IAQ Guide
You might be amazed at how many sources can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home. Some suspects include allergens, dust, food and grease particles from cooking in your kitchen, bathroom moisture and humidity (that can evolve into mold), and others.
How about this for an unexpected (but perfectly logical) reason for poor air quality inside our homes: Newer homes are so tightly constructed that along with very little air entering the home, the potential air contaminants (like gas, chemicals found in new carpet, asbestos, a host of allergens) are trapped inside the house with nowhere to go. The result is a home filled with unhealthy air.
Air purifier systems can improve IAQ and make your home a healthier place to live and breathe. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems exchange the energy contained in a home or building, and can pre-cool and dehumidify in the warmer months, while pre-warming and humidifying during the colder months. Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems provide fresh air and improved climate control and can cut money and energy costs.
Recovery ventilators and HEPA filtration systems are roughly the size of an air conditioner, and offer continuous filtration, humidity control, and general ventilation in your home.
May I vent my bath fans through and IAQ system’s ductwork?We can’t recommend this. When an IAQ system has been properly sized and balanced, any vent fan that operates simultaneously will unbalance that system, rendering it ineffective. The high humidity from the bathroom, along with any odors, may circulate throughout the rest of the house. |
Why is an ERV or HRV system better than a regular ventilator?Ventilators do not recover the energy from the air being exhausted. An ERV and HRV unit transfers the temperature to the fresh air being drawn into the home. Reheating or cooling costs are then minimized. |
Where is an ERV or HRV system installed?Because the system includes drains to eliminate humidity from the air, it must be installed in an area that won’t dip below 40 degrees F. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a floor or pipe drain. |
How much fresh air do I need in my home?Only if you’re interested in breathing fresh air. Studies show that natural ventilation (leaks and cracks) doesn’t provide fresh air into your home or adequately ventilate potential contaminants out of it. |
Do I really need a balanced ventilation system?Yes, and if the portable air conditioner isn’t able to vent the hot air it’s pumping out to somewhere, its effectiveness drops dramatically. Put another way, if a portable air conditioner runs in a room without a vent, only the area directly in front of it will get cooled, while the rest of the room will remain warm. |
What type of ducting does the equipment require?An independent ducting system can be easily installed in newly constructed homes. For older homes, however, it’ll take a little more work. IAQ ducting can be installed in your existing forced-air furnace duct. Both installation types require a 6” inlet and a 6” exhaust port. |