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I N R E S I D E N T I A L V E N T I L A T I O N
T H E G U I D E T O H O M E V E N T I L A T I O N & I N D O O R A I R Q U A L I T Y
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F H V I , T H E H O M E V E N T I L A T I N G I N S T I T U T E
BRO_61151_BrQtTr P4A v4.indd 1 9/26/06 10:57:58 AM
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:49 AM Page FC1
With Lifebreath in our HVAC lineup, profits are way up and customers love the fresh air.
Heating/Cooling
Ventilation
AirCleaner
The demand for “tight”, energy efficient homes (new and renovated) has never been greater. So contractors are turning to Lifebreath Indoor Air Systems. Why? Lifebreath has set the standard for delivering fresh indoor air while helping to save on energy costs. And their responsive technical service is second to none.
Adding Lifebreath to your HVAC mix pays off big time in customer satisfaction… and your bottom line. There’s a Lifebreath system to fit every budget.
For details visit www.lifebreath.comor call (519) 457-1904 in Canada(937) 439-6676 in the United States
Exhaust Fan
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HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:50 AM Page IFCb
Contents
Joe Fristik,GROUP PUBLISHER, Contracting Business
John Ehlen,PUBLISHER, Fresh Ideas
Mike Weil,EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Contracting Business
Gwen Hostnik,GROUP MARKETING DIRECTOR, Contracting Business
Renee Massey-Linston,PRODUCTION MANAGER, Contracting Business
Eileen Callahan,SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Christine Barksdale,ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Becca Britton,MEDIA SERVICES COORDINATOR
Pat Lang,ART DIRECTOR
David Bosak,COVER DESIGN
John Ehlen,ADVERTISING SALES
17340 46th Ave. N.Plymouth, MN 55446
763/550-2971jehlen@penton.com
Publishing Offices:1300 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114-1503216/696-7000
www.contractingbusiness.comCopyright© 2006, Penton Media, Inc.
Board of DirectorsPeter Grinbergs
Chair
Jim BoldtVice-Chair/Treasurer
John FoxSecretary
Ola WettergrenImmediate Past-Chair
Daniel ForestMember-at-Large
Russell PopeMember-at-Large
John HarperMember-at-Large
Don StevensMember-at-Large
I N R E S I D E N T I A L V E N T I L A T I O N
HVI 6 About HVI
8 Why Ventilation?
12 Ventilating Living Areas
20 Continuous Whole-House Ventilation
26 Whole-House Comfort Ventilators
28 Attic Ventilation
30 How Much Ventilation Do I Need?
35 Manufacturers’ Directory
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:53 AM Page 1
H V G www.hvi.org2
TThe mission of the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is to “Advance the Value of
Residential Ventilation for Healthier Living.” The air inside our homes is
almost always significantly more polluted than the air outside. Homes used to
be leaky at great expense for heating and cooling, while allowing ventilation to take
place. With added focus on energy efficiency and comfort, it becomes increasingly
important to “build tight and ventilate right.” Proper mechanical ventilation is neces-
sary to ensure a healthy environment for the occupants and to protect the building
structure.
HVI, founded in 1955, created the Certified Rating Program to provide a fair and
credible method of comparing ventilation performance and noise levels. Not only are
products HVI-Certified, but a random verification program ensures that those
products perform as advertised. Laboratories, independent from any manufacturer,
perform all testing. HVI Certification is available for a wide range of home ventilating
products including bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, heat and energy
recovery ventilators, inline single- and multiport fans, exterior-mounted ventilators,
powered attic ventilators, ridge and other static vents, with new products being
added as the market evolves.
HVI Certified Ratings are trusted and referenced by Energy Star®, the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and
building codes across North America. A complete list of HVI-Certified products
and their manufacturers can be found in the Certified Home Ventilating Products
Directory at www.hvi.org.
We hope you find this guide a useful resource for learning more about the wide
range of ventilation products available today, and how you can apply them to create
more comfortable and healthier living environments. Always look for the “HVI-Certi-
fied” label when selecting residential ventilating products.
Peter K. GrinbergsChairman of the Board
Welcome to the Home Ventilating Institute’s
Guide to Home Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
For more information, contact:Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)1000 North Rand Road, Suite 214Wauconda, IL 60084 USAPhone: 847/526-2010 Fax: 847/526-3993 e-Mail: hvi@hvi.org Website: www.hvi.org
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:54 AM Page 2
Improve the Indoor Air Quality in YourHome with Fantech Ventilation Products
You’ve spent hours pouring over plans to find the perfect
design for your new home. You’ve selected beautiful kitchen
cabinets, the ideal tub and shower sprays for the bath, plus
rich paint colors for every room.
Don’t stop there. Insist on high quality HVI Certified
Fantech Ventilation Products to improve the indoor air quality
throughout your home. Products designed for dependable
performance, energy efficiency and quiet operation.
You’ll breathe a little easier with Fantech in your home.
Visit www.fantech.net or call 1-800-747-1762 to find out
more about the entire line of Fantech Ventilation Products.
I M P R O V I N G I N D O O R A I R Q U A L I T Y T H R O U G H B E T T E R V E N T I L A T I O N
Look for the Energy StarLabel on Fantech VentilationProducts – your assurancethat our products meet orexceed the energy efficiencyrequirements of Energy Star.
Heat Recovery Ventilators forBalanced Whole House Ventilation
Dryer Booster Fans
Premium Bath Fans
Canada50 Kanalflakt Way, Bouctouche, NB E4S 3M5Phone: 800-565-3548; Fax: 877-747-8116;www.fantech.ca
United States 1712 Northgate Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34234Phone: 800-747-1762; Fax: 800-487-9915www.fantech.net
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HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:54 AM Page 3
trane.com
It takes a certain kind of person to appreciate our breakthrough air-filtration technology.
They’re called people who breathe.
Introducing TRANE CleanEffects™—the first central air system that removes up to 99.98% of the allergens from all
the air that it heats or cools. It traps particles as small as .1 microns and is 100 times more effective at cleaning
the air than standard 1" filters. Did we mention its low pressure drop? The benefits just go on and on. TRANE
CleanEffects—just another innovation from a leader in HVAC systems, and another reason to expect more from Trane.
© 2
006
Am
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All
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H V G www.hvi.org6
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
NNo matter what the home ventilation task, you
can depend on products bearing the HVI-Certi-
fied label to perform as rated.
For over 50 years, the Home Ventilating Institute
(HVI) has been actively responding to the ever-chang-
ing needs of the residential ventilation industry. Its
mission is simple: to Advance the Value of Residential
Ventilation for Healthier Living. HVI achieves this in
large part through its Certified Performance Rating
Program.
Products bearing the HVI-Certified label have been
tested and certified to ensure they meet the
stated ratings for airflow, sound and en-
ergy. Certification provides peace of
mind to homebuilders, mechanical
contractors and consumers alike.
All testing is conducted by inde-
pendent, HVI-designated laborato-
ries to standardized procedures.
Continued performance is further
ensured through the HVI Verification
program.
Ratings can be found in the Certified Home Ventilat-
ing Products Directory, which is updated every 30
days and available for download at www.hvi.org. It is
divided into three main sections:
Certified Ventilating Fan Products – Lists
HVI-Certified airflow and sound ratings for bath-
room exhaust fans, downdraft kitchen exhausters,
fresh-air inlets, heat and energy recovery ventila-
tors, inline fans, integrated supply and exhaust fans,
powered attic ventilators, remote exterior-mounted
ventilators, static vents for attics and crawlspaces
and whole-house comfort ventilators.
Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators
(HRVs and ERVs) – Lists HVI-Certified ventilation
and energy performance data.
Certified Static Ventilating Devices (Non-
Electronically Powered Ventilating Devices) –
Lists HVI-Certified foundation vents, fresh-air inlets,
gable end ventilators, roof ventilators, room-to-
room transfer registers, sidewall ventilators and un-
der-eave ventilators.
