Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.kh18932kr

Description of the data and file structure

What is in the dataset?

The dataset contains the most relevant information collected about the houses and their mechanical equipment, results of the participant survey, results of air leakage and airflow measurements at the homes, pollutant concentrations measured by time-integrated passive samplers inside and outside of the home, usage of cooktop and oven, external door and window open state, and time-series or air pollutants and environmental indicators measured within and outside of the houses.

Organization of Dataset

Airflow

This folder contains time-resolved data of the calculated overall air exchange rate. The total air change rate for the home depends on a combination of the various mechanical ventilation systems, the natural infiltration due to stack and wind effects, and the envelope leakage. The natural infiltration rate was estimated using the single-zone models described in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, assuming no substantial window or door opening. The total air change rate was calculated for each minute by combining the airflows from mechanical ventilation fans, duct leakage, and natural infiltration using procedures from the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. There is one csv file for each measured week (Home_ID). There is also a specific README file in the folder (BAIAQ_FSEC_Airflow_ReadMe) for more details. Missing data resulting from either an invalid flow measurement or the unavailability of outdoor weather data were filled with “NA”.

DeltaQ

This folder contains data about the DeltaQ test results for each home. There is one csv file containing the results for all 51 homes. Three homes (433,434, 439) did not perform a DeltaQ test, and the blank rows were filled with “Not measured”. Two homes (420, 436) did not get valid results for duct leakage; the cells were filled with “invalid”.

The columns in the csv file are explained below.

Average_Baseline_Pa: the average baseline pressure difference between the Ductblaster fan (Pa)

Pressurization_C, Pressurization_n: the flow constant (c, n) estimated from the pressurization test

Depressurization_C, Depressurization_n: the flow constant (c, n) estimated from the depressurization test

Supply_DuctLeakage_CFM, Return_DuctLeakage_CFM: initial estimated supply and return duct leakage (CFM)

reviewed Qsupply, reviewed Qreturn: supply and return duct leakage estimated after the researcher’s review, and suggested using (CFM)

Supply_DuctPressure: supply duct pressure during the DeltaQ test (Pa)

Return_DuctPressure: return duct pressure during the DeltaQ test (Pa)

Pressurization_ACH50: Air tightness presented in air change per hour at 50 Pa difference when pressurizing the house envelope 

Depressurization_ACH50: Air tightness presented in air change per hour at 50 Pa difference when depressurizing the house envelope 

ACH50: Averaged envelope air tightness presented in air change per hour at 50 Pa difference by considering both pressurization and depressurization

Total_DuctLeakage: total duct leakage by summing up both supply and return duct leakage (CFM)

Floor area: total floor area of the house (sq. ft.)

Ceiling height: Average ceiling height of the house (ft)

Review note: researcher review note for each DeltaQ test

Home_characteristics

This folder contains data about the house, including basic characteristics, air leakage test results, and measured airflow rates of mechanical ventilation equipment. There is one EXCEL file containing three spreadsheets:

The home characters spreadsheet includes data for all homes. Each home's data were in a column, with each measured/estimated parameter as a row. For the parameter that is not applicable to the test house, the cell is filled with “NA”. For the parameter that was not checked or measured by the field team, the cell is filled with “Not checked” or “Not measured”, or “NM”. In some cases, the field team cannot determine the condition after the field check, and the cell is filled with “Unclear” or “cannot be determined”.

Parameter description& ReadMe spreadsheet explains parameters in the homes characters spreadsheet one by one with the same order as the home characters spreadsheet (Column B). And the input abbreviations and general notes (Column C). If a cell in Column C was left blank, it means that there is nothing special to note for data input for the parameter in the row.

Review notes include the notes from the researcher and field teams for certain homes that had input data issues or where the input data needs to be clarified. Column A displays the parameters in the same order as the home characters spreadsheet. For a parameter for which certain homes have issues, the notes are displayed in column B at the same row as the parameter. The cell in column B is left blank if there’s no issue with this parameter for all homes.

IAQ_Activity_Monitoring

This folder contains time-resolved indoor and outdoor air quality data, including PM2.5 as measured by MetOne photometry (PM), Radon (Rn), indoor PM (PM1, PM25, PM10) concentrations measured by an IQair Air Visual Pro (AVP) low-cost sensor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), formaldehyde (FRM), temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH) in different rooms. Data also included T and RH measured at the supply air register, attic, and basement (AS, ATT, BS). 

