Q+A With Andrew Guido: Innovations and Trends in Residential IAQ and Ventilation

Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, a correspondent for International Filtration News, visits Toronto to interview Mr. Andrew Guido, a recipient of the prestigious Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Excellence in Healthier Homes Award and most recently the GIA Global Innovation Home of The Year from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Their conversation highlights the evolving landscape of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), including filtration and HVAC systems, ventilation technologies, smart home integrations, and sustainability initiatives. They discuss the challenges and opportunities homeowners face in improving their health and well-being. The discussion reveals a significant shift toward prioritizing IAQ driven by advancements in filtration, ventilation, sensor technologies, and smart home solutions, all while emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Iyad Al-Attar: Considering the growing awareness of IAQ, what are the most impactful innovations in residential HVAC systems that address homeowners' specific needs and challenges today?

Andrew Guido: The growing awareness of indoor air quality has led to significant innovations in residential HVAC systems. One of the most impactful changes is the shift away from traditional MERV 8 filters, primarily designed to protect HVAC components from dust and particles. Today, builders are increasingly incorporating higher efficiency filters such as MERV 11 and MERV 13 to provide better protection against airborne contaminants (ASHRAE Journal, 2022). These filters are more effective at capturing smaller particles, including allergens and viruses, which is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. Whole-home HEPA systems have also undergone improvements, with newer models being more compact, quieter, and cost-effective. These systems are often integrated with ECM motors for enhanced efficiency and can be installed inline, bypass, or independently from the HVAC system (HVACR Business, 2023). The ERTH360 Discovery Home, an award-winning concept home in Ontario, Canada, which I helped to design and build, serves as a testing ground for various filtration systems, evaluating their effectiveness, ease of installation, avail-ability, and maintenance cost.

Sensor technologies have also become more advanced, providing real-time monitoring of IAQ. These sensors can detect a broader range of pollutants, including formaldehyde, ozone, methane, NO2. SO2, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0. and are more affordable and accurate than older models (Environmental Science & Technology, 2022). The affordability of these sensors allows for strategic placement throughout homes, enabling better management of IAQ. For instance, sensors near laundry areas can monitor VOC emissions from detergents, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their indoor environment.

Al-Attar: Please describe the emerging trends in ventilation technology for residential properties, specifically focusing on energy efficiency and improved air circulation.

Guido: Emerging trends in ventilation technology for residential properties focus on energy efficiency and improved air circulation. Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems are becoming more prevalent due to their ability to capture and re-use energy from exhausted air, improving IAQ while reducing energy consumption (ASHRAE Resources, 2023). Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems use heat exchangers to transfer heat from outgoing stale air to incoming fresh air, significantly reducing the energy needed for heating or cooling (Passive House Institute, 2022). Smart ventilation systems integrate sensors and AI to dynamically adjust airflow based on occupancy load, air quality, and external conditions, optimizing energy use while maintaining optimal indoor conditions (Smart Ventilation Systems, 2023). Industry standards like ASHRAE Standard 241 address under-ventilation in homes by promoting higher volume ventilation units with enhanced filtration capabilities (ASHRAE Standard 241, 2022). The ERTH360 Discovery Home is one of the first production homes to meet the ASHRAE Standard 241 requirements. In the ERTH360 Discovery Home, an oversized ERV with a HEPA filter was in-stalled, far exceeding local building code requirements. This setup improves air quality and demonstrates how innovative ventilation solutions can be integrated into residential spaces without compromising energy efficiency.

Al-Attar: How are advancements in smart home technology and integration influencing the future of IAQ and ventilation control in residential spaces?

Guido: Smart home technology and integration advancements are transforming the future of IAQ and ventilation control in residential spaces. Al-informed home automation systems turn traditional HVAC systems into intelligent data centres that synergistically control IAQ and comfort (IEEE Journal, 2023). Open APIs and manufacturer cooperation are essential for integrating various components to create a holistic indoor environment management system (loT Journal, 2022). To fully realize the potential of an integrated solution, we will have to remove technology barriers and work together as a seamless ecosystem to reduce cost and accelerate adoption.

