Ventilation is a crucial and necessary process for every indoor space. It has an impact on a little bit of everything in our daily life.
Good ventilation benefits house quality as well as the health and well-being of those living in the home. A well-ventilated space helps reduce indoor odors, mold growth, harmful pollutants, headaches and even allergies.
But what are the best home ventilation systems to ensure this process?
We break down the three types of ventilation and why relying on the previously thought of go-to isn’t enough anymore. We also break down the three types of mechanical ventilation systems and why whole-home upgrades are best.
Considering there are quite a few options on the market, make sure you’re informed about the best choice for your home before discussing with a contractor!
Ventilation has a tremendous effect on indoor air quality which is why your home ventilation system matters.
At its simplest, ventilation is purely the exchange of indoor and outdoor air.
Exchanging fresh new air and stale old air is a seemingly easy process. But there are multiple ways to ventilate an indoor space and a couple of different mechanical home ventilation systems to choose from that aid the process.
Ventilation is necessary because, without the new-old air exchange, harmful indoor air pollutants are stuck circulating inside. And what’s stuck circulating inside, you and your family are stuck breathing. There is a multitude of factors that affect indoor air quality. Things like excessive moisture, poor humidity regulation, pets in the home, gases from cooking and all sorts of factors worsen air quality. They’re also the factors that make ventilation even more critical.
Ventilation is particularly important today as modern building standards and construction codes have resulted in more airtight homes and buildings.
Air used to seep into homes through cracks in the home’s foundation and breaks around windows or doors.
Without the help of natural ventilation and the inability to control or filter natural ventilation sources, the sole importance is on mechanical ventilation.
To understand the whole-home mechanical ventilation options, you first need a better understanding of how ventilation is at work in your home already.
Natural ventilation is simply uncontrolled air. Compared to fan-forced ventilation (AKA mechanical ventilation), natural ventilation is caused by natural factors. It is quite literally outdoor air entering an indoor space on its own. In every kind of space, opening windows or doors and letting fresh air in is an example of natural ventilation. A strong breeze is the easiest manifestation.
In older homes and builds specifically, natural ventilation is also the air that enters through unsealed spaces. This can be cracks in the wall or foundation of the home as well as a basement or crawl space and is known as infiltration.
Historically, this was the most common ventilation method and part of the reason mechanical ventilation was largely unnecessary until recently. Because most indoor spaces were leaky or drafty and allowed a certain amount of air in, additional forced ventilation processes weren’t needed.
Spot ventilation is the use of localized exhaust fans. It is a form of mechanical ventilation. Spot ventilation uses fans to exchange air, but it is localized to a specific area of the home only. Think kitchen or bath fans, for example.
These extremely concentrated ventilation systems aim to remove pollutants and odors (like those caused by cooking) or remove excess moisture from a space (as caused by a shower). These localized systems used to be the extent of mechanical ventilation in homes.
Now, mechanical ventilation systems have evolved into whole-home ventilation systems. A whole-home or whole-building system uses one or multiple fans and ductwork to effectively bring fresh outdoor air indoors and remove stale indoor air.
The goal of a home ventilation system is to both improve indoor air quality and effectively ventilate a large space.
A whole-home system is incredibly beneficial. There is a consistent influx of fresh air and the removal of stagnant air. It is consistently working to improve the quality of the air supply.
Because the process can use a space’s existing ductwork and installs directly into the HVAC system, whole-home ventilation systems can provide controlled ventilation to an entire house.
Plus, by using the existing HVAC system, the air is also filtered, resulting in cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Think of ventilation quite literally as your home’s lungs. Proper ventilation keeps homes fresh and occupants healthy. This is why we recommend upgrading to a whole-home mechanical ventilation system. When it comes to whole-house ventilation options, there are a few types to choose from.
Exhaust-only ventilation effectively rids a space of stale indoor air. It is relatively inexpensive and an easy ventilation system to maintain. It usually only requires one fan and one exhaust point in the home. (Again—think of localized bathroom or stove exhaust fans.) This ventilation process improves indoor air quality because it removes stale air, which is often full of harmful and hazardous indoor air pollutants. Exhaust-only systems usually work better in colder weather climates.
There are a few drawbacks to an exhaust-only system that are worth mentioning. The main problem is that the process draws air out of the home without a dedicated source to provide fresh air to make up for the difference. The resulting change in pressure, or depressurization, means the space itself actively pulls in air from cracks, leaks and vents in the home to create the necessary balance. Depressurization is even more harmful in warmer climates because moisture isn’t removed from the air before it enters the home. Thus, the change in pressure increases the threat of moisture damage. Because exhaust-only systems cannot dry the air before it enters the space, these ventilation systems also often increase heating and cooling costs, making them less energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Another issue with exhaust-only systems is the concern that they worsen indoor air quality. This is rooted in studies that have shown exhaust-only systems draw in additional indoor pollutants and contaminants from poor air quality spaces. Areas of the home such as an attic, garage or basement. (Keep in mind, the space is desperately trying to balance the depressurization effect and looking to any and every source for more air!) For homes with shared walls such as row homes, condos or apartment buildings, air quality becomes dependent both on your home habits and those of your neighbors. Overall, exhaust-only is too difficult to control to consider a good home ventilation system.