Home ventilating fans carry dual ratings for quiet-
ness and ventilating performance. Simple, validated
numbers provide the air movement in cubic feet per
minute (CFM) and the sound output in sones.
CFM is the number of cubic feet of air that a fan will
move in one minute. The sone is an internationally rec-
ognized unit of loudness, which simplifies reporting of
sound output. One sone is approximately equivalent to
the sound of a quiet refrigerator in a quiet kitchen, so
the lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan.
Who Benefits?Everyone in the residential building industry bene-
fits from HVI-Certified ventilation performance.
Residential ventilation manufacturers – The
HVI Certification program provides a level playing
field in a competitive market for HVI member compa-
nies, ensuring that products can be compared fairly.
Homebuilders – By specifying HVI-Certified prod-
ucts, homebuilders can ensure they are meeting the
ventilation rates specified by building codes and limit
any liabilities that may arise from improper ventila-
tion. More state and energy conservation programs are
specifying the energy consumption of ventilation
products, making HVI Certification, which is used by
the Energy Star® program, a necessity.
Mechanical contractors – Armed with HVI Certifi-
cation data, contractors can select products that meet
building code requirements with confidence, knowing
they will provide the necessary airflow. Installers can
also select products for sound, and make recommen-
dations to their builder and residential customers
regarding the various options. In locales where the en-
ergy consumption of ventilation fans is mandated, HVI
Certification gives contractors the information they
need to make sure the requirements are met.
Consumers – Ventilation products are designed
to make homes more comfortable and healthy. HVI
Certification ensures consumers that those prod-
ucts will perform as expected.
For more information, contact HVI or any of its
member companies listed at www.hvi.org. We’re
always glad to help! ■
HVI-Certified Ventilation Performance:
Everyone Wins!
TM
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:56 AM Page 6
ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark.
Airborne pollutants. Unpleasant odors. Mold-causing moisture. They can invade your bathroom in no time. And the
effects can be damaging. Not only to structures and surfaces, but to your health. Panasonic ventilation fans work silently
and efficiently to help clear the air. So you can worry less—and breathe a whole lot easier.
No bathroom project is complete without a Panasonic ventilation fan.
Let us help find the right fan for you with our interactive fan selector at
panasonic.com/ChooseYourFan
what’s lurking in your bathroom?
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H V G www.hvi.org8
VVentilation reduces excess moisture and un-
healthy indoor air pollutants. Properly de-
signed and installed ventilation increases
comfort and security.
Today’s homes are more energy-efficient because
they follow standards mandating better insulation
and airtightness. However, without an appropri-
ately designed, installed and maintained ventilation
system, the benefits of these better-built homes can
become liabilities.
When we think of buying, building or updating a
home, we all too often focus on aesthetic features
rather than factors such as the quality of the indoor
air. In fact, according to the American Lung Associa-
tion, 85 percent of Americans didn’t realize the air in
their homes posed a possible health hazard.
The good news, however, is that we are becom-
ing increasingly aware of the importance of indoor
air quality and its direct relationship to good health.
We are demanding better comfort and healthier air.
Mechanical ventilation is simply a system that
moves stale, tired air out of the home, replacing it
with an inflow of fresh air. A properly designed and
installed home ventilating system provides a wide
array of benefits not only to the homeowner, but
also creates healthier, more comfortable and satis-
fied customers for mechanical installers and
builders.
Homes today require specific strategies to maintain a healthy and comfortable
living environment.
Why Ventilation?
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:56 AM Page 8
www.hvi.org H V G 9
THE BENEFITS OF GOODVENTILATION
More than 40 million single-family homes have
been constructed in North America since the late
1970s. Well-built, highly insulated and extremely air-
tight to reduce energy consumption, these homes
also can experience higher rates of indoor air quality
problems.
Common pollutants from materials, people, activ-
ities and contents used to build and furnish the
home, combined with excess moisture from poor
ventilation, can create an unhealthy environment.
Excess moistureToo much moisture can contribute to allergy
problems and structural damage by encouraging the
growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, dry rot
and insects. Showers, cooking and people produce
large quantities of moisture on a daily basis.
Common household chemicals andpollutants• Cleaning supplies
• Paints and solvents
• Formaldehyde from furniture, carpet
and building materials
• Pesticides
• Volatile organic compounds
• Odors
Particles• Dust and dust mites
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Lead
• Asbestos
• Cooking by-products – grease and smoke
Tobacco smokeA health risk to smokers and nonsmokers
alike – children are especially at risk.
Combustion productsThese are produced by fuel-burning heat-
ing equipment, gas water heaters, fireplaces, wood-
stoves, gas ranges and candles. They include but are
not limited to:
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrous oxide compounds (NOx)
• Soot
• Unburned fuel
• Moisture
Heat Attics can overheat from long days of
summer sunshine, and excess moisture can accu-
mulate in the winter. Attic ventilation systems and
components are designed to:
• Remove excess heat to lower attic
temperatures
• Remove excess moisture to reduce
relative humidity
Control of these factors through proper ventila-
tion will enhance the comfort and indoor air quality
of the home to help keep the occupants breathing
safely. A quality ventilation system also contributes
to preserving the structural integrity of the home, re-
ducing maintenance costs and adding to the home’s
value. The strategies outlined in Figure 1 include:
11
1122
22
1122
33
33
1. Intermittent local ventilation
2. Continuous whole-house ventilation
3. Attic and crawlspace ventilation
Figure 1. Typical conditions found in a home with ways to improve air quaility.
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:57 AM Page 9
H V G www.hvi.org10
1. Intermittent local ventilation – For bathroom,
kitchen and other moisture-, odor- and contami-
nant-producing areas.
2. Continuous whole-house ventilation – To
remove stale, polluted air and distribute fresh,
outdoor air throughout the house.
3. Attic and crawlspace ventilation – To protect
attics and crawlspaces.
Home ventilation products are designed for
easy installation and typically require little
maintenance. Consumers should consult with
their builder or HVAC contractor to determine
the appropriate HVI-Certified products for their
particular application. The contractor will en-
sure that products are properly installed and
arrange for regularly scheduled system check-
ups to verify that the ventilation system is oper-
ating effectively. ■
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H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
Asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments are seriousproblems affecting people of all ages. Considering thatpeople spend about 90 percent of their time indoors (65percent in their homes), it’s no surprise that many researchersare studying the effects of indoor air on these ailments.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has foundthe levels of common organic pollutants to be two to fivetimes higher inside homes than outside, whether they werelocated in rural or highly industrialized areas. When productscontaining organic chemicals are used, people exposethemselves and their families to very high pollutant levels,which can linger long after the activity is over. Elementscontained in indoor air can trigger asthma and allergyattacks as well as aggravate other respiratory conditions.
The American Lung Association has estimated that in2004, approximately 20.5 million Americans suffered fromasthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disorder inchildhood, currently affecting the lives of an estimated 6.2million children under 18 years.
In its educational literature, the American LungAssociation stresses that ventilation is an important strategyfor helping to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, allergiesand other respiratory ailments. Along with incorporatingproper ventilation strategies in the home, the associationalso recommends controlling trigger sources and cleaningthe air.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND RESPIRATORY AILMENTS
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:57 AM Page 10
w w w . u l . c o m
EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS SHORT OF THE MARKBecause it’s the mark regulators prefer, UL certified equipment is more likely to receive immediate regulatory acceptance. And because consumers associate the mark with safety, you can be confident that any UL certified products you select will satisfy your customers’ expectations. To put your mind at ease, turn to the testing and certification organization with unparalleled market acceptance. Turn to UL.
Visit www.ul.com/hvacr to learn how UL can provide you with the peace of mind you need.
Copyright © 2006 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.®
ULAB-637 10/06
TO
TAL PEACE OF M
IND.
DO
YO
U HAVE IT?
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H V G www.hvi.org12
Proper ventilation of a home’s interior living area
requires two complementary strategies:
1. Applying local, or “intermittent,” ventilation in
areas with short periods of poor air quality such
as bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms using
fans that exhaust polluted air to the outdoors.
