With a greater focus on the environment and homeowners looking to save money, there has been a major push toward building houses tighter and more efficiently. However, this solution has created a new problem: the requirement to circulate fresh air into homes that are tightly sealed. Although they may be more efficient, most modern homes do not provide fresh air. A well-installed and maintained ventilation system can pump fresh air into the home.
Four Attributes in a Ventilation System
There are four primary characteristics to look for in a ventilation system to ensure you are receiving fresh air while still being energy-efficient including:
- Good controls
- Distribution
- Filtration
- Noise level
Good Controls
You don’t want your system to inadvertently shut off, so make sure your controls are installed where this won’t happen. Label controls and perhaps locate them in an out-of-the-way place, such as the basement, where they won’t accidentally be turned off. A programmable control may be an even better idea: It allows the homeowner to keep the system continuously on low, but to program another setting during times of high use.
Adequate Distribution
Good ventilation systems should deliver adequate air to all the rooms where it is needed. A good system design should provide remote in-line fans with ducts in several rooms to distribute air better.
Filtration
The incoming air is being filtered as it goes through the ventilation system; it’s important that the HVAC system’s fan be sized right so it can accommodate the additional resistance caused by the filtration. Also, this filter should be situated where it can be easily reached.
Noise level
Finally, although the ventilation system should be working constantly, you do not want to know it is working. Instead, it should be a simple background process that you cannot hear. Make sure you have the right size fan for the system.
For additional information on ventilation systems for your Calgary home, please contact us at Arpi’s Industries Ltd. We have been serving the Calgary area for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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