Supply-only ventilation does the opposite of exhaust-only systems, instead, filling an indoor space with fresh outdoor air. It does so by using a fan or several fans to draw outdoor air indoors. Examples of supply-only systems are an attic HVAC fan. With supply-only, to ensure good indoor air quality, make sure to choose one location to serve as the fresh air source. This will limit the number of indoor pollutants entering the home. Supply-only ventilation systems work best in warm climates.
Similar to exhaust-only, there is no dedicated balance method. In this case, that means there is no process that helps rid the space of old stale air, resulting in pressurization. This ventilation system simply forces old air to leak out of the home or building through existing cracks and holes as well as localized fans and vents. Also similar to the exhaust-only system, moisture is not removed from the incoming air beforehand. Meaning—moisture damage is still a threat and increased AC and heating costs are also likely.
Supply-only ventilation systems are able to provide fresh air for several rooms in a home. Most homeowners will choose to focus the supply-only home ventilation system’s efforts on the rooms they occupy the most.
As the name suggests, a balanced home ventilation system combines the exhaust and supply processes. It takes the best of the exhaust-only and supply-only systems, without any of the additional problems to create the best overall whole-home ventilation system.
Balanced home ventilation systems effectively bring in fresh outdoor air (supply) and force out stale polluted indoor air (exhaust). Depressurization and pressurization are not a concern with balanced home ventilation systems because they efficiently provide and remove equal amounts of air, keeping the home in a state of equilibrium.
A balanced ventilation system requires two fans and two duct systems to both pump in the fresh air and remove stale air. Many balanced ventilation systems are able to share existing HVAC system ductwork. However it can be more expensive if additional ductwork is needed, the exact cost depends on how much duct is already in your home. It’s important to keep in mind that balanced systems are more cost-effective in the long run. This is because the HVAC system does not have to work harder for temperature control. Rather, balanced home ventilation systems help heat and cool air during the ventilation process.
To break down home ventilation one final time … there are two types of balanced home ventilation systems.
A heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) transfers heat between the old exhaust air and new fresh air. The air streams never mix during this process. Because an HRV effectively transfers heat, the system also helps keep heating costs low. An HRV is often recommended for colder climates.
An energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) transfers both heat and moisture between the old exhaust air and new fresh air. The goal is to minimize energy loss during the ventilation process. And because it exchanges heat and moisture, ERVs help with temperature control. An ERV keeps the air moist, cool and humid during the summer and warm in the winter. ERVs are usually recommended for warmer climates.
Whether you opt for an HRV or ERV, both are incredibly helpful whole-home ventilation systems. Ensuring consistent good ventilation for your indoor space has almost immediately noticeable effects. We can help you better understand which whole-home system would work best in your space or help find an IAQ expert in your area!
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Energy-efficient homes -- both new and existing -- require mechanical ventilation to maintain indoor air quality. There are four basic mechanical whole-house ventilation systems -- exhaust, supply, balanced, and energy recovery.
Ventilation System
Pros
Cons
Exhaust
Supply
Balanced
Energy Recovery & Heat Recovery Ventilators
Exhaust ventilation systems work by depressurizing your home. The system exhausts air from the house while make-up air infiltrates through leaks in the building shell and through intentional, passive vents.
Exhaust ventilation systems are most appropriate for cold climates. In climates with warm humid summers, depressurization can draw moist air into building wall cavities, where it may condense and cause moisture damage.
Exhaust ventilation systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to install. Typically, an exhaust ventilation system consists of a single fan connected to a centrally located, single exhaust point in the house. A better design is to connect the fan to ducts from several rooms, preferably rooms where pollutants are generated, such as bathrooms. Adjustable, passive vents through windows or walls can be installed in other rooms to introduce fresh air rather than rely on leaks in the building envelope. Passive vents may, however, require larger pressure differences than those induced by the ventilation fan to work properly.
One concern with exhaust ventilation systems is that -- along with fresh air -- they may draw in pollutants, including:
These pollutants are a particular concern when bath fans, range fans, and clothes dryers (which also depressurize the home while they operate) are run when an exhaust ventilation system is also operating.
Exhaust ventilation systems can also contribute to higher heating and cooling costs compared with energy recovery ventilation systems because exhaust systems do not temper or remove moisture from the make-up air before it enters the house.
Supply ventilation systems use a fan to pressurize your home, forcing outside air into the building while air leaks out of the building through holes in the shell, bath, and range fan ducts, and intentional vents (if any exist).
Like exhaust ventilation systems, supply ventilation systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to install. A typical supply ventilation system has a fan and duct system that introduces fresh air into usually one -- but preferably several -- rooms that residents occupy most (e.g., bedrooms, living room). This system may include adjustable window or wall vents in other rooms.