This limits the spread of contaminants to other
areas of the home. Sometimes, it’s necessary to
combine local ventilation with intakes that pro-
vide outside makeup air.
2. Applying whole-house continuous ventilation
for the entire living area using quiet fans or heat
or energy recovery ventilators that constantly
work to expel stale air and bring in fresh, out-
side air.
Let’s start with the first strategy, applying inter-
mittent, local ventilation.
Ventilating Living Areas
Bathrooms, kitchens and otherrooms have individual needs for ventilation.
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:58 AM Page 12
Presenting American Standard AccuClean™. While ordinary air systems are virtually ineffective at cleaning the air, AccuClean removes up to 99.98% of the allergens from all the air they heat or cool, providing your entire home with cleaner air so you can breathe easier. With total home comfort like this, you’d be excited too. To fi nd out more visit americanstandardair.com.
Please welcome the newest member of our family.
©2006 American Standard All rights reserved
M2507A_Ad.indd 1 8/11/06 10:09:04 AM
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H V G www.hvi.org14
BATHROOMSMoisture control where it’s needed most
During a bath or shower, the humidity level in a bathroom
can be like that in a tropical rain forest – uncomfortable, hot
and damaging – a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew
and microorganisms that can impact your health.
Excess moisture has tremendous potential for damaging
the home. It cracks and peels paint, ruins gypsum wall-
board, causes exterior paint failure, warps doors and rusts
cabinets and fixtures. Without control, it can even cause
deterioration of joists and framing above the bathroom. As
it condenses on windows, walls, ceilings and cabinets, it
attracts dirt and makes more frequent cleaning and deco-
rating necessary. It encourages mildew on tile grout and
generally provides an environment for increased bacterial
growth.
Exhaust fans, ducted to the outside, remove moisture and
prevent these types of problems in bathrooms and spa areas.
Not only will occupants be more comfortable after a bath,
shower or spa, but the room will also be rid of odors, poten-
tially hazardous aerosol vapors and other pollutants. In ad-
dition to healthier air, this minimizes the potential for home
damage, saving the homeowner the cost of making repairs
to correct problems that were simply preventable.
It is also possible to vent bathrooms with a central ex-
haust system using inline fans or heat or energy recovery
ventilators.
Attractive options to complement every décorToday, there are many attractive options for bathroom
exhaust fans. Existing homes – where old fans may be inef-
fective and noisy – can benefit from quiet, effective, easily
installed upgrades. In new construction, homeowners can
use bathroom ventilation products to complement the inte-
rior design, in styles ranging from simple to lavish.
Bathroom exhaust fans can remove moisture many
times faster than no fan at all. HVI recommends ventilation
rates based on eight air changes per hour. For most bath-
rooms this works out to one CFM per square foot of bath-
room area (70 CFM for a 7 x 10 bathroom), but a mini-
mum of 50 CFM is required even for small bathrooms
(see page 30). Fans should be installed as near to the
shower as possible and, if marked as suitable for this loca-
tion, directly over it to capture the moisture as directly as
possible. Your fan should have a control that will allow the
fan to run at least 20 to 30 minutes after each shower to en-
sure that moisture levels are reduced.
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Venmar AVS is proud to be associated with the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI).This trusted independent laboratory has helped us reach over 1,000,000 satisfied customers
and seen us to the top of the North American market with Venmar AVS – the widest selection
of premium quality, HVI-certified air exchangers and filtration systems. For straightforward
installations in renovations or new construction, choose Venmar AVS and watch
how high quality, powerful warranties and dedicated
customer service result in no more callbacks and a lot
more satisfied customers.
Venmar AVS and HVI: Partnership for Success
C E R T I F I E D
Find out more about our full line of Venmar AVS products and discover how
becoming an Indoor Air Network Certified Member can benefit your business,
call 1-800-567-3855 or visit www.venmar.ca.
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H V G www.hvi.org16
KITCHENSCooking and gathering in comfort
Kitchens are one of the most popular gathering
places in today’s homes. Cozy, comfortable and of-
ten connected to living areas, they serve as a place
to relax, cook, catch up on daily events, do home-
work and make plans.
For all the warm images a kitchen may conjure,
something hidden lingers – pollution! In fact,
kitchens can be a main source of pollutants in a
home. Consider all the grease, smoke, undesirable
odors, gas cooking by-products and moisture gen-
erated during the cooking process – pollutants that
cling to walls, ceilings, carpeting, upholstery and
drapes – requiring frequent cleaning and all the ef-
fort and expense that entails.
An array of products is available to keep kitchens
ventilated properly. They include a wide selection of
kitchen range hoods, downdraft kitchen exhausters
and kitchen fans – all designed to keep the air fresh
and the environment comfortable.
Kitchen range hoods and downdraft kitchen exhausters
Kitchen range hoods not only expel heat, smoke,
moisture and odors quickly and directly, they are
also attractive and useful additions to the kitchen.
Today, they are available in a variety of styles, de-
signer colors or metal finishes. They provide bright
cooktop lighting, and some models offer a variety
of light levels including a subtle nightlight.
Kitchen range hoods installed directly over the
range capture heated air, moisture, smoke, gas
fumes and odors, while a fan exhausts them
through ductwork to the outside. An easily re-
moved and cleaned filter traps grease. A kitchen
range hood should be at least the same width as
the cooking surface it will serve and be mounted
directly over it at a height of 18 to 30 inches above
the burners.
For normal cooking conditions, two-speed or
variable-speed controls provide a choice of a lower
speed and quieter operation. Hoods with a wide va-
riety of sound and airflow ratings are available. The
appropriate airflow capacity is determined by eval-
uating the cooking unit and the occupants’ cooking
habits. More-demanding cooks usually require
more exhaust capacity to handle loads resulting
TYPES OF FANS
Bathrooms, Kitchens and Other RoomsMany types of fans are available to meet any application
requiring local ventilation.
■ CEILING EXHAUST FANS – These fans are mounted in theceiling and discharge either vertically through the roof orhorizontally through the exterior wall.
■ FAN-LIGHTS and HEAT/FAN-LIGHT COMBINATION UNITS –These fans offer the convenience of built-in illumination incombination with bathroom ventilation.
■ REMOTE EXTERIOR-MOUNTED VENTILATORS – These mountoutside the building and pull, rather than push, the air throughthe duct. Much of the mechanical sound stays outside, sothese fans maintain a low sound level inside the house.
■ INLINE FANS – Duct-mounted, these fans are available insingle-port or multiport versions to exhaust air from severalareas with one main fan, located remotely (for moreinformation, see the sidebar on page 17).
■ WALL FANS – Made to be located in and exhaustingthrough an outside wall. Installation is easy as no ducting isrequired. Integral switches and outside weather hoods thatclose when you turn off the fan may be included.
■ KITCHEN RANGE HOODS – A fan with an enclosuredesigned to capture odors and humidity from a cookingsurface. Most kitchen range hoods are located over thecooking surface and have an internal fan, but there are alsodowndraft kitchen exhauster units designed to pull air acrossthe cooking surface, as well as kitchen range hoods designedfor remote-mounted fans.
Control options for all fans: A wide variety of controls areavailable. They include electronic variable-speed controls,timers, humidistats and dual fan-light and/or fan-heatercombinations.
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
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www.hvi.org H V G 17
from moisture generated by boiling large pots of
water or the grease and smoke resulting from
grilling or frying.
What about cooking surfaces in peninsulas or is-
lands? A larger-capacity kitchen range hood can
provide better capture when there are crosscur-
rents and when the hood needs to be mounted
higher. Downdraft kitchen exhausters are an ac-
ceptable alternative. Larger kitchen range hoods,
as well as downdraft kitchen exhausters, are styl-
ishly designed to complement the wide variety of
styles of today’s kitchens.
