With an increase in green building techniques and tighter building envelopes that result, proper ventilation is increasingly important. Today’s homes are built tight to keep conditioned air in and help reduce energy bills. Tight building envelopes also keep air impurities inside the home including any chemicals used in cleaning products, paint, building materials and more. This combination makes a strong case for proper home ventilation system to maintain optimal air quality and maintain your home’s energy efficiency.There are many factors that influence the appropriate type of home ventilation including local code requirements, building size and types of appliances. Here are three of the most common ventilation systems:
- Exhaust Only – This type of system uses a small exhaust fan that is commonly placed in a kitchen or bathroom. The fan is programmed to run either continuously or intermittently to extract stale air and moisture. These systems are low cost and quite easy to install.
- Supply Only – A supply-only system includes a fan that brings fresh air into the home. The air escapes through the natural air leaks in your home. A filter can be added to trap pollen and other outdoor air pollutants before they enter the home. A dehumidifier can be added inside the home to control humidity levels.
- Balanced – A balanced system includes both exhaust and supply, controlling ventilation at both ends. This system includes separate fans to manage air supply and air exhaust. Overall, this is a better ventilation system because it provides qualities of both exhaust-only and supply-only systems, however it may be more costly to run.
Does your home have a ventilation system? Do you have questions about your home’s air sealing and ventilation? Contact us with any questions.