With energy conservation and better indoor air quality (IAQ) on the minds of consumers and HVAC manufacturers, air ventilation systems are earning the attention they deserve for their contribution to better home efficiency and IAQ. An air ventilation system delivers fresh outdoor air to homes, many being tightly sealed, that prevents indoor air from becoming polluted and stagnant.
However, there are key differences between various types of air ventilators that need exploring. What follows is information that could help you determine if your air ventilation system is on point.
Balanced Ventilation Vs. Unbalanced Ventilation: Which Is Best?
There are two types of ventilation systems. There are balanced air ventilators, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This category of air ventilators maintains equal air pressure between air in the living spaces, in unconditioned spaces, and in outdoor air.
Then, there are unbalanced air ventilators. Unbalanced ventilators create air-pressure differences between the indoor air of the living spaces and the air in unconditioned spaces of the home, as well as outdoor air. Balanced ventilators deliver two benefits over unbalanced systems.
The air-pressure differences created by unbalanced ventilators force contaminants from outside and the unconditioned spaces in the home into the living spaces. Secondly, balanced air ventilators with heat- and energy-recovery capabilities help reduce the costs of heating and cooling fresh intake air. That's better IAQ and better energy efficiency. Here are some different types:
Supply and exhaust ventilators. These ventilator types use one or more fans to force outdoor air into the living spaces or force indoor air outdoors. Fans may be installed in walls, in ceilings, in floors, and/or in ductwork.
HRV. HRVs use exhaust and supply fans that force fresh intake air and indoor stale air through a heat-exchanger core. Inside the core, heat is transferred between the two opposing airflows without mixing air. This saves heating and cooling costs.
ERV. ERVs work identically to HRVs with one difference: ERVs also exchange moisture between air streams to promote better indoor humidity.
For professional assistance revamping your air ventilation system, contact Air Assurance for the right HVAC solution at the right price.