The majority of kitchens in newly built homes
are equipped with kitchen range hoods. Older
homes present an opportunity for new installations
to upgrade kitchen ventilation with a kitchen range
hood or a downdraft kitchen exhauster. However,
if neither is an option, homeowners may select
kitchen fans, which will provide good general ven-
tilation in the kitchen. Kitchen fans may be used
alone or with kitchen range hoods. They can also
provide fresh airflow during periods when the
cooking surface is unused.
It is important to note that nonducted, recircu-
lating kitchen range hoods provide no real ventila-
tion – they simply recirculate the air collected from
the cooktop back into the kitchen. They do not re-
duce moisture and have limited value in managing
odors. For optimum kitchen air quality, always use
kitchen range hoods, downdraft kitchen ex-
hausters or fans, which vent directly to the outside
of the home.
INLINE FANS
Inline fans present an attractive option for homeownerswho want to locate the fan away from the room or roomsthat need exhausting.
Inline fans are mounted inline with the ductwork, bringingair from the inside and to the outside of the home. An inlinefan may also be described as a remote-mounted fan.
Inline fans are useful for applications that include:■ Ventilation of wet spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens
and laundries;■ Remote fans for kitchen range hoods;■ Duct boosters for ventilation systems and clothes dryers;■ Supply or exhaust fans for continuous whole-house
ventilation; and■ Radon mitigation systems.
Inline fans come in many different configurations, sizesand capabilities to meet a wide variety of ventilation needs.They are available as simple single-port versions or versatilemultiport versions. Single-port units have one incomingsupply duct and one outgoing exhaust duct. Multiportversions have multiple ducts with a minimum of one inletand one exhaust. A single fan can then manage airmovement to or from multiple locations (e.g., twobathrooms). By varying duct sizes, inserting “Y” fittings tobranch duct runs, employing adjustable grille openings andvarying the fan speeds, different ventilation rates arepossible for each location connected. Multiport versionsoffer ventilation capacity appropriate for larger-scale single-family, multifamily and commercial buildings.
Inline fans are available in a range of airflow capacitiesfrom about 100 CFM, suitable for many housing needs, to2,000 CFM for commercial applications. Manufacturers offera variety of sizes, flow capacities, ducting configurations,controls and accessories.
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:29 AM Page 17
H V G www.hvi.org18
OTHER ROOMSBetter air everywhere
There are many other rooms in the house that
can benefit from ventilation. Examples include
laundry rooms, workshops/hobby areas, family
and recreation rooms. Removing contaminants
such as tobacco smoke, odors, fumes, hot air and
humidity from these rooms – thus encouraging air
movement and a fresh air supply – provides better
indoor air quality for the entire family and protects
the home itself.
Ventilation products for use in these areas are
similar to those used for baths and kitchens. Con-
sumers will find a wide range of airflow capacities
with designs that fit any décor.
One of the most important areas to ventilate is
the laundry room. Consider all the mold and
mildew that can accumulate in this area, from
damp clothes, splashing water or other factors. A
ducted exhaust fan installed near the washing ma-
chine will remove
heat and moisture
that can make laun-
dry an unwelcome
chore.
Clothes dryers
must be vented di-
rectly to the outside
of the house. In
many newer homes,
the laundry room is
located a consider-
able distance away
from the exterior
walls, resulting in
long ducts and re-
duced airflow. In
these cases, booster
fans can be used to
ensure proper air-
flow. The illustra-
tion on this page
shows one option
for installing a dryer
booster fan. ■
circle 60 on reader service card
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FRESH AIR INLETS: AN OPTION FORPROVIDING MAKEUP AIR
Fresh air inlets, also known as trickle ventilators,are effective for providing fresh air from outdoorsto individual rooms, such as bedrooms and livingrooms, in conjunction with exhaust fans operatingcontinuously for general ventilation. Inlets areavailable for walls or windows in mechanical ornonpowered versions that occupants can adjustthemselves. Standard self-regulating and humidity-controlled air versions are available. Featurestypically include adjustable airflow (volume anddirection), insulation to eliminate condensationand reduce sound penetration, and dust andinsect filters. It is possible to duct small, poweredmakeup air systems to individual rooms, such asbedrooms, to ensure they receive fresh air.
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
Pho
to c
ourt
esy
of F
ante
ch, I
nc.
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:29 AM Page 18
circle 61 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:30 AM Page 19
H V G www.hvi.org20
IIn the early 1980s, continuous whole-house venti-
lation systems were developed to meet the in-
door air quality needs of the tight, well-insulated
homes being developed at that time. Continuous
whole-house ventilation can be provided by single-
and multiport exhaust and supply fans; balanced
ventilators; and heat or energy recovery ventilators
(HRVs or ERVs).
One or more fans can be combined to supply fresh
air and exhaust stale air to provide a continuous
level of general ventilation throughout the home.
These fans are typically very quiet (less than 1.5
sones) or are remotely located to reduce the per-
ceived sound level in the home. Sometimes it is pos-
sible to upgrade a bathroom exhaust fan to a very
quiet fan that operates all the time to provide both
local bathroom exhaust and continuous whole-
house ventilation. The HVI Certified Home Ventilat-
ing Products Directory located on the HVI website
(www.hvi.org) provides information on a
variety of products that can be used for
continuous whole-house ventilation. It is
important to choose a system appropriate
for your climate. Balanced systems with
both supply and exhaust air can generally be
used in any climate. Exhaust-only systems are
appropriate for temperate to cold climates,
while supply-only systems are more appropriate for
hot climates.
Heat and energy recovery ventilatorsHeat and energy recovery ventilators (HRVs and
ERVs) bring in fresh air from the outdoors while ex-
hausting stale air from the home. Both HRVs and
ERVs moderate the temperature of the fresh air by
conducting heat from one air stream to the other.
Additionally, ERVs modify the humidity content of
the fresh air through the transfer of water vapor
from one air stream to the other. Since HRVs and
ERVs combine both exhaust and fresh air intakes,
we describe them as balanced systems. The continu-
ous fresh air that is provided conditions and
improves the indoor air quality, thus increasing
occupant comfort, especially for those who suffer
from allergies and respiratory ailments.
How they workThe HRV or ERV is a combination of fans, con-
trols and heat-recovery elements that exhaust stale
air from the home, bring fresh air in from outdoors
and transfer heat energy from one air stream to the
Continuous Whole-House Ventilation
A continuous, balanced ventilation systembrings in fresh air from the outside whileexhausting stale air from the inside.
Fans, heat or energy recovery ventilators workcontinuously to improve indoor air quality.
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:31 AM Page 20
circle 62 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:31 AM Page 21
circle 63 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:32 AM Page 22
www.hvi.org H V G 23
other. A continuously running HRV or ERV provides
a steady supply of fresh air to the home, while re-
covering a portion of the energy normally lost
through non-heat-recovery ventilation.
In the winter, heat from the stale exhaust air is cap-
tured by the heat recovery core and transferred to the
cold incoming air. In the summer, the outgoing, air-
conditioned exhaust air cools the incoming air.
HRVs and ERVs filter the fresh outside supply air,
minimizing the entry of pollen, dust and insects into
the home, and are intended to operate year-round.
Models suitable for extremely cold climates are
equipped with automatic defrost mechanisms, al-
lowing continuous operation throughout the winter.
HRVs and ERVs are available as stand-alone units
with independent ductwork, or they may be con-
nected to existing forced-air heating and cooling
systems. Properly selected, installed, operated and
maintained, an HRV and ERV will:
• Exhaust indoor pollutants and help to maintain
good indoor air quality.
• Provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered
and tempered outdoor air throughout the home.
• Recover heat from the exhaust air in winter.
• Control excess indoor humidity when outdoor
humidity levels are lower.
• Cool incoming air in summer when the house is
air-conditioned.
• Provide an energy-efficient means for reducing
acute indoor air-pollutant problems such as
radon, formaldehyde, excess moisture or odors.
ERVs can reduce the moisture content of the
fresh incoming air, reducing the load on the air-con-
ditioning system.
circle 64 on reader service card circle 65 on reader service card
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
What’s in your attic?
