While every home needs good ventilation, they also need the right type of ventilation. Most ventilation systems are either exhaust, supply, or a combination of the two. This means that they either take the air out, bring air in, or do both functions. Among these ventilation systems, there are three primary methods of ventilation currently used throughout the industry, and each one applies itself unique to better improve the quality of life for those experiencing its efforts.
Natural Ventilation
This ventilation system, as the name implies, is the natural movement of air currents and flows through a home uninfluenced by human technology. You can think of this system as the air flow which is delivered to the indoors through open windows, screen doors, doggy doors, and other fenestrations that aren’t specifically designed for ventilation but still inherently encounter natural air. Natural air ventilation is used in nearly all homes to some degree, although some older homes may be more reliant on it than more modern structures.
Spot Ventilation
This ventilation system utilizes technology to provide ventilation to very specific “spots” throughout the home. Most often, these forms of ventilation are used in basements, attics, and other moisture-prone areas of a home. Exhaust fans, often found in kitchens and bathrooms, are another form of spot ventilation, as they quickly remove polluted air from their isolated location. Spot ventilation, while effective, is rarely the sole form of ventilation in a home, and is best used as a supplement to additional ventilation systems.
Whole-Home Ventilation
This ventilation system is the most common form of ventilation found in modern housing. Whole-home ventilation utilizes a series of exhaust ducts and vents throughout the home to provide man-made, deliberate ventilation and circulated air flow. These ventilation systems boast the ability to be managed, controlled, and modified entirely by the homeowner or a licensed contractor.