency staff and are grateful for all of the assistance that they provided.The study would not have been possible without the cooperation of the more than 500 households who allowed us to work in their home and helped us by making sure that our metering equipment remained in place and undisturbed.We received valuable feedback from the following panel of experts who reviewed a preliminary draft of this report:

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