Ventilation is about adding the outside fresh air to the indoor air in your space. Ventilation is considered as one of the most important jobs related to an HVAC system because, without it, your area may lack fresh air and might become stagnant and uncomfortable. In the worst case, you might also trap in contaminants and toxins that are dangerous for health.

If you live and work in an old building, the outdoor air is likely to seep inside through the poorly insulated walls or leaky ducts and poorly sealed doors and windows. It might be a good thing in a way as it ensures sufficient ventilation, but it does come with a price and lost energy efficiency. When outdoor air travels in, it makes the air conditioner work harder, which drives up the energy bills. 

 

• Exhaust ventilation systems

These systems work by depressurizing the building. When you reduce the inside air pressure below the outdoor pressure, it extracts the indoor air from the house, whereas the makeup air infiltrates through leaks in building shell and passive vents made intentionally.

 

• Supply ventilation systems

This system is different from the exhaust system and works by pressurizing the building. A fan is used to force the air into the building, whereas the air leaks out of the building with holes in the shell, range fan ducts, and intentional vents.

 

• Balanced ventilation systems

Balanced ventilation systems neither pressurize nor depressurize a home. It introduces and exhausts almost equal quantities of fresh outside air and polluted inside air. This ventilation system typically has two fans and two ducts and facilities that distribute fresh air by placing the supply and exhaust vents in the right places.

 

 

Ventilation is beneficial for energy efficiency, but it also offers more control over the amount of the outdoor added air and its source. The following are the benefits of ventilation.

• It controls the amount of fresh air

When too much outside air starts coming in, this can impede the air conditioning system’s functioning and may drive up the energy bills. It also creates a problem of air balance if more air is coming in than going out. Ventilation offers the ability to expel odors and moisture. It is crucial for the kitchens and bathrooms but essential for commercial spaces like gyms, restrooms, and locker rooms.

 

• Ability to control the source of fresh air

Ventilation systems can control where the outside air comes from and where the indoor air is exhausted from the building. The right ventilation system is designed to locate the intakes on the other building side and far from the sources of odors and pollutants.

 

There are many ventilation types connected to your HVAC system, but the kind that works best for your HVAC comfort depends on your usage, space, and climate. Certain types of ventilation systems are designed for hot and humid climates, while others for cold temperatures. You have to choose the system carefully because choosing the wrong ventilation system can cause a buildup of moisture that can damage your space and lead to mold growth.