We manufacture certified, high quality, aluminum vented soffit in the followingprofiles--Double 5, Double 6, Triple 4 andQuad 4. Available in 30 designer colors.
Proper ventilation is the key to eliminatingheat and moisture in your home.
Quality Aluminum Products, Inc.For a complete line of aluminum building products
For more information call 800-550-1667or visit our website at
www.qualityaluminum.com
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:32 AM Page 23
Many ERVs look and operate very similarly to HRVs. An ERV not only con-
ducts heat but also allows water vapor to pass from one air stream to the
other. In cold weather, moisture is transferred from the exhaust air stream to
the fresh air stream. In warm, humid summer weather, the ERV transfers
moisture from the fresh air stream into the exhaust air stream, which the air
conditioner has cooled. In both cases, this moderates the humidity from the
extreme levels found outdoors.
Selecting a modelThere are many different models of HRVs and ERVs, each with its own advan-
tages and uses. To select the right model for your application, consult HVI’s Cer-
tified Home Ventilating Products Directory, available at www.hvi.org, which
contains performance-testing reports for HVI-Certified HRVs and ERVs.
Airflow is an important consideration when selecting an HRV or ERV, as the
unit’s first function is ventilation. It is critical to select a unit suitable for use in
the climate in which it will be installed. In cold climates, the unit’s frost
protection must be sufficient
to ensure that ventilation
will continue throughout the
winter.
Other factors to consider
include “sensible heat-recovery
efficiency,” controls, type of
defrost system and power con-
sumption.
To determine the best choice
for your area, contact HVI
member companies, which
have many years of experience
with HRVs and ERVs.
Control optionsThe controls for continuous
ventilators range from simple
to complex. Controls are
available that permit variable
ventilation rates, automatic
high-speed operation (when
bathrooms are in use, for ex-
ample), automatic operation
to control excess humidity,
timed or proportional opera-
tion, and even air-quality-sens-
ing. HVI member companies
can provide detailed informa-
tion to guide your selection
process. ■
H V G www.hvi.org24circle 66 on reader service card
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
“RECIRCULATION”IS NOT VENTILATION
Ventilation is one of the mostmisunderstood parts of any centralheating and air-conditioning system.Builders, contractors andhomeowners alike may believe thatthe home’s ventilation needs arebeing met by the central forced-airsystem since it provides airmovement and distribution. TheAmerican Society of Heating,Refrigerating and Air-ConditioningEngineers (ASHRAE) definesventilation for indoor air quality as,“the process of supplying outdoor airto or removing indoor air from adwelling by natural or mechanicalmeans.”
Traditional forced-air heating andcooling systems do not ventilate;they only recirculate the same airthrough the dwelling over and overagain, controlling temperature butdoing little to improve air quality. Alarge variety of excellent mechanicalventilation solutions is available, fromsingle-point exhaust fans tobalanced supply and exhaustsystems with heat and energyrecovery. Installation of HVI-Certifiedventilation products will help toensure optimum indoor air quality.
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:33 AM Page 24
circle 67 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:34 AM Page 25
H V G www.hvi.org26
Simple cooling for theentire home.
WWhole-house comfort ventilators can provide
an effective way to improve comfort in the
entire house without air conditioning. If the
home has air conditioning, whole-house comfort ven-
tilators may help reduce energy costs because the air
conditioner doesn’t have to operate as frequently.
Available in various models to fit any home, whole-
house comfort ventilators allow the house to
“breathe freely” when summer breezes are not strong
enough to cool the house. A properly located whole-
house comfort ventilator draws cooler outside air
through screened windows and doors, pulls it up
through the house and exhausts it, usually through
static vents in the attic. With traditional, high-volume
whole-house comfort ventilators, the result is a cool-
ing breeze throughout the house that can lower skin
temperature by two to eight degrees – a significant
cooling effect. In the evening, the fan provides relief
from the day’s heat by flushing the house with cool
night air as the outdoor temperature drops.
How they work:• In the early evening, or when the temperature
outside is less than the inside temperature, the
homeowner opens the windows and turns on the
fan.
• Later in the evening, the homeowner closes the
windows and doors in unoccupied areas and opens
the bedroom windows so the air flows only through
the bedroom areas.
• In the morning, the homeowner opens the win-
dows and lets the fan draw in cool air until the out-
side temperature rises, at which time they turn off
the fan and close the windows and doors to store the
cool air indoors. Closing the drapes, especially on
the sunny side, also helps keep the house cool.
Large, traditional whole-house comfort ventila-
tors generate enough airflow through the house to
create a perceivable “breeze” that cools both the
house and its occupants. As houses have become
more energy-efficient with smaller heating and cool-
ing loads, smaller whole-house comfort ventilators
can effectively cool the mass of the house quietly
Whole-House Comfort Ventilators
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:35 AM Page 26
www.hvi.org H V G 27
with low energy cost. These efficient units usually
have motorized and insulated doors and can be used
to meet cooling loads and the requirements of many
energy-efficiency programs.
A whole-house comfort ventilator can reduce air-
conditioning operating costs and help prolong com-
pressor life by ridding a house of hot air before the
air conditioner is turned on.
Mounting configurationsWhole-house comfort ventilators are mounted in
one of three ways:
• Horizontally – Suspended on joists over a ceiling
opening in a central location and concealed by a
ceiling grille or a shutter with automatically opening
louvers.
• Vertically – Usually installed in a gable end with
a motor-operated ceiling grille in a central location.
You can install smaller fans in a wall of the living
space.
• Through the wall or roof in houses that have no
attic.
Note: For these systems to work properly, there
must be adequate openings from the attic to the out-
side. Openings should be provided equal in “clear”
area to the airflow in CFM of the fan divided by 750.
For example, a whole-house comfort ventilator with
a 3,000 CFM capacity should have openings from the
attic to the outside equal to a clear four square feet.
Whole-house comfort ventilators are modular, re-
quiring only minimal on-site assembly; manufactur-
ers usually provide templates for cutting ceiling,
gable or wall openings.
Control optionsTimers and thermostats are available for starting
and shutting off fans automatically. Two-speed and
infinite-speed controls are available on some mod-
els, and other models include remote or “smart
house” controls.
Note: To prevent negative pressure and back
drafting of combustion appliances, automatic con-
trols must not be used when windows are closed. ■
circle 68 on reader service card circle 69 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:35 AM Page 27
H V G www.hvi.org28
It is essential to include proper attic ventilation
when building a house – local building codes will pro-
vide guidance for your area. Attic ventilation is an im-
portant factor in preventing weather-induced home de-
terioration.
Reduction of heat buildup, which can reach 150°F on
hot summer days, and moisture in the winter are the
two main goals of attic ventilation.
Heat and humidity can weaken the home’s structural
integrity and cause interior finish, drywall and exterior
paint failures. The high cost of energy, home repairs
and maintenance should be incentive enough for
homeowners to properly ventilate their attics.
The purpose of attic ventilation is to equalize tem-
peratures inside and outside the attic throughout the
year. In summer, this equalization of temperatures
helps make the living areas beneath the attic cooler and
more comfortable; this can help reduce how hard the
air conditioner needs to work, thus lowering its
operating costs. This equalization helps reduce heat
that will distort and destroy roof shingles and cause the
premature deterioration of roof boards, sheathing, sid-
ing and insulation.
In winter, equalizing attic and outside temperatures
helps to prevent moist air, which seeps into cold areas,
from condensing on the underside of the roof surface,
beams and rafters. This condensation can cause
mildew, rotting of wood and excessive rusting of fas-
teners and other metal components of the roof struc-
ture. Excess condensation creates wet insulation,
circle 70 on reader service card
Attic Ventilation
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A comfortable home requires good ventilation, and Continental Fan offers remote mounted silent fan solutions to help create an ideal home environment. AXC In-Line Duct Fans and EXT External Mount Fans deliver quiet, efficient and superior ventilation. Bathroom Exhaust - Available in one or two ventilation points. - Ideal for wet applications, and may be installed directly over a shower. Range Hood Exhaust - Powerful and silent range hood exhaust. - Improve efficiency of an existing range hood by applying as a booster fan. Dryer Boosting - Improved energy efficiency and less wear & tear on the dryer. - Ideal for use in interior laundry room applications. Duct Boosting - Designed to boost airflow through long or complex duct runs. - Ideal for areas that are difficult to heat or cool.