At the ERTH360 Discovery Home, 13 strategically located sensors monitor indoor conditions, and an outdoor sensor provides early warnings for potential hazardous events. These sensors will eventually integrate with HVAC and other systems to maintain targeted indoor air quality conditions autonomously.

AI plays a crucial role in optimizing HVAC operations, adjusting temperature settings based on user habits and environmental conditions, and predicting maintenance needs to prevent system failures. This integration enhances user experience, efficiency, and IAQ management. To date, this level of control has only been available in the luxury home market that can afford customized BACnet and or Modbus communication protocols for backend control. Indeed, a practical solution can be developed to simplify this function and make it accessible to the masses.

Al-Attar: With a focus on sustainability, what innovations in HVAC and air filtration systems are vital in reducing environ-mental impact and promoting healthier living environments?

Guido: Innovations in HVAC and air filtration systems are crucial for reducing environmental impact and promoting healthier living environments. The shift towards less combustible and ozone-friendly refrigerants, electric appliances, heat pumps, and solar power is key to sustainability (ASHRAE Journal, 2023). Sensor technologies play a vital role in providing early warnings for potential environmental hazards, contributing to decarbonization efforts (Environmental Science & Technology, 2022).

Solar-powered HVAC systems are transforming building climate control by integrating thermal storage systems that work alongside solar panels, storing excess energy for nighttime and cloudy day operations. Geothermal integration taps into Earth's constant underground temperatures, maintaining steady indoor temperatures year-round while using minimal electricity.

Net-zero energy homes are becoming increasingly popular. They combine architectural design, efficient heating and cooling systems, and renewable energy sources to achieve net zero energy consumption annually. These homes use advanced building science and technology to create year-round comfortable living environments with minimal environmental impact.

We are commencing construction on our Net Zero Discovery Home in Ontario, Canada, this spring. This home will serve as a testing ground for integrating new technologies. This project involves installing a three-season heat pump, which a combustion furnace will supplement during the cold season. The heat pump will provide efficient heating and cooling for most of the year, leveraging advanced technologies to extract heat from outdoor air even in cold temperatures. However, during extremely cold periods, the combustion furnace will take over to ensure consistent heating performance.

In addition to the hybrid heating system, a solar PV array will be installed on the roof, generating renewable energy to power the home. This combination will be complemented by a battery storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries, which can store excess energy generated by the solar panels for later use. This setup reduces reliance on the grid and provides backup power during outages, enhancing energy resilience.

The energy management system will be a critical component of this project. It will measure energy usage at the circuit level to provide real-time data on energy consumption patterns. This level of monitoring allows for precise optimization of energy use, ensuring that the home operates efficiently, while minimizing waste. The system will utilize advanced circuit monitoring technologies, which provide clear visibility of energy consumption at the branch level, enabling detailed energy efficiency analysis and optimization.

By integrating these technologies, the Net Zero Discovery Home will not only reduce environmental impact but also serve as a model for sustainable living. It will demonstrate how innovative HVAC and air filtration systems can enhance in-door air quality while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. The project will showcase the potential for residential buildings to achieve net-zero energy status through a combination of efficient HVAC systems, renewable energy generation, and advanced energy management.

Al-Attar: What are the biggest challenges and future opportunities for improving residential IAQ and ventilation, specifically in health, energy efficiency, and homeowner affordability?

Guido: One of the biggest challenges in improving residential IAQ is homeowner education. Occupant behavior can significantly impact IAQ, and simple practices like using kitchen fans during cooking, avoiding indoor candle burning, and being mindful of VOCs emissions from furniture can improve IAQ (Consumer Reports, 2022).

Future opportunities lie in integrating smart technologies with sustainable practices to create healthier living environments while ensuring energy efficiency and affordability. As smart home technologies advance, there will be greater potential for Al-driven systems to optimize IAQ and ventilation based on real-time data and user preferences (ASHRAE Journal, 2023).

Regulatory changes, such as the shift towards eco-friendly refrigerants, will drive the adoption of more sustainable HVAC solutions (Environmental Protection Agency, 2025). Additionally, advancements in air filtration technology, such as longer-lasting filters and recycling initiatives, will reduce waste and operational costs.

Al-Attar: Mr. Guido, your final thought or closing statement?