This folder also contains time series data of cooktop burners and oven monitored using iButton temperature sensors (IBU), other cooking devices monitored using AC power logger (PTR), whole house mechanical ventilation system, kitchen range hood and bathroom fan on/off monitored using either an anemometer (ANM) or a motor sensor (MTR), and open/close status of doors and windows monitored with state sensors (STA). There is one csv file of 1-minute time-series data for each home_ID, totaling 67 csv files.

A specific read me file (IAQ_Activity_Monitoring_ReadMe) was included in the folder for data header definitions and data issues.

Most instruments had internal logging and special software to download data from the field instruments and convert the data files to csv format. One-minute resolution time-series data files were created for each house using a Python script that pulled data from multiple csv files, aligned data by time, executed unit conversions, and interpolated data that were measured at different time resolutions. Visual review was conducted on the compiled files to check for translation or writing errors, indications of instrument malfunction, mislabeled units or unit conversion errors, mislabeled location, and time stamp errors. Missing data resulting from either instrument failure or invalid readings identified by researchers were filled with “NA” in each csv file.

IAQ_Sample

This folder contains the results of time-integrated air quality samples, including passive measurements of formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5 gravimetric filter measurements. There are three CSV files containing each type of data.

Ogawa samplers 

The passive Ogawa samplers were collected from test homes with gas cooking appliances. The CSV file contains the exposure information, laboratory extract results from Ogawa samplers, and the final calculated NO₂, NO, and NO_x concentrations in ppb and µg/m³. The spreadsheet contains the following columns.

Sampled home ID and Exposure information:

Week: Measured week for each home, 1– for one-week homes, week1 and week2 for two-week homes, and on/off indicate the WHMV system status during that week

Deployment Location: The sampler's deployment location in each test home. IN1–central location (living room); IN1D–Duplicates in the central location; OUT–outdoors; BLANK–field blank 

Start Time & Date and Stop Time & Date: the start and end times of the sampler deployment, recorded by the field team

Elapsed Time (days) and Elapsed Time (min): the elapsed time calculated from start and end times in days and minutes

Environmental Data during exposure:

Avg. RH% and Avg. Temp C: average relative humidity and indoor temperature during the exposure time in % and Celsius.

PT: Water vapor pressure at exposure, calculated based on average indoor temperature (mm Hg)

P: Water vapor coefficient calculated based on PT

AlphaNO₂ and AlphaNO: NO₂ and NO adjust constants calculated based on Temperature, RH, and PT.

IC Data from lab extraction and analysis:

NO₂ pad-Nitrite Conc: Raw NO₂ pad concentration from IC extraction (ug/mL)

NO_x pad-Nitrite Conc: Raw NO_x pad concentration from IC extraction (ug/mL)

NO₂ pad-Nitrite Conc. Blank Corrected: NO₂ pad concentration from IC extraction corrected by the field blank (ug/mL)

NO_x pad-Nitrite Conc. Blank Corrected: NO_x pad concentration from IC extraction corrected by the field blank (ug/mL)

Final calculated NO₂/NO/NO_x concentration:

NO₂/NO/NO_x Blank Corrected: NO₂/NO/NO_x mass loaded on the pad, calculated from previous two columns (ng)

NO₂/NO/NO_x: measured air NO₂/NO/NO_x concentration in ppb of each sample (ppb)

Notes: Notes from the field team and researchers during the deployment and analysis. The cell is left blank if everything looks normal.

UMEx samplers 

The UMEx passive samplers were collected from all test homes. The CSV file contains the exposure information and extract results for UMEx samplers. Samples were exposed for the full duration of sampling at test houses indoors and outdoors, with field blanks deployed in a few homes. The exposure duration and the extract analysis results were listed. The final formaldehyde concentrations were calculated, as shown in parts per billion. The spreadsheet contains the following columns.