A full range of accessories and fan kits are available to suit most applications.
Attic VentilationThe advantages of air movement beneath the roof.
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:36 AM Page 28
www.hvi.org H V G 29
which diminishes its effectiveness and in sufficient
quantities may damage interior ceilings.
Proper attic ventilation can also help prevent the
formation of “ice dams” in the winter by equalizing the
indoor and outdoor temperatures. Ice dams occur
when snow hits a part of a home’s roof warmed by
heat loss from the interior. The snow then melts and
freezes at the eave area of the roof, where it’s colder.
Here the mounds of ice and snow often drip and form
icicles.
Powered and static attic ventilatorsEffective attic ventilation requires air to exit the attic
at or near the peak of the roof and replacement air to be
drawn in under the eaves of the house. This can be
achieved using a combination of static vents, or the
ventilation can be given a boost using powered attic
ventilators (PAVs).
PAVs pull air out of the attic and are usually
equipped with automatic thermostats, which activate
the unit as the temperature rises above the setpoint.
They are usually placed near the roof peak on the back
slope of the roof, where they are less visible from the
street, or high on a gable end wall. A humidistat may
also be used to start the unit automatically when the
humidity rises above the selected setting in the winter.
Static vents, both intake and exhaust, are not electri-
cally powered and depend on natural airflow for venti-
lation. Intake vents are necessary whether using a
static exhaust system or a powered attic ventilator. Sta-
tic vents include ridge vents, roof vents, gable vents
and turbines.
• Ridge vents are installed at the peak of the roof, of-
ten along its entire length. Roof vents cover holes cut in
the roof near the peak to let air escape and to prevent
rain, snow and insects from entering the attic.
• Gable end vents, generally triangular, rectangular
or round in shape, have either adjustable louvers to fit a
wide range of roof pitches, or fixed louvers for a spe-
cific pitch. They are mounted at the highest point of the
gable.
• The intake vents, necessary to balance the sys-
tems, are installed under the eaves in the soffits.
To be effective, both intake and exhaust vents must
be present to promote air movement. Static ventilators
are also available for installation in sidewalls to reduce
peeling of siding paint and moisture damage.
Guidelines for determining which type of static
vents best fit a particular application are available from
HVI member companies. ■
circle 71 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:36 AM Page 29
H V G www.hvi.org30
VVentilation products have differing capacities
for moving air, making it important to ensure
the product being selected has ample capac-
ity for the application. HVI’s Certified airflow rating
appears on the product or on the HVI label displayed
on each unit, in the manufacturer’s literature de-
scribing the fan and in the HVI Certified Home Venti-
lating Products Directory available at www.hvi.org.
The following guidelines will help you to deter-
mine the fan capacity required for your application.
Bathrooms – intermittent ventilationHVI recommends the following intermittent venti-
lation rates for bathrooms:
• An enclosed toilet should have its own exhaust
fan.
• Fans approved for installation in wet areas
should be located over the shower or tub whenever
possible.
• Bathroom doors need to have at least 3/4" clear-
ance to the finished floor to allow proper entry of
makeup air.
• A timer or other control that ensures ventilation
continues for a minimum of 20 minutes after each
use of the bathroom should be installed in each
bathroom.
• For steam rooms, HVI recommends a separate
fan located in the steam room that can be turned on
after use to clear the heat and humidity.
Bathrooms – continuous ventilationContinuous ventilation at a minimum rate of 20
CFM may be used in lieu of an intermittent 50 CFM
exhaust fan.
Kitchen range hoodsRecommended kitchen range hood ventilation
rates vary greatly depending on the type of cooking
How Much Ventilation Do I Need?HVI’s ventilation guidelines.
Bathroom size Calculation formula Ventilation rate requiredLess than 1 CFM per sq. foot A minimum of 50 CFM100 sq. feet of floor area
More than Add the CFM Toilet 50 CFM100 sq. feet requirement Shower 50 CFM
for each fixture Bathtub 50 CFMJetted tub 100 CFM
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
Photo courtesy of Broan-NuTone LLC
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:37 AM Page 30
www.hvi.org H V G 31
performed and the location of the range. Kitchen
range hoods mounted above the range capture con-
taminants with their canopy shapes and exhaust
them effectively with relatively low air volume.
Downdraft kitchen exhausters require a higher vol-
ume and velocity of air to adequately capture con-
taminants. They are an alternative when canopy-
style hoods are not desired due to location of the
cooking surface and kitchen aesthetics; however,
their performance cannot equal that of hoods that
capture the rising column of air above the cooking
surface. When considering a downdraft kitchen ex-
hauster, consult the range manufacturer’s recom-
mendations.
Kitchen range hoods equipped with multiple-
speed settings allow low-level, quiet ventilation for
light cooking with the ability for higher rates when
needed.
• For hoods located over islands multiply the rate
by 1.5.
• For “professional-style” cooktops, HVI recom-
mends following the cooktop manufacturer’s advice
to determine ventilation requirements.
• Inflated performance ratings are common for
range hoods that are not HVI-Certified. Selecting
range hoods with HVI-Certified Performance Rat-
ings will ensure that ventilation expectations and
building code requirements are met.
Note: Nonducted, recirculation kitchen range
hoods provide no actual ventilation. For optimum
kitchen air quality, always use kitchen range
hoods, kitchen fans or downdraft kitchen ex-
hausters that vent directly outside the home.
circle 72 on reader service card
Location of HVI recommended Minimum ventilation raterange ventilation rate per per linear foot of range
linear foot of rangeAgainst a wall 100 CFM 40 CFM
In an island 150 CFM 50 CFM
Width of hood against a wall 2.5 feet (30 in.) 3 feet (36 in.) 4.0 feet (48 in.)
HVI recommended rate 250 CFM 300 CFM 400 CFM
Minimum 100 CFM 120 CFM 160 CFM
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160 CFM
GM-130120 CFM/1.0SONES
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:37 AM Page 31
H V G www.hvi.org32
Heat and energy recovery ventilatorsFor continuous indoor air quality ventilation, a
heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV)
should provide 0.35 air changes per hour. This
calculation must consider the complete occupied
volume of the house.
This rate can be more easily calculated by allow-
ing 5 CFM per 100 square feet of floor area.
In addition to this minimum, continuous ventila-
tion rate, HRVs and ERVs often have additional ca-
pacity to provide higher ventilation rates to meet the
occupants’ needs. Such needs could occur as a result
of larger gatherings of people; smoking; a hobby or
activity using paint, glues or other air-quality con-
taminants; or for any other reason that requires addi-
tional ventilation to improve the quality of indoor air.
Local codes may require different continuous
ventilation rates – always check with your building
officials to determine the specific requirements for
your area.
Whole-house comfort ventilatorHVI recommends that a whole-house comfort ven-
tilator have a minimum capacity to provide approxi-
mately one complete air change every two minutes
within the occupied area. This flow rate will be great
enough to create a perceptible “breeze” through the
house. The required flow rate can be calculated by
multiplying the gross square footage of the entire
house (including unoccupied areas like closets) by 3.
Be sure to include the “upstairs” area of multilevel
homes. This formula assumes an eight-foot ceiling
and takes into account typical unoccupied areas.
circle 73 on reader service card
House area Capacity in CFM1,000 sq. feet 3,000 CFM
2,000 sq. feet 6,000 CFM
3,000 sq. feet 9,000 CFM
Total area of home (sq. ft.) Continuous ventilationrate
1,000 sq. feet 50 CFM
2,000 sq. feet 100 CFM
3,000 sq. feet 150 CFM
H O M E V e n t i l a t i o n G u i d eG u i d e
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:38 AM Page 32
www.hvi.org H V G 33
A smaller fan can effectively cool the mass of the
house, relying on other fans such as “paddle-fans” to
create the breeze needed to cool the people. This
lower flow rate can be determined by multiplying
the square footage by 0.4.
