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Home Ventilation
Written by
Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement
Ventilation is an important aspect of healthy, comfortable living.
It creates a flow of air that allows the house to "breathe" and
helps prevent moisture build-up year-round. This process of
supplying or removing air can be done by infiltration, natural or
mechanical ventilation.
• Infiltration: The process by which air leaks into a building
through cracks and gaps in the building envelope, especially around
windows and doors. When air moves out of a building it is called
exfiltration.
• Natural Ventilation: Natural ventilation is unpredictable and
unreliable. It is a type of ventilation that depends on natural
instead of mechanical means for air movement. Movement is affected
by the wind or the difference in temperature from one area to
another. Occurs when outdoor air enters through open windows and
doors.
• Mechanical Ventilation: A type of ventilation in which air moves
by means of a fan or other mechanism. It is controlled and
purposeful. Exhaust fans and the use of fans and ductwork are used
with mechanical ventilation.
In our efforts to conserve energy, newer homes are being built with
limited means of infiltration and other ventilation processes. With
inadequate home ventilation, pollutants can build up and become very
strong. Mold, mixed with high levels of humidity, are one of the
leading problems associated with insufficient ventilation. A mold
break out can cause numerous damages, therefore leading to a big
dent into your back account.
Other problems with poor ventilation include dust mites, nose and
throat irritation, dry skin, carbon monoxide poisoning, allergies
and asthma symptoms. It is extremely important that you manage your
ventilation. Important components of ventilation include opening
windows and doors, using air exchangers; using kitchen and bathroom
exhaust fans, using attic ventilation fans, and dryer vents.
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