Abstract Description: Americans spend almost 90% of their time in various enclosed environments. Therefore, they are particularly vulnerable to health impacts associated with indoor air quality (IAQ). While previous studies have explored the effects of HVAC systems on IAQ, knowledge gaps remain regarding pollutant sources in residential settings without central air conditioning nor central heating. These types of small houses are very common around college campuses as rentals for students. This study investigates IAQ in a residential building with a decentralized heating (a window unit) and cooling system. Key pollutants measured include particulate matter (PM), ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The research examines the effects of a few ventilation scenarios students can use, such as natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and no ventilation, etc., within a one-bedroom apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio. By analyzing these conditions, the research aimed to provide insights for optimizing air quality and occupant comfort in residential environments. Measurements were conducted using portable air quality sensors, including a Temtop M2000, a Plume Lab’s Flow 2, and a TSI P-Trak 8525. Typical activities in the house, such as cooking, eating citrus fruits, showering, etc., are monitored for emissions. Preliminary results indicate that mechanical ventilation tends to increase PM levels, while natural ventilation shows the lowest PM concentrations. VOC levels were significantly higher with no ventilation, peaking at 4863 ppb. CO₂ levels remained relatively low across all scenarios, rarely exceeding 1000 ppm. Ultrafine particle counts were highest during natural ventilation, suggesting outdoor sources' contribution. Preliminary findings provide valuable insights into managing IAQ in residential settings. Both natural and mechanical ventilation were effective in reducing VOCs, with mechanical ventilation being more efficient. This study is ongoing, and additional data will enable more robust conclusions to be drawn. The additional data will be used to identify hot-spot emissions and make seasonal comparisons. The results underscore the importance of ventilation in mitigating indoor pollutants and improving air quality. The study also helps students understand the air quality in their residence, as well as the capabilities and limitations of portable sensors.
