Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality: Allergy-Friendly Homes for Healthier Living

The average indoor air quality in a typical home is 5 to 10 times more polluted than the air outside. For families, this is especially concerning—particularly for those with asthma or allergies, where poor air quality can trigger symptoms and affect daily comfort. This growing concern has fueled demand for allergy-friendly homes and hypoallergenic houses that prioritize clean, healthy living environments.

At Austin Touchstone Builders, we take indoor air quality seriously. Our advanced high-performance HVAC systems filter the air through a three-stage purification process, incorporating MERV 12 filters through medical-grade HEPA H13 filtration. This multi-layered approach is painstakingly engineered to deliver the best in whole-house air purification and continuous fresh-air ventilation—all while minimizing energy loss and maintaining efficiency.

When paired with our net-zero airtight building envelopes, this system creates homes with superior indoor air quality that consistently outperform traditional houses. The result is a clean air home that reduces allergens, improves respiratory health, and provides lasting comfort for every member of the family.

Key Benefits of ATB’s Indoor Air System

Superior Indoor Air Quality – Cleaner, healthier air throughout the home
Improved Respiration & Allergy Relief – Designed for asthma and allergy sufferers
Reduced Allergens for Cleaner Living – Hypoallergenic environments with advanced filtration
Energy-Efficient Whole-Home Ventilation – Fresh air circulation without wasted energy

At Austin Touchstone Builders, we don’t just build homes—we build healthy, net-zero living environments designed to improve your quality of life every single day.

Air Sealing Matters

Leaky Homes Are Inefficient, Uncomfortable & Unhealthy

Air sealing is one of the most critical factors in building a durable, efficient, and healthy home. Without proper air sealing, even the best HVAC systems cannot perform at their full potential. That’s why airtight construction is a cornerstone of our net-zero homes at Austin Touchstone Builders.

Air leakage (infiltration) happens when outside air enters the home through cracks, gaps, or poorly sealed openings. Leaky homes are not only less energy-efficient, but they also require oversized HVAC systems to keep temperatures stable. These systems must run longer and harder, driving up energy bills while still failing to provide consistent comfort.

The problem goes beyond efficiency. Uncontrolled air leakage also carries moisture into the home, which can lead to costly structural damage, mold, and indoor air quality issues. In fact, up to 98% of water vapor movement in buildings is caused by air currents. Without airtight construction, homes become vulnerable to failure over time.

Leaky houses also allow dust, allergens, and pollutants to enter freely, worsening indoor air quality and aggravating conditions like asthma and allergies. By contrast, our airtight net-zero building envelopes, combined with advanced ventilation systems, deliver homes that are healthier, more comfortable, and far more durable.

Reducing air leaks is one of the most cost-effective ways to cut heating and cooling costs, increase comfort, and extend the lifespan of your home. With Austin Touchstone Builders, you get a custom net-zero home in Austin, TX designed from the ground up to be airtight, efficient, and built to last.

Why does that matter? Because air leakage…

1 Is typically the largest driver of energy use in the home, comprising 30% – 70% of energy wasted on heating and cooling

2 It is usually the biggest contributing factor for drafts, hot/cold spots, and other comfort issues in a home

3 Often the largest contributor to moisture problems, especially mold and mildew

Vapor Diffusion Management

Understanding Water Vapor Diffusion in Homes

When designing high-performance, net-zero homes, controlling moisture is just as important as controlling air flow. One key factor is water vapor diffusion—the natural movement of water vapor through vapor-permeable materials. Unlike air leaks, which travel through cracks or gaps, vapor diffusion occurs through solid building materials even when there are no visible openings.

A common example is gypsum drywall. If the air on one side of the drywall is very damp and the other side is very dry, the drywall will gradually absorb moisture on the damp side and then release it on the dry side. This transfer is known as vapor diffusion, and while it may seem subtle, it can have a major impact on the durability, comfort, and health of a home over time.

If not managed correctly, vapor diffusion can contribute to moisture buildup inside walls, which may lead to mold, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality. That’s why at Austin Touchstone Builders, we apply building science principles to design homes with the right combination of airtight construction, vapor barriers, and controlled ventilation systems. This ensures that moisture is managed properly, protecting the home’s structure while maintaining a healthy, allergy-friendly indoor environment.

By addressing air infiltration and vapor diffusion together, we create custom net-zero homes in Austin, TX that are not only more energy-efficient but also more durable, comfortable, and resilient for generations to come.

Why Air Sealing Matters More Than Vapor Diffusion

Research by the Building Science Corporation (RR-0412: Insulations, Sheathings, and Vapor Retarders) highlights a critical fact: the amount of water that enters a building through even a small air leak can be up to 90 times greater than the water that would normally diffuse through gypsum board.

This means that while vapor diffusion is important, uncontrolled air leakage is by far the biggest source of moisture intrusion in most homes. Moisture carried by air currents can quickly move into wall assemblies, creating conditions for mold, rot, and long-term structural damage.

At Austin Touchstone Builders, our airtight net-zero construction practices address this issue head-on. By using ICF walls, advanced sealing techniques, and high-performance HVAC systems with controlled ventilation, we virtually eliminate uncontrolled air leakage. This ensures not only better energy efficiency but also a home that is far more durable, healthy, and resilient.

Our focus on building science principles—backed by data like the Building Science Corporation’s research—sets us apart from traditional builders. With airtight, custom net-zero homes in Austin, TX, you can rest assured that your home is designed to resist moisture, reduce energy loss, and deliver comfort for generations.