- Every building has some amount of natural ventilation, which occurs when air seeps through small cracks and holes in the walls. Homes that are built for high heating and cooling efficiency will have most of these holes and cracks sealed up, which will reduce the amount of natural ventilation it receives.
- A whole-house ventilation system is composed of a network of air ducts and fans that are designed to circulate air. This type of ventilation system is connected to the home's heating and cooling equipment, and allows much more control over home ventilation than what you would have if you rely solely on natural airflow. Whole-house systems can be exhaust, supply, or balanced. An exhaust system uses an exhaust fan to lower the pressure inside the home, which brings in fresh outside air. A supply system raises the pressure in home to force inside air, and indoor pollutants out. A balanced system utilizes both supply and exhaust elements so that indoor pollutants can be forced out, and fresh air can be brought in.
- An energy recovery system recycles some of the energy from exhausted air, and reintroduces it to the fresh air coming inside. Since a large portion of the energy from exhausted air is recovered, the system doesn't have to work as hard to heat or cool the home. These systems, however, are usually more expensive to install.
- Spot ventilation is used in conjunction with other ventilation methods. This method uses an exhaust fan directly at the source of moisture or indoor pollution to remove it. For example, when you use an exhaust fan to pull moisture out of the bathroom after bathing, it is a form of spot ventilation.
Natural Ventilation
Whole-House Ventilation
Energy Recovery System
Spot Ventilation
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