Ventilation System Maintenance & Repair

Top 5 Ventilation FAQ's

• "What are the main kinds of home ventilation?"

Homeowners don't always think much about home ventilation, but it plays an essential role in keeping your living environment comfortable. The primary types of residential home ventilation are:

• Natural Ventilation The movement of air in and out of windows, doors, small holes and cracks in a home. Natural ventilation is not controllable except for the opening and closing of windows and doors, and thus cannot be relied on as the only system for ventilating a whole house.
• Spot Ventilation Localized exhaust fans are placed in a home to remove moisture and air pollutants at the source. Examples include ceiling fans in bathrooms, hoods above kitchen cooktops, and skylights that open and close.
• Whole-house Ventilation Fans and duct systems combine to provide ventilation and controlled air quality for the entire house. Central air conditioning systems are a well-known example of whole-house ventilation.
  
  Specific methods of whole-house ventilation vary substantially. The most common types of whole-house ventilation are: Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV),Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV), Balanced Ventilation Systems, Supply Ventilation Systems, and Exhaust Ventilation Systems.

Each of these systems functions somewhat or very differently. The choice of one over another has to do with geographic region and weather, type of house, specific family needs, and budget.

Because every situation is different, if you have more questions or would like to install or upgrade the system in your home, it's best to consult a local HVAC professional. Local pros will know the best options for your locale, and can also advise on the best configurations to meet your specific needs.

• "What are the benefits of whole-home ventilation?"

The essential purpose of whole-home systems is to provide fresh, clean air without needing to leave windows and doors open. Whole-home ventilation systems allow for ventilation that is controllable, safe and relatively uniform.

Whole-home systems also reduce exposure to allergens, mold, and other contaminants.

• "What are the benefits of spot ventilation?"

Spot ventilation improves the effectiveness of natural and whole-house ventilation systems by removing heat, humidity and indoor air pollutants in locations where above-average ventilation is desirable. Examples include bathroom ceiling fans, and kitchen vent systems.

• "Why should I care about attic/roof ventilation?"

In warm regions, attic/roof ventilation helps moderate attic air temperatures, which can exceed 125 degrees. Excessively hot attics raise the cooling load of a house, especially in homes that lack contemporary insulation materials between the ceiling and attic. This forces your AC system to work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures … and that increases your utility bills!

In cold regions, attic/roof ventilation helps maintain a cold roof temperature. This may seem somewhat counter-intuitive, but keeping the attic space cold helps remove moisture that enters the attic from inside the house, and also helps prevent ice dams.

Additionally, without proper ventilation mold is more likely accumulate in your attic or roof, adding stress to building materials.

• "Why should I care about basement/crawlspace ventilation?"

Without proper ventilation, stale basement and crawlspace air tends to collect odors, allergens and other contaminants. This is important because basement/crawlspace air seeps back up into the house through cracks, gaps and duct/vent systems.

Proper ventilation in the basement/crawlspace helps increase indoor air quality, control moisture, and reduce mold and mildew.