Ventilation Advise % Articles

    Based on the 2010 ASHRAE standard 62.2, all residential homes require ventilation. This ventilation can come from openings in the building shell (doors, windows), air infiltration through the building shell, or by mechanical ventilation such as exhaust fans, supply fans, Energy Recovery ventilators (ERV), or heat recovery ventilators (HRV). Based on the 2010 version of ASHRAE Standard 62.2 (currently above Omaha residential building code), all bathrooms and kitchens should have exhaust fans vented to the exterior of the house (not the attic space). Bringing in air from a clean outdoor location and removing polluted indoor air from kitchens, bathrooms and other locations may still be important in order to improve air quality. If air sealing work is undertaken, the air leakage rate must be re-measured to determine ventilation requirements. Below are some excellent articles, websites, etc. with lots  of information on sealing air leaks in existing homes.

ASHRAE 62.2 Example house

Read This Before you Ventilate

Ventilation Systems & Indoor Air Quality

Mechanical Ventilation Types: Exhaust, Supply, Balanced & Energy Recovery

Balanced Ventilation Systems