Sampled home ID and Exposure information:

Week: Measured week for each home, 1– for one-week homes, week1 and week2 for two-week homes, and on/off indicate the WHMV system status during that week

Deployment Location: The sampler's deployment location in each test home. IN1–central location (living room); IN1D–Duplicates in the central location; OUT–outdoors; BLANK–field blank 

Start Time & Date and Stop Time & Date: the start and end times of the sampler deployment, recorded by the field team

Elapsed Time (days) and Elapsed Time (min): the elapsed time calculated from start and end times in days and minutes

Volume: total volume of air passing through the sampler during the exposure time (L)

Lab analysis and results:

Formaldehyde (ng): Total Formaldehyde mass loaded on the sampler during exposure time (ng)

Blank (ng): Formaldehyde mass loaded on the field blank sample. If no field sample was deployed for this home, a study average value of 195 ng was used.

Formaldehyde (ug/m3): Calculated Formaldehyde air concentration in each home in ug/m3

Formaldehyde (ppb): Calculated Formaldehyde air concentration in each home in ppb

Notes: Notes from the field team and researchers during the deployment and analysis. The cell is left blank if everything looks normal.

PEM samples. 

The PEM sampler collected gravimetric PM2.5 mass on a PTFE filter through a pump that continuously ran indoors (IN) and outdoors (OUT) at each test home. The gravimetric PM2.5 concentration was calculated using the total volume of the air passing through the filter during the elapsed time and the mass load, as shown in the unit of microgram per cubic meter. Invalid measurements due to instrumentation or analysis were filled with “NA”. The spreadsheet contains the following columns.

Sampled home ID and Exposure information:

Week: Measured week for each home, 1– for one-week homes, week1 and week2 for two-week homes, and on/off indicate the WHMV system status during that week

Deployment Location: The sampler's deployment location in each test home. IN1–central location (living room); IN1D–Duplicates in the central location; OUT–outdoors; BLANK–field blank 

Start Time & Date and Stop Time & Date: the start and end times of the sampler deployment, recorded by the field team

Elapsed Time (days) and Elapsed Time (min): the elapsed time calculated from start and end times in days and minutes

Avg, Flow (LPM): The average flow rate of the pump extracting air for the PEM sampler (LPM)

Volume: total volume of air passing through the sampler during the exposure time (L)

Lab analysis and results:

Mass Loading (ug): The mass load of PM2.5 on the filter, which was calculated based on the pre- and post-weight of the PTFE filters. 

Conc (ug/m3) No Blank used: The calculated PM2.5 concentration for each sample, with no field blank subtracted from the value (ug/m³).

Notes: Notes from the field team and researchers during the deployment and analysis. The cell is left blank if everything looks normal.

Long-term_Radon

This folder contains one CSV file containing long-term Radon concentrations in pCi/L for each home with measurements. A passive sampler was deployed in the lowest living level of each test home for at least six months. The passive samplers were retrieved and mailed back to the lab for analysis. The sampler location, exposure start and stop date, and the final average concentration over the exposed period were shown in the csv file.

Occupant_Activity

This folder contains tabulated information provided by study participants from their daily activity logs. The PDF file is an example of the format of the activity log used in the field study. A researcher manually transcribed the handwritten logs into a CSV file for each measured week in each home. There are a total of 68 CSV files named by home_IDs in the folder. 

The activity logs were in hourly blocks; the blocks were filled with “X” or the number of hours that an activity happened in this hour. If nothing happened in this hour, the block was left blank, without any “NA” filled. If other activities that were not listed in the logs happened, occupants were asked to fill in “other_event” rows and indicate in the “note”. Commonly used event abbreviations are shown below:

Air Freshener; Dehumidifier; Fireplace; Humidifier; Incense; Portable Air Cleaner; Smoking; Vaping; Other

Occupant_Survey

This folder contains survey results about the occupants, their general activities related to ventilation, and IAQ satisfaction, completed by study participants. There is one csv file containing data transcribed by a researcher. In the csv file, each row represents the response from a home. Each column represents a survey question. The PDF file contains questions from the occupant surveys. 

Two homes did not fill the survey (410 443), and were not included in the csv file. In some homes, the occupants did not complete the survey; the survey questions that were left blank were filled with “-99”. For the survey questions that are not available for the test house and household, the results are filled with “NA”

WHMV_Config

The information in this section is the details about the Whole House Mechanical Ventilation system (WHMV) in each test house. The information was extracted from the Home_Characteristics spreadsheet and carefully reviewed by the researchers and field teams, with additional information added. If there is any conflicting information between the Home_Characteristics table and spreadsheets in this section, please ALWAYS use the information here.

