Ph:
970.704.1231 • Fax: 970.963.9430
Whether
it's residential or commercial kitchen range ventilation, bath room exhaust
ventilation or whole house Energy Recovery Ventilation, Myers Enterprises can
help find a solution to the ventilation needs facing your personal circumstances.
When creating an energy-efficient, airtight home through air sealing techniques,
it's very important to consider ventilation. Unless properly ventilated, an
airtight home can seal in indoor air pollutants. Ventilation also helps control
moisture - another important consideration for a healthy, energy-efficient home.
Purpose of Ventilation
Your home needs ventilation - the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air -
to reduce indoor pollutants, moisture, and odors. Contaminants such as formaldehyde,
volatile organic compounds, and radon can accumulate in poorly ventilated homes,
causing health problems. Excess moisture in a home can generate high humidity
levels. High humidity levels can lead to mold growth and structural damage to
your home.
To ensure adequate ventilation, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) says that a home's living area should
be ventilated at a rate of 0.35 air changes per hour or 15 cubic feet per person
per minute, whichever is greater.
Ventilation
Strategies
There are three basic ventilation strategies:
• Natural ventilation uncontrolled air movement into a home through cracks,
small holes, and vents, such as windows and doors. Not recommended for tightly
sealed homes.
• Whole-house ventilation Controlled air movement using one or more fans
and duct systems.
• Spot ventilation Controlled air movement using localized exhaust fans
to quickly remove pollutants and moisture at their source. Typically used in
conjunction with one of the other strategies.
