What is Mechanical Ventilation?
A comfortable home doesn’t just provide the right temperature. It also offers excellent ventilation. But, what is mechanical ventilation? HVAC professionals take it seriously because they know the negative effects of poor indoor air movement. Even the best heating and cooling equipment can’t make up for it. If you are prepared to overturn the bad ventilation in your house, call a local HVAC contractor for advice and HVAC services. Professionals will teach you about the basics and answer your questions with facts. You can also start learning today by reading the rest of the article.
What is Mechanical Ventilation?
Contents
Most people focus on heating and cooling equipment in their quest to improve home comfort. However, these are important yet inadequate. You need a complete HVAC system to take care of everything, including ventilation, filtration, and humidification. Each section does its part in making a healthy and comfortable space. You can control the temperature and humidity using furnaces and air conditioners. As for ventilation, you will need something else to get fresh outdoor air into your home. Otherwise, your interiors will feel stale, unhealthy, and uncomfortable. Ask the pros to install a suitable ventilation system for you.
It’s all about balance. Achieving proper ventilation means pulling enough fresh air while maintaining high energy efficiency. It can be difficult to achieve in old buildings with cracks in the structure. Outdoor air enters unabated through the gaps. They also tend to have damaged wall insulation, poor window sealing, and leaky ducts. These increase air movement by sacrificing energy efficiency which is not what you want to happen. Furnaces and air conditioners must compensate for unwanted temperature shifts by working harder. In the end, homeowners lose with higher energy bills. Mechanical ventilation is a better way to let buildings breathe as it also conserves energy.
Related Article: Tips For Improving Indoor Air Quality In The Winter
How Does Mechanical Ventilation Operate?
Passive openings such as windows or cracks on the walls are poor sources of fresh air. Modern homes do not rely on them. Instead, they use technology to control the volume of outdoor air coming in without wasting energy. Active ventilation requires moving parts that turn on and off whenever necessary. HVAC technicians can make calculations to set up the proper volume, timing, and sourcing. They will get the right balance for your home.
This ventilation system includes fans and ducts scattered across the house. Fresh air moves through this network to reach different rooms. It can also work in reverse, drawing air from humid areas like the kitchen and bathroom to expel it outside. The process keeps indoor spaces pleasant despite producing smoke and fumes. Meal preparation feels much better in a fresh kitchen. You don’t have to worry about using certain ingredients or processes.
The Benefits of Mechanical Ventilation
If you are on the fence about installation, consider the benefits you will get once the ventilation system is in place. It is money well-spent because of the following:
1. Air Flow Control
You have no control over passive ventilation. The wind will blow when nature wants it to, not when you need it to. Imagine relying on the fickle weather for comfort. You may not have a choice but to do this when you’re outside, but you can certainly take charge when you are inside your home. Get mechanical ventilation so that you won’t have to deal with excess outdoor air and the soaring energy bills that result from it. Recoup the cost through your monthly savings.
Sometimes the wind blows lightly such that you don’t get much fresh air inside despite open windows. Indoor air can start to get stale and stuffy. Pollutants can build up instead of moving in and out, creating an unhealthy environment. With mechanical ventilation, the right amount of air can come in no matter what’s happening outside.
Related Article: Why Is It So Humid In My House?
2. Source Selection
Where is your outdoor air coming from? Its quality may differ based on source. Homes that are near busy streets probably should not get the polluted air from that side. They could try the back if that area is free from toxic fumes. It should provide cleaner air for the family. If you depend on passive ventilation, you can’t pick the direction of the wind. On the other hand, mechanical ventilation lets you choose where to get your fresh air. Intakes and exhaust vents will reside at strategic locations.
3. Humidity Management
Homes tend to do well when indoor humidity is within a specific range. Anything above or below this can cause various problems. Mechanical ventilation can help regulate the humidity level. The furnace and AC already do this in the background, but they are not always enough. If you have excessive moisture in the house, improving ventilation is crucial in avoiding mold, mildew, and other telltale signs. It can also ensure that surfaces dry up within acceptable periods, such as when you turn on bathroom fans after a hot shower.
Related Article: Discover How Having A Whole-Home Dehumidifier Can Benefit Everyone
4. Temperature Regulation
Mechanical ventilation helps keep the home within a comfortable temperature range. It might seem like a job for the heating and cooling systems, but good ventilation makes the job easier for these two. An attic fan can cool down the house in the summer by pushing out hot air and preventing heat build-up. Air conditioners will have less load thanks to this continuous movement. It will reflect in the reduced energy consumption on your monthly bill.
5. Odor Reduction
Cooking is a rewarding activity. You get to eat a delicious meal after your hard work in the kitchen. However, there may be ingredients that taste great but smell bad. You might not like cooking with them because of the odor. Seafood and spices are among the usual offenders. Use mechanical ventilation to tame the smell. The vents can draw the smoke and odors so the kitchen can stay fresh throughout your meal prep. The high rate of air movement gets rid of the smell faster than simply opening the doors and windows.
Related Article: What Is A MERV Rating?
Variations in Mechanical Ventilation
You have plenty of options when purchasing heating and cooling systems. The same is true with mechanical ventilation. You can choose units that operate as standalone systems or pick models that latch onto the existing duct network. Every home has its unique requirements. Don’t decide until you talk to an expert. Go through the home layout, usage patterns, regional climate, and other factors.
Conclusion
Ventilation is integral for home comfort. It is part of a complete HVAC system that will give you an ideal indoor environment. If you want to check all the boxes and feel the difference, install mechanical ventilation. Get guidance from a respected HVAC contractor to find the right unit.
Call Lawes Company for Your HVAC Requirements
Lawes Company provides excellent cooling and heating services throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. We employ top-notch technicians who can facilitate your HVAC installations, tune-ups, replacements, and repairs. Every team member is experienced and knowledgeable in HVAC systems.
Lawes Company affirms that they offer competitive heating and cooling service fees in the area. Using our maintenance services improve your energy efficiency, which in turn reduces your cooling and heating expenses. We work hard to ensure your improved comfort. We recommend the most suitable options if you need to repair your HVAC system or replace it. Our recommendations fit your style and budget. We guarantee our work will meet your expectations and satisfaction. Do you need to schedule a service appointment? Then, call Lawes Company today to assist you. We offer in-home estimates at no cost. Click the link to view our service area.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!