In order to prevent the accumulation of air pollutants, moisture and odors inside your air-tight, energy-efficient home, it’s important to follow a good ventilation strategy. Without one, pollutants such as radon and formaldehyde can accumulate and cause health problems, while high humidity levels generated by excess moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. Here are a few strategies you can follow to help prevent this.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation occurs when air comes into your home through small holes and cracks. This type of ventilation is not recommended for tightly sealed homes since it reduces energy efficiency. However, natural ventilation also includes intentional openings such as windows and doors. When outdoor temperatures allow it, open windows and sliding doors to allow outdoor air to replace stale indoor air.
Whole-House Ventilation
Whole-house venting systems provide controlled but uniform ventilation throughout your house by using fans and duct system to expel stale air and/or supply fresh air. There are four types of systems.
- Exhaust ventilation system forces inside air out the home.
- Supply ventilation systems bring outside air into the home.
- Balanced ventilation systems exchange equal amounts of air in and out of the home.
- Energy recovery ventilation systems transfer heat from incoming or outgoing air to lessen energy loss.
Spot Ventilation
Spot ventilation occurs when you use localized exhaust fans, like those found in bathrooms and kitchens, to remove pollutants and moisture at their source. This strategy is used to bolster the effects of the other two strategies. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recommends recurring use of ventilation systems for bathrooms and kitchens instead of natural ventilation.
Individually, these strategies may not provide the best ventilation strategy, but together, they can enhance the quality of your indoor air. For more information on improving the air quality in your Fresno area home, contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ventilation strategies and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Donald P Dick Air Conditioning services the greater Fresno area in California. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!