What is whole home ventilation?

A whole home ventilation system is a mechanical air ventilator that continually provides fresh air throughout the entire home by way of air ducts.

Why do we need ventilation?

Home ventilation is essential to maintain indoor air quality, comfort, and health. Mechanical ventilation helps to reduce moisture, odors, mold, and dangerous gases or contaminants.

Can poor ventilation cause health issues?

Poor ventilation can lead to respiratory issues or damage, eyes, nose, and throat irritation, fevers, headaches, and immune system issues.

What is mechanical ventilation in a home?

Mechanical ventilation systems work to circulate fresh, outdoor air into the home using ducts and fans, rather than relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a home's walls, roof, or windows.

What are the different types of mechanical ventilation?

There are four types of mechanical ventilation; whole home ventilation, mixing ventilation, displacement ventilation, dedicated sub-aerial air supply. Whole home ventilation systems use one or more fans and a duct system to exhaust and replace stale air with fresh air. Mixing ventilation allows for a fresh air supply while reducing the possibility of cold air entering a space. Mixing ventilation helps to reduce energy costs by using heat from occupants or electrical equipment instead of relying on heating radiators. Displacement ventilation supplies air at a low velocity close to the floor. This helps to introduce a pool of cool, fresh air into an area. The air heats up as it comes into contact with people, furniture, lighting, etc. Dedicated sub-aerial air supply separates recirculates the sensible and latent loads. Sensible load refers to the energy that alters the mean radiant temperature (MRT) and air temperature that you can feel. The latent load relates to the refers to the relative humidity or the amount of moisture in the air.

What's the difference between an exhaust fan and a ventilation system?

Whole home ventilation uses air ducts to move air through your home. These systems exhaust stale indoor air outside and replace it with fresh outdoor air. Exhaust fans targeted ventilation in specific areas. Exhaust fans can be placed in bathroom, kitchens, garages and other areas prone to moisture buildup odors.

In-Depth Product Guide

Home Ventilation System

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Ventilation systems are mechanical air systems in homes and buildings that bring in fresh outdoor air and reduce or remove indoor air contaminants.

Look for systems that remove or reduce excess moisture, musty odors, harmful molds, unhealthy indoor air, dangerous contaminants and gases. Ventilation systems that are HVI accredited have been tested by a third party to ensure air flow and noise levels meet rigorous testing standards and that the manufacturer claim(s) are verified.

Air flow is measured in measured in cubic foot per minute, often abbreviated as CFM rate. The CFM rate describes the rate of flow of air or gas volume into or out of a space.
Noise levels are measured in sonnes, which is a unit of measure that describes loudness.

It's important to have an installer size your home for the appropriate ventilation system. These installers will account for the current square footage and setup of your home, ducting, volume of air that will travel among other things. Ventilation systems that are not appropriately sized for your home will be less energy efficient and perform poorly when exchanging or filtering air.

Mechanical ventilation is a low cost and efficient way to reduce household air quality issues without opening windows or doors. Mechanical ventilation is ideal for all climates and also filter air being exchanged to remove pollen, dust and other common air pollutants.

The first forced air ventilation system was developed in the late 18th and early 19th century. The belief at that time was that stagnant air spread illness. The system involved placing a fire near an air vent or hole which would force the exchange of air and increase air circulation.