Blog

3 Types of Ventilation Systems & How to Choose the Right One?

Ventilation denotes an important process that impacts indoor air quality. Proper ventilation reduces indoor odors, mold growth, harmful pollutants, headaches, allergies, etc. However, with time, traditional ventilation systems are losing relevance and different advanced ventilation systems are becoming homeowners’ favorites. Here are the three types you should know about before installing ventilation. Have a look.

Whole House Mechanical Ventilation Systems

We can divide this ventilation system into three categories that are:

a) Exhaust Only Ventilation

These ventilation systems depressurize the home and exhaust the polluted air. Exhaust-only ventilation replaces the exhausted air that occurs at the time of air, seeping through holes, windows, and doors. Also, the passive air vents in walls and windows replace the polluted air.

The function of a centrally located exhaust fan is to collect air and pass that out of the home using an exhaust pipe. This fan remains connected to ductwork that leads to specific rooms where pollutants are created ( for instance- bathrooms and kitchens).

Compared to other ventilation systems, this one is a cost-effective option with a simplified installation process and especially useful for cold climates. It does not work so effectively in hot climates as depressurization creates moist and humid air entering the house that can cause moisture damage.

Exhaust-only ventilation could be a good solution for those who want money-saving installation solutions. But don’t forget the risks associated with depressurization before taking the final call. To do it safely, consult experts and make sure you have a suitable environment to set up this ventilation system.

b) Balanced Ventilation

Balanced ventilation system installation is in demand for their versatility. The specialty of balanced ventilation is it brings fresh and pure air into the home and at the same time removes polluted air. The functionality of balanced ventilation varies. Unlike them, balanced systems do not pressurize or depressurize your home.

The balanced ventilation system has two separate systems-one for fresh air supply and the other for exhaust air removal. Each of them comes with an individual fan and ducts that you may install in every room. Ideally, the fresh air supply needs to reach living rooms and bedrooms, while exhaust air removal should come from kitchens and bathrooms.

Generally, such systems have two ducts and fans that pump and remove air simultaneously. Many balanced ventilation systems can share the ductwork of the HVAC system. The cost of installing this system might vary according to the ductwork number.

If added ductwork is needed, you need to pay additional charges. In the long run, balanced ventilation system installation is cost-effective as for temperature cooling, it does not need to give any extra effort. It keeps both hot and cool air during the ventilation.

c) Supply Only Ventilation

The operation technique of supply-only ventilation is different from that of exhaust-only ventilation. Such systems pressurize the home and let fresh air enter the room forcefully. Like the exhaust-only systems, these ventilation systems have a centrally located supply fan.

A fresh air inlet pipe sends fresh air to the fan and distributes it all over the room with ductwork. The ductwork usually runs to rooms most often used and needs fresh air, like living rooms and bedrooms. Supply-only ventilation systems are perfect for warm climates as moisture created in cold climates can create issues. It’s a comparatively inexpensive ventilation system with a simple installation.

d) Spot Ventilation

If you take an interest in knowing about different ventilation services, this type will sound familiar. Spot ventilation uses localized exhaust for indoor air quality improvement.

As the name says, spot ventilation remains limited to a specific area of the home, like the kitchen or bathroom. The main motto of spot ventilation is pollutant removal, removing bad odors caused by cooking, showering, or excess moisture, etc.

A few years ago, localized exhaust fans were the basic form of mechanical ventilation in homes. But now, people use them in conjunction with whole-house ventilation systems to get optimal indoor air quality.

Spot ventilation system installation can be a worth-considering decision when you want to improve air quality in certain areas of your home. By removing pollutants and moisture, spot ventilation creates a healthier comfortable living space.

e) Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation improves indoor air quality in a natural way without taking the help of any mechanical ways. These systems depend on natural factors, such as wind or outdoor temperature differences, and bring fresh air into homes. You can create natural ventilation simply, by opening windows or doors so outdoor air can enter your rooms.

In older homes, natural ventilation can also occur through unsealed spaces, such as cracks in walls or foundations, or through a basement or crawl space. It is known as infiltration and was historically the most common ventilation method.

Unsealed places at older homes also work as a great source of natural ventilation. This system is known as infiltration and known as one of the commonest ventilation techniques.

Selecting the Right Ventilation System

So, whole-house, natural, or spot ventilation- which type would be ideal for your home? Here are the tricks that will help you to find the best ventilation system.

Consider Climate- Before a ventilation system installation, give attention to this fact. As said before, supply-only ventilation works effectively in hot climates whereas, for cold climates, exhaust-only ventilation can be a good option. And opting for a balanced system will be the right decision if you don’t live in an extremely hot or cold climate.

Know the Price- Besides climate, pricing is another fact that needs consideration from buyers. The pricing of mechanical ventilation systems varies from one to another. Whereas spot or natural ventilations are cost-effective, exhaust-only or supply-only ventilation might come with a higher cost.

Evaluate Individual Home’s Needs- Consider your room size, layout, and number of occupants. Naturally, you need a robust installation system if you have a larger family or pets.

Conclusion 

No more compromise with your indoor quality anymore. Consult the experts and get the best ventilation services according to your specific needs. In Nevada, many companies provide professional ventilation system installation at a fair rate. So, connect the experts now and maintain a healthy living environment.