For proper cooling and efficient operation, any
whole-house comfort ventilator requires adequate,
unobstructed outlets in the attic through soffit
vents, grilles or louvers.
To calculate the amount of attic exhaust area you
will need, divide the fan’s capacity in CFM by 750.
NOTE: Large fans can put the house under sig-
nificant negative pressure. At least one window
should be open before the fan is operated.
Powered attic ventilators – PAVsPowered attic ventilators should provide at least
10 air changes per hour. Multiplying the total square
footage of the attic by 0.7 will provide the rate re-
quired. For particularly dark or steep roofs, we rec-
ommend a slightly higher rating.
/
The air being exhausted must be replaced by out-
side air drawn through vents under the eaves in the
soffit. To calculate the total minimum soffit vent in-
take area in square inches, divide the CFM of the
PAV by 300 and multiply the result by 144.
A minimum of one square foot of inlet area for
every 300 CFM of HVI-Certified fan capacity is re-
quired for proper fan operation.
• Use only soffit vents as fresh-air intakes for
powered attic ventilators.
• Do not use gable vents because it’s possible to
draw rain and snow into the attic.
Static attic ventilationIn all seasons, the attic space is warmer than the
outside air. This results in a constant upward air
movement due to the buoyancy of warmer air. This
characteristic of air may be used to help create a
flow of air ventilating the attic. Placing exhaust vents
in the roof, the gables or at the ridge of the roof and
providing adequate air intake vents in the soffits best
accomplishes this. HVI recommends vent selection
and placement such that 60 percent of the vent net
free area is provided by intake vents placed at the un-
der-eave area and 40 percent of the vent net free area
is provided by exhaust vents on the roof, at the ridge
or high in the gable area.
To determine the static ventilator net free area
(NFA) needed for your attic space, determine the
area of the attic in square feet. Divide that area by
150 to determine the square feet of attic ventilation
needed. Since manufacturers of static ventilation
products rate their products in square inches of
NFA, it will be necessary to multiply that value by
144 to determine the square inches required.
Static ventilation needs may be reduced if you
have an uninterrupted ceiling vapor barrier installed
with a rating of 0.1 perm or less. To calculate the
ventilation required with such a vapor barrier,
divide the square footage of the attic by 300 instead
of 150.
Use these numbers to select, proportion and
place static ventilation products. ■
2,000 sq. feet 800 CFM
3,000 sq. feet 1,200 CFM
Attic area in sq. ft. Ventilation area in sq. ft. Net free area in sq. in.1,000 sq. feet 6.67 sq. feet 960 sq. inches
2,000 sq. feet 13.3 sq. feet 1,920 sq. inches
3,000 sq. feet 20.0 sq. feet 2,880 sq. inches
Attic area in sq. ft. Ventilation area in sq. ft. Net free area in sq. in.1,000 sq. feet 3.33 sq. feet 480 sq. inches
2,000 sq. feet 6.67 sq. feet 960 sq. inches
3,000 sq. feet 10.0 sq. feet 1,440 sq. inches
Attic area CFM required +15% for in sq. feet dark/steep roofs
1,000 sq. feet 700 CFM 805 CFM
2,000 sq. feet 1,400 CFM 1,610 CFM
3,000 sq. feet 2,100 CFM 2,415 CFM
Fan capacity Exhaust area required1,000 CFM 1.5 sq. feet
4,800 CFM 6.4 sq. feet
CFM of PAV Soffit vent in net sq. in.805 CFM 386 net sq. inches
1,610 CFM 773 net sq. inches
2,415 CFM 1,160 net sq. inches
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:38 AM Page 33
H V G www.hvi.org34
In order to meet new code requirements and ensure
homeowner satisfaction, today’s leading-edge con-
tractors understand the importance of having an in-
depth knowledge of ventilation products, their appro-
priate application, installation, setup, maintenance
and service. New and innovative ventilation options
are readily available, but in order to choose the venti-
lation system that will provide optimum results, a
number of criteria must be considered including:
• Climatic conditions
• Size and airtightness of the house
• Size of system required to meet basic
requirements
• Additional system requirements to meet the
needs of the occupants
• Controls – type and location
• Commissioning of the system
• Maintenance requirements
Knowing how to control indoor air quality and cre-
ate a comfortable environment is essential to meeting
the needs of today’s homeowner. Mechanical ventila-
tion systems range from exhaust fans, simply ducted
to the outside and controlled by an on/off switch, to
heat and energy recovery ventilators, fully ducted
with multiple control points. All systems require
proper design, installation and maintenance in order
to operate effectively. A poorly installed ventilation
system will not perform as anticipated, resulting in
potential damage to the home and safety concerns for
the homeowner.
SkillTech Academy, the education division of the
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute
(HRAI), offers Residential Mechanical Ventilation
training programs throughout North America that pro-
vide mechanical installers, designers and builders
with the knowledge required to design, install and
maintain all types of residential ventilation systems.
Using the core concept of the “House as a System,” the
principles of building science are incorporated to pro-
vide a greater understanding of the critical role that
ventilation plays in creating healthy, comfortable
homes. This two-day course, which qualifies for 16
hours of continuing education credits toward NATE
certification, can be scheduled in any location for a
minimum of 15 participants.
For more information about this training program,
visit the SkillTech Academy section of the HRAI web-
site at www.hrai.ca or call 800/267-2231, ext. 232.
circle 74 on reader service card
The Residential Mechanical Ventilation Opportunity
SkillTech Academy’s Residential Mechanical VentilationInstallation training program explains the concepts ofbuilding science and the “House As A System” approachto pressure conditions. Appropriate for anyone involvedin the design and installation of residential mechanicalventilation systems, including HRVs and ERVs, this 2-day course covers:
■ mechanical system interaction ■ fundamentals of air quality assessment ■ system requirements ■ depressurization testing and ■ duct layout and sizing
Can you afford not to train your technicians?
For more information about the U.S. Residential MechanicalVentilation training program, contact SkillTech Academy at800/267-2231, ext 232. Visit our Web site, www.hrai.ca, and go to SkillTech Training.
“
”
SkillTech Academy’s ResidentialMechanical Ventilation Training andCertification Program provided a practi-cal value to the members of our technicalcommunity and brought attention to thefact that, as we move toward improvingthe way we build homes, the priority withwhich we treat ventilation of those homesmust change as well.
I was surprised by the number of participants who left with determinationto change the way they address the issueof home ventilation. In the training world,that is a home run because what we wantto see most of all is behavioral changewithin the technical community that results in better and healthier systemsfor homeowners.
