Historically, structures were ventilated using natural means, such as opening a window or door to let fresh air into a space. However, with greater air-sealing methodologies on the rise, this method is insufficient. Enter mechanical ventilation, which offers several options for moving stale indoor air out and fresh outdoor air inside. The different types include exhaust, supply, balanced and energy recovery.
In this brief white paper, we’ll take a look at each mechanical ventilation option, and discuss how they work, their benefits and any concerns that exist. We’ll get to the “how and what” of ventilation, but let’s start with the “why.” Why do we even need ventilation in the first place? The answer is to support the health and wellbeing of indoor occupants by improving the quality of the air they breathe.
The best way to enhance IAQ is via increased and balanced ventilation. As long as enough controlled fresh outdoor air is coming in and stale indoor air is exhausted out, a high-quality indoor environment will be achieved. The American Lung Association supports this notion and states that proper ventilation is essential for keeping the air fresh and healthy inside homes.