What This Site Covers
ClearCorner Living documents information about indoor air quality in the context of modern Canadian residential construction — specifically the conditions created by airtight, well-insulated building envelopes that have become standard in new builds and deep energy retrofits.
The three main topics covered are:
- Pollutants — radon, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and biological contaminants that are relevant to occupied Canadian homes
- Ventilation systems — heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV), including how they work, how they differ, and how they interact with Canadian climate conditions and building codes
- Filtration — the MERV rating scale, the HEPA standard, activated carbon, and how to assess filtration appropriateness for both central HVAC systems and portable room purifiers
Editorial Approach
Content on this site is written to describe how systems work and what standards or guidelines exist, without advocacy for specific products, contractors, or services. Where numerical values are referenced — such as Health Canada's radon guideline or ASHRAE ventilation rates — these are drawn from the original published sources, which are linked where applicable.
The site does not fabricate statistics or attribute claims to unnamed studies. Where precision is uncertain, the language reflects that uncertainty rather than presenting estimates as established data.
Disclaimer
The content on this site is for general informational reference only. It does not constitute professional advice in building science, engineering, public health, or any regulated field. Specific decisions about ventilation design, remediation of indoor air quality issues, or compliance with building codes should involve qualified professionals — such as a certified building science consultant, industrial hygienist, or licensed mechanical contractor.
Health conditions related to indoor air quality should be addressed with a qualified medical professional. Regulatory and code requirements vary by province and municipality; the National Building Code of Canada and ASHRAE standards referenced here may not reflect all applicable local requirements.
Contact
Questions about topics covered on this site can be submitted through the contact form on the homepage. This is not a monitored support channel; response is not guaranteed.
For general correspondence:
ClearCorner Living
Email: info@clearcornerliving.org
Last updated: June 2026. Information on building codes, Health Canada guidelines, and ventilation standards may be updated periodically. Readers should verify current versions of any referenced standards or guidelines directly with the issuing organization.