Guido: We need to be more holistic in our approach to improving IAQ. We too quickly try to solve what may seem to be the obvious problem and don't step back to see the bigger picture. John Bower, in his book The Healthy House, first published in 1989, introduces the concept of a house as a system and presents four healthy design principles that still apply today. His principles in order of application are: 1) Elimination, 2) Separation, 3) Ventilation, and 4) Filtration. Note filtration is last on his list. It would be naïve to believe source control is all we need to worry about. Ask anyone that lives near a major road if they can prevent rubber particles from entering their building/home. IAQ is too complex for simple thinking, but some combination of these four principles is probably where the solution for 'clean air' lies.

Meet the Award Winner: Mr. Andrew Guido

As Vice President of Sustainability & Innovation at Willowdale Asset Management Inc., Andrew Guido spearheads transformative initiatives in sustainable and healthier home construction. With operations spanning North America and $5 billion in assets under management, Willowdale, through its homebuilder Empire Communities, has constructed over 36,000 residential units across the continent over the past three decades.

Andrew has been recognized with the two prestigious awards:

Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Excellence in Healthier Homes Award (2024). This award, presented at the EEBA High Performance Home Summit in Salt Lake City, UT highlights the collaborative efforts to advance healthier living environments through innovative homebuilding solutions.

The Nationals, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), GIA Gold Global Innovation Home Of The Year Award (2025), received in Las Vegas, Nevada recognizes the most cutting-edge, advanced and original products, services, homes, communities and champions of the building industry from around the world.

Conclusion From the Author

The interview has highlighted a dynamic and rapidly evolving field focused on enhancing residential IAQ and ventilation. Raising the bar of IAQ in the residential sector through the integration of high-performance HVAC and filtration systems with advanced monitoring technologies is essential.

The ERTH360 Discovery Home project is a prime example and testing platform for these innovations, aiming to transform conventional living into a more sustainable, safe, and comfortable experience. The growing demand for im-proved living conditions is fueled by a heightened awareness of health impacts, a commitment to energy efficiency, and the seamless integration of smart home systems.

Key drivers include increased awareness of health impacts, technological advancements in filtration, ventilation, and sensor technologies, smart home integration, and a growing commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. While we have what it takes to embrace sustainable, healthy, and safe living by unlocking the full potential of current and future innovations, affordability will make these technologies available to a broader spectrum of users.

An important factor to consider is who the users of these advanced technologies are and how we can ensure that everyone has equal access to these technologies. To mainstream these innovations and make them the norm of indoor living, research and development are required to integrate technologies and performance for user-friendly purposes.

References

1. ASHRAE Journal. (2022). Air Filtration in Residential Buildings.
2. HVACR Business. (2023). Advancements in Whole-Home HEPA Systems
3. Environmental Science & Technology. (2022). Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring.
4. ASHRAE Resources. (2023). Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems.
5. GlobeNewswire. (2025). ERTH360 Wins Global Innovation Home of the Year at The Nationals.
6. Passive House Institute. (2022). Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery
7. Smart Ventilation Systems. (2023). ASHRAE Journal.
8. ASHRAE Standard 241. (2022). Control of Infectious Aerosols
9. IEEE Journal. (2023). Al in HVAC Systems.
10. loT Journal. (2022). Smart Home Integration.
11. ASHRAE Journal. (2023). Sustainability in HVAC.
12. Environmental Science & Technology. (2022). Sensor Technologies for Sustainability.
13. Consumer Reports. (2022). Simple Practices for Better IAQ.
14. ASHRAE Journal. (2023). Future Opportunities in IAQ.

Dr. Al-Attar is IFN's Global Correspondent, Technology and Innovation, with insight as a mechanical engineer and an independent air filtration consultant. He is a Visiting Academic Fellow in the School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing at Cranfield University, consulting for air quality and filter performance relevant to land-based gas turbines. His expertise is on the design/performance of high-efficiency filters for HVAC and land-based gas turbine ap-plications, focusing on chemical and physical characterization of airborne pollutants. Dr. Al-Attar is also the strategic director, instructor, and advisory board member of the Waterloo Filtration Institute. In 2020, Eurovent Middle East appointed Dr. Al-Attar as the first associated consultant for air filtration, as well as an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) patron for EUROVENT.