This folder contains three 3 spreadsheets in one EXCEL file:

WHMV configuration 

The spreadsheet summarizes the WHMV system characteristics for each home, including system type, airflow, and runtime as found and during the test week, WHMV labels condition, household survey answers for WHMV recognition, and HVAC filter information. The spreadsheet also keeps the equations that researchers used to calculate the WHMV airflow to meet the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 standards. The spreadsheet has the following columns and information:

1. Column A-C: Test home ID, location, and visit date.
2. Column D-J: the initial and final configured WHMV system type and its exhaust/supply locations indoors and outdoors. The WHMV type was initially configured by the field team, and then the configuration was finally reviewed by researchers. If the house had a 2nd WHMV system or an occupant used a fan as a WHMV, the information was also listed.
3. Column K-N: The as-is WHMV operating condition when the field team first arrived at the house, which includes the airflow measured as found (CFM), and runtime (min per hour) as found.
4. Column O-R: The WHMV operating condition during the test week. The field team adjusted and/or repaired some of the WHMV systems to make them suitable for operating during the test week. The adjusted airflow (CFM) and runtime (min per hour) during the test week were shown. The capable flow shows the maximum airflow (CFM) the WHMV could achieve after repair and adjustment.
5. Column S-V: The ASHRAE 62.2-2010 required WHMV airflow for each house and the ratio of as-found, test, and capable airflow to the requirement
6. Column W-Y:  WHMV system controller details, label condition, and sound rating
7. Column AB-AC: Household survey answers for WHMV recognition
8. Column AD-AE: Total Bathroom fan counts and the counts of bathroom fans with sound rating <1 sone in each house
9. Column AF-AJ: filter information, including HVAC filter location and rating, and ERV/HRV filter condition
10. Column AK: note from field team and researchers, including detailed narratives about some WHMV systems in special cases.

BA_fan_details 

The spreadsheet contains the on-site measured airflow of each bathroom fan installed in each home and the sound level rated by the Home Ventilation Institute or reported by the manufacturer. If the fan and the information were not checked by the field team and researcher, the cell is filled with “Not measured”. If the information is not applicable to certain fans, the cell is filled with “NA”.

Bathroom fan location code: 

BA1–– master bathroom

BA2, BA3–– 2nd/3rd bathroom

TO1–– Toilet room either inside the master bathroom or a separate toilet room without a shower

SW1–– Shower room

Parameter: 

Flow: Field-measured airflow of the bathroom fan (CFM)

Sone: Sound level rated by Home Ventilation Institute or reported by the manufacturer (SONE)

Control: Bathroom fan control type

capable: The ratio of measured airflow of the bathroom fan to the ASHRAE 62.2-2010 required WHMV airflow (%)

Rangehood_details 

The spreadsheet contains the on-site measured airflow of the range hood in each home. The installation conditions, including vent duct direction, outside vent location, and mount type, are also included in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet also includes information about cooktop and oven types. 

KIT_EXF: Does the kitchen have other exhaust fans besides the range hood

KIT_RHD_Type: range hood type, OTR–Over the Range microwave hood combo; RH– Range Hood; Downdraft – Downdraft hood

KIT_Vent_Exit: where does the hood exhaust to the ambient air

KIT_RHD_Brand, Model: range hood brand and model; some of them were not checked

KIT_RHD_MountType: How does the range hood mount

CKT_Fuel_Type: cooktop fuel type

OVN#_Fuel_Type: oven fuel type

RHD_FanSpeed#_Measured_cfm: field measured range hood airflow at each speed setting (CFM). “NA” = no such speed setting “NM” =not measured

Lowest speed flow: Measured airflow at lowest speed setting (CFM)

Range hood note: researcher and field team review notes. The cell is left blank if no issue is figured.

Human subjects data

This study was reviewed and approved by the Central Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the U.S. Department of Energy. All participants provided written informed consent, which included permission to publish their de-identified data in the public domain for research and educational use.
To protect participant privacy, all personally identifiable information (PII)—including names, addresses, precise geolocation, and contact information—has been removed or anonymized. Each home was assigned a randomly generated study ID that does not correspond to any internal or field-collected identifier. Time stamps were generalized as needed to prevent potential re-identification, and no free-text responses or media content are included. The dataset has been reviewed to ensure that the risk of re-identification is minimal, in compliance with established data protection standards.