Supply ventilation systems allow better control of the air that enters the house than exhaust ventilation systems do. By pressurizing the house, supply ventilation systems minimize outdoor pollutants in the living space and prevent backdrafting of combustion gases from fireplaces and appliances. Supply ventilation also allows outdoor air introduced into the house to be filtered to remove pollen and dust or dehumidified to provide humidity control
Supply ventilation systems work best in hot or mixed climates. Because they pressurize the house, these systems have the potential to cause moisture problems in cold climates. In winter, the supply ventilation system causes warm interior air to leak through random openings in the exterior wall and ceiling. If the interior air is humid enough, moisture may condense in the attic or cold outer parts of the exterior wall, resulting in mold, mildew, and decay.
Like exhaust ventilation systems, supply ventilation systems do not temper or remove moisture from the make-up air before it enters the house. Thus, they may contribute to higher heating and cooling costs compared with energy recovery ventilation systems. Because air is introduced into the house at discrete locations, outdoor air may need to be mixed with indoor air before delivery to avoid cold air drafts in the winter. An in-line duct heater is another option, but increases operating costs.
Balanced ventilation systems, if properly designed and installed, neither pressurize nor depressurize your home. Rather, they introduce and exhaust approximately equal quantities of fresh outside air and polluted inside air.
A balanced ventilation system usually has two fans and two duct systems. Fresh air supply and exhaust vents can be installed in every room, but a typical balanced ventilation system is designed to supply fresh air to bedrooms and living rooms where occupants spend the most time. It also exhausts air from rooms where moisture and pollutants are most often generated (kitchen, bathrooms, and perhaps the laundry room).
Some designs use a single-point exhaust. Because they directly supply outside air, balanced systems allow the use of filters to remove dust and pollen from outside air before introducing it into the house.
Balanced ventilation systems are appropriate for all climates. Because they require two duct and fan systems, however, balanced ventilation systems are usually more expensive to install and operate than supply or exhaust systems.
Like both supply and exhaust systems, balanced ventilation systems do not temper or remove moisture from the make-up air before it enters the house. Therefore, they may contribute to higher heating and cooling costs, unlike energy recovery ventilation systems. Also, like supply ventilation systems, outdoor air may need to be mixed with indoor air before delivery to avoid cold air drafts in the winter.
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Energy recovery ventilation systems provide a controlled way of ventilating a home while minimizing energy loss. They reduce the costs of heating ventilated air in the winter by transferring heat from the warm inside exhaust air to the fresh (but cold) outside supply air. In the summer, the inside air cools the warmer supply air to reduce cooling costs.
There are two types of energy-recovery systems: heat-recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy-recovery (or enthalpy-recovery) ventilators (ERV). Both types include a heat exchanger, one or more fans to push air through the machine, and controls. There are some small wall- or window-mounted models, but the majority are central, whole-house ventilation systems with their own duct system or shared ductwork.
The main difference between a heat-recovery and an energy-recovery ventilator is the way the heat exchanger works. With an energy-recovery ventilator, the heat exchanger transfers a certain amount of water vapor along with heat energy, while a heat-recovery ventilator only transfers heat.
Because an energy-recovery ventilator transfers some of the moisture from the exhaust air to the usually less humid incoming winter air, the humidity of the house air stays more constant. This also keeps the heat exchanger core warmer, minimizing problems with freezing.
In the summer, an energy-recovery ventilator may help to control humidity in the house by transferring some of the water vapor in the incoming air to the theoretically drier air that's leaving the house. If you use an air conditioner, an energy-recovery ventilator generally offers better humidity control than a heat-recovery system. However, there's some controversy about using ventilation systems at all during humid, but not overly hot, summer weather. Some experts suggest that it is better to turn the system off in very humid weather to keep indoor humidity levels low. You can also set up the system so that it only runs when the air conditioning system is running, or use pre-cooling coils.
Most energy recovery ventilation systems can recover about 70% to 80% of the energy in the exiting air and deliver that energy to the incoming air. However, they are most cost-effective in climates with extreme winters or summers, and where fuel costs are high. In mild climates, the cost of the additional electricity consumed by the system fans may exceed the energy savings from not having to condition the supply air.
Energy recovery ventilation systems usually cost more to install than other ventilation systems. In general, simplicity is key to a cost-effective installation. To save on installation costs, many systems share existing ductwork. Complex systems are not only more expensive to install, but they are generally more maintenance intensive and often consume more electric power. For most houses, attempting to recover all of the energy in the exhaust air will probably not be worth the additional cost. Also, these types of ventilation systems are still not very common. Only some HVAC contractors have enough technical expertise and experience to install them.
In general, you want to have a supply and return duct for each bedroom and for each common living area. Duct runs should be as short and straight as possible. The correct size duct is necessary to minimize pressure drops in the system and thus improve performance. Insulate ducts located in unheated spaces, and seal all joints with duct mastic (never ordinary duct tape).
Also, energy recovery ventilation systems operated in cold climates must have devices to help prevent freezing and frost formation. Very cold supply air can cause frost formation in the heat exchanger, which can damage it. Frost buildup also reduces ventilation effectiveness.
Energy recovery ventilation systems require more maintenance than other ventilation systems. They need to be cleaned regularly to prevent deterioration of ventilation rates and heat recovery and to prevent mold and bacteria on heat exchanger surfaces.