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Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 5:07 p.m.

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Experience a day in the life of an IAQ technician

Presented by a RICtoday Partner

Woodfin solves indoor air quality problems with advanced solutions + proven air quality technologies. | Photo by Logan Ellinger & Woodfin - Your Home Team

Every day is different for a Woodfin technician. And with hotter weather ahead, they’re preparing to bring air conditioning + indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions to Richmond residents.

To see what a day in the life of an IAQ technician looks like (because we’re curious like that), we met with Woodfin IAQ Manager Rodney Hundley and Field Supervisor Harley Hatten — and you’ll definitely want to keep reading.

First off, what is an indoor air quality technician?

IAQ technicians help test the quality of air in homes and businesses. They look for common problems like high levels of humidity, dirty air ducts, and poor ventilation + insulation, and provide solutions to help purify the air.

Typical day in the life of an IAQ tech:

It’s spring, which means pollen is in the air + humidity is high. Harley (IAQ Field Supervisor) told us it’s best to check your indoor air quality year-round, but especially at the turn of the season.

An IAQ technician can perform a crawlspace encapsulation + install a dehumidifier, which decreases humidity in the home and ensures a stable, climate-controlled atmosphere.

woodfin-before-after-gif.mp4 — Before vs. after an IAQ technician’s job is done — see more before and afters.
|
Photos provided by Woodfin

IAQ jobs vary depending on the problem, so each day looks different. Woodfin technicians go on all types of calls (sometimes up to 3-5 a day) to perform jobs like:

Whole house duct cleaning
Air purifier installation
Air quality tests
Dryer vent replacements

Insider info:

Rodney (who has been with Woodfin for 19 years) gave us the inside scoop on the IAQ field. He says working in IAQ gives you a whole skill set that can be transferred to other jobs — from knowledge of heating + cooling to plumbing and electrical work.

It’s a job that lets you work with your hands, think outside the box + provide proven solutions to help the home, and the people in it, breathe better.

Fascinated like we were? Woodfin is hiring employees across all specialties, including indoor air quality technicians.*

Get $100 off a whole home air purification system

This content was created in partnership with Woodfin.*

Asked

What is the most common cause of indoor air quality problems in the Richmond area?

A. Poor ventilation
B. High levels of humidity/excess moisture in the air
C. Natural pollutants such as mold and dust mites
D. Tobacco residue

Take the 1-minute quiz

See the answer further down in this newsletter.

Events

Wednesday, May 3

Urbanism Happy Hour: Fall Line Trail | Wednesday, May 3 | 5-7 p.m. | Basic City Beer Co., 212 W. Sixth St., Richmond | Free | Learn about the planning and construction of the trail that will go from Ashland to Petersburg.
Houndmouth | Wednesday, May 3 | 6:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $28-$33 | The alternative blues and rock band will play with Chartreuse and Chandeliers.

Thursday, May 4

Force Market: A Vintage Gathering | Thursday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Cobblestore, 324 S. Pine St., Richmond | Free | Shop from vintage vendors, sample Paix coffee, and grab lunch from Smashed RVA at this “Star Wars"-themed market.
Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve | Thursday, May 4 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Stick around after the game for fireworks in celebration of Diamond Down Under Day.

Friday, May 5

Manchester Manifest First Fridays | Friday, May 5 | 5-11:59 p.m. | Hull Street from 11th-14th St., Richmond | Free | Head to Manchester for a monthly vendor fair and community celebration with local artisans, performers, and art.
Screening: “Memoria” | Friday, May 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 W. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Watch the 2021 film and join in conversation with three film scholars afterwards.