Dave SwettHVAC Training Center AdministratorOmaha, NE >>
VENTILATION DESIGN AND INSTALLATION TRAINING
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:38 AM Page 34
www.hvi.org H V G 35circle 75 on reader service card
A.O. Smith – Electrical Products Co.531 North Fourth StreetTipp City, OH 45371U.S.A.937/667-2431Fax:937/667-5030www.aosmithmotors.comCircle 66
Air-King Ventilation Products820 Lincoln AvenueWest Chester, PA 19380U.S.A.610/692-7400Fax:610/696-8048www.airkinglimited.comCircle 60
American Aldes VentilationCorporation4537 Northgate CourtSarasota, FL 34234-2124U.S.A.941/351-3441Fax:941/351-3442www.aldes-us.comCircle 75
American Standard6200 Troup HighwayTyler, TX 75711U.S.A.903/581-3467Fax:903/581-9070 www.americanstandardair.comCircle 57
Bodycote Testing Group2395 Speakman DriveMississauga, ON L5K 1B3CANADA905/822-4111Fax:905/823-1446www.bodycotetesting.comCircle 68
Broan-Nutone LLC926 West State StreetHartford, WI 53027-1098U.S.A.262/673-4340Fax:262/673-8696www.broan-nutone.comCircle 53, 78
Continental Fan Manufacturing, Inc. 203 Eggert RoadBuffalo, NY 14215U.S.A.716/842-0670 Fax:716/842-0611 www.continentalfan.comCircle 70
ebm-papst Inc.100 Hyde RoadFarmington, CT 06034U.S.A.860/674-1515Fax:860/674-0108www.ebmpapst.comCircle 62
Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas Engineering Experiment Station3581 TAMUCollege Station, TX 77843-3581U.S.A.979/845-6404Fax:979/845-6334www.esl.tamu.eduCircle 61
Fantech, Inc.1712 Northgate BoulevardSarasota, FL 34234U.S.A.941/309-6000Fax:800/487-9915www.fantech.netCircle 51
Hangzhou AUPU Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd.1418 Moganshan RoadHangzhou, ZhejiangCHINA86/571-8817-5393Fax:86/571-8817-6188www.aupu.cnCircle 71
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)2800 Skymark Avenue, Building 1, Suite 201Mississauga, ON L4W 5A6CANADA905/602-4700Fax:905/602-1197www.hrai.caCircle 74
Imperial Air Technologies, Inc.480 Ferdinand BoulevardDieppe, NB E1A 6B9CANADA506/859-9908Fax:506/388-4633www.imperialgroup.caCircle 58
Marley Engineered Products470 Beauty Spot Road, EastBennettsville, SC 29512-2700U.S.A.843/479-4006Fax:843/454-2261www.marleymeh.comCircle 69
National HVAC Products, Inc./ Airex5 Sandhill Court, Unit #CBrampton, ON L6T 5J5CANADA905/790-8667Fax:905/790-1133www.airex.caCircle 72
Nu-Air Ventilation Systems, Inc.16 Nelson StreetWindsor, NS B0N 2T0CANADA902/798-2261Fax:902/798-2557www.nu-airventilation.comCircle 63
AD INDEXThe following companiesprovided advertisingsupport for this Guide.
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:38 AM Page 35
H V G www.hvi.org36circle 76 on reader service card
Nutech Brands, Inc.511 McCormick BoulevardLondon, ON N5W 4C8CANADA519/457-1904Fax:519/457-1676www.lifebreath.comCircle 50
Panasonic1 Panasonic Way, 4A-6Secaucus, NJ 07094-2999U.S.A.201/271-3287Fax:201/392-4939www.panasonic.com/buildingCircle 54
Quality Aluminum Products14544 Telegraph RoadFlat Rock, MI 48134U.S.A.800/550-1667Fax:269/945-0342www.qualityaluminum.comCircle 64
RenewAire LLC4510 Helgesen DriveMadison, WI 53718U.S.A.608/221-4499Fax:608/221-2824www.renewaire.comCircle 77
Reversomatic Heating and Manufacturing, Ltd.790 Rowntree Dairy RoadWoodbridge, ON L4L 5V3CANADA905/851-6701Fax:905/851-8376www.reversomatic.comCircle 65
Soler & Palau USA/Breidert Air Products6393 Powers AvenueJacksonville, FL 32217U.S.A.904/731-4711Fax:904/731-3610www.soler-palau.comCircle 76
Stelpro Design, Inc.1041 ParentSaint-Bruno, QC J3V 6L7CANADA450/441-0101Fax:450/441-0106www.stelpro.comCircle 67
Trane6200 Troup HighwayTyler, TX 75711U.S.A.903/581-3415Fax:817/251-6540 www.trane.comCircle 52
Trent Metals Limited/SummerAire Manufacturing2040 Fisher Drive, P. O. Box 4088Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1CANADA705/745-4736Fax:705/745-6491www.trentmetals.comCircle 73
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062U.S.A.847/664-1637Fax:847/272-8129www.ul.comCircle 56
Venmar Ventilation, Inc.550 Lemire BoulevardDrummondville, QC J2C 7W9CANADA819/475-2635Fax:819/475-2660www.venmar-ventilation.comCircle 59
Ventamatic, Ltd.P.O. Box 728, 100 Washington StreetMineral Wells, TX 76068-0728U.S.A.513/777-0200Fax:513/777-0898www.bvc.comCircle 55
HVI MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORYMembers with HVI-Certified ProductsAeroflo, Inc./Continental FanAir-King Ventilation ProductsAir-Movement Group, Ltd./Vent Axia Ltd.Air Tech Equipment, Ltd.American Aldes Ventilation CorporationBrizo AirBroan-Nutone LLCCypress Technology, Inc.Fantech, Inc.Fuji Industrial USA, Inc.Genuine Electric Co., Ltd. GuangdongGE Consumer & Industrial Haier AmericaHangzhou AUPU Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd.Hunter Fan CompanyImperial Air Technologies, Inc.Magnavent, Inc.Marley Engineered ProductsNational HVAC Products, Inc./AirexNu-Air Ventilation Systems, Inc.Nutech Brands, Inc.Ortech Distributors, Inc.PanasonicQuality Aluminum ProductsRenewAire LLCReversomatic Heating and Manufacturing, Ltd.Soler & Palau USA/Breidert Air ProductsSpruce Environmental TechnologiesStelpro Design, Inc.Taiwan Sakura CorporationTrent Metals Limited/SummerAire Mfg.Universal Metal Industries, Inc.Venmar Ventilation, Inc.Ventamatic, Ltd.
Members without HVI-Certified ProductsAcme MiamiAir 2000Haatz, Inc.Lonon USATamarack Technologies, Inc.
Associate MembersA.O. Smith – Electrical Products Co.ebm-papst Inc.
AD INDEX
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 12:27 PM Page 36
Fresh Ideas in Fresh AirVentilation
Fresh Ideas in Fresh AirVentilation
RenewAire reduces indoor air pollution economically.
Fresh Air to Room
Fixed Partitionand Spacer Plates (proprietaryresin-compositemedia)
Stale Room Air
Stale Room Air(exhausted to outside)
Outside Air
Inside Outside
Homeowner Benefits:
• Moisture Magnet CoreTM
moderates humidity insummer/winter extremes
• Helps control mold and mildew
• Elimination of bathroom,pet and tobacco odors
• Affordable / Convenient• The most efficient way
to ventilate
Contractor Benefits:
• Models compatible to
any HVAC equipment
• Simple installation
• Easy-to-access
field support
• Elimination of callbacks
• “Green Building”
compliant
The Core is Key:
• Efficient transfer of heatand moisture
• No liquid is accumulated,so no drain pan or defrostmechanism is required!
The importance of Fresh Air
in the home is well known.
But, did you also know how
simply and affordably Fresh
Air can be provided through
Energy Recovery Ventilation
(ERV) from RenewAire?
800 627 4499www.renewaire.com
INSIDEFresh Air to Room
OUTSIDEStale Room Air(exhausted to outside)
Stale Room Air Outside Air
Fixed Partition and Spacer Plates(proprietaryresin composite media)
circle 77 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 1:31 PM Page IBC1
Broan.com 1-800-558-1711
©2006 Broan-NuTone, LLC. Broan is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone, LLC. Ultra Silent is a trademark of Broan-NuTone, LLC. Patents pending. MICROBAN is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company.
MODEL NO. QTXE080FLT
Ultra Silent fans are designed for easy, solid installation in all types
of construction. Every time. Their patented hanger bar features captive
fasteners to keep nails in place – no handling needed. They also allow
for infinite adjustment of the fan housing between joists up to 24”. For
specs and details contact your Broan distributor or visit Broan.com.
I N S TA L L AT I O N A S E A S Y A S 1 , 2 . . . U M , T H AT ’ S I T.
Microban protection inhibits the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew to keep Broan Ultra Silent Ventilation fans cleaner between cleanings. Available on select Broan Ultra Silent Ventilation fans.
BRO_61151_BrQtTr P4A v4.indd 1 9/26/06 10:57:58 AM
circle 78 on reader service card
HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:48 AM Page BC2
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