Saturday, May 6

Farm Field Day | Saturday, May 6 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen | Free | Learn about local agriculture with crafts, contests, folk music, and food trucks.
Parking Lot Party | Saturday, May 6 | 2-6 p.m. | Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | Free | Enjoy local bands, brews, and bites at this annual event featuring Genworth Lights Up! Youth Series performing arts workshops for youth ages 3-18.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

Expressway drivers can expect an increase in toll rates, likely to go in effect in September. The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority board is meeting next week to discuss possible increases. The change would be made in part to address lost revenue due to the pandemic. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Announced

The Richmond Forum unveiled its lineup of speakers for its 2023-2024 season. Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Rep. Liz Cheney, photographer Joel Sartore, author Isabel Wilkerson, and journalists Nina Totenberg and Kimberly Strassel will each come to Richmond for conversations starting in November.

Biz

Blue Bee Cider is moving from its location in Scott’s Addition to a larger home in Henrico near Staples Mill. Owners Taylor Benson and Mackenzie Smith plan to have a bar, private event space, and apple trees at the new facility. (Richmond BizSense)

Edu

Reconstruction work on Fox Elementary is moving forward. The construction site has been expanded to install a new roof. Consequently, the playground is now closed to the public. (ABC 8News)

Concert

Friday Cheers kicks off this weekend with indie artist Snail Mail supported by Water From Your Eyes and Dazy. Get tickets and see what’s in store for the rest of the summer concert series.

Shop

Friends of the Richmond Public Library is hosting a book sale at the Main Library this Friday, May 5 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On Friday, all books are half off. Saturday, bring your own bag to fill for $5.
Shop all things plants — from rare exotics to native favorites — at Lewis Ginter’s Spring PlantFest. The sale will take place in Parking Lot C on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with over 40 vendors.

Try This

Witness the Apollo 11 launch, climb aboard a lunar rover, and examine model rockets at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. “Apollo: When We Went to the Moon” will remain open through the end of the year. Fun fact: At 7,000 sqft., it’s the largest exhibition ever mounted at the VMHC.*

Wellness

Did you know that ~50% of women in their 20s and 30s experience hormonal or “adult” acne? The majority of women who experience adult acne are affected by pre-existing medical conditions (think: PCOS, endometriosis, or overall hormonal imbalances.) See before + after photos of how chemical peels can target these areas.*

Finance

Here are the average retirement savings by age — are you on track?*

Drink

Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop their 25+ fruit-infused flavors and use code 6AMCITY for 45% off (bonus: they offer an actually flexible subscription… and Hint is kid-friendly, too).*

Arts

🎶 Monroe Park music festival announced

Hozier, Lord Huron to headline Iron Blossom Music Festival

RICtoday_IronBlossomFestival_HozierPoster

Over a dozen artists will play Monroe Park. | Photo courtesy Iron Blossom Festival

Update: On June 9, festival organizers announced that Iron Blossom will take place at the Bon Secours Training Center rather than Monroe Park.

A new music festival will rock Monroe Park August 26-27. Starr Hill Presents and Haymaker Productions announced the inaugural Iron Blossom Music Festival with headliners Hozier, Lord Huron, and Noah Kahan.

In total, 19 artists and groups are listed as part of the lineup, including Elle King, Faye Webster, Rayland Baxter, Colony House, and The Heavy Heavy. Event organizers say there are even more to be announced.

Here’s what we know so far.

Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 12 p.m.
Prices start around $150 for a 2-day pass
There are VIP and travel packages available

In addition to musical performances, the festival will feature local culinary options, from food trucks to craft beer and cocktails. Vendor applications are open now.

What questions do you have about a music festival in Monroe Park? Send them our way and we’ll try to get them answered.

Answered

The correct answer to today’s quiz is....

B. The most common cause of indoor air quality problems in the Richmond area is high levels of humidity/excess moisture in the air. Anything over 50% relative humidity can allow organic growth of air pollutants, which can result in poor air quality.

An indoor air quality check can be done at any time — don’t wait until you’re experiencing problems to check your IAQ.*

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

I’m a big fan of Faye Webster and actually saw Elle King at The National back in 2015, so I’m definitely intrigued by this festival announcement — and curious about the Monroe Park logistics.

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