in residential ventilation - ecco supply · in residential ventilation the guide to home...

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

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HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:49 AM Page FC1

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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/[email protected]

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: [email protected] 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


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:54 AM Page 3

trane.com

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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?


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:56 AM Page 7

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?


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. ■



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

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HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:58 AM Page 11

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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.


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


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 1:43 PM Page 13

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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.


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:28 AM Page 15

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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.


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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

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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. ■


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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.


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to c

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HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:29 AM Page 18


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.


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:31 AM Page 20


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:31 AM Page 21


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:32 AM Page 22


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


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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


“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


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


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:35 AM Page 26


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,


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Attic VentilationThe advantages of air movement beneath the roof.


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:36 AM Page 28


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. ■


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


Photo courtesy of Broan-NuTone LLC

HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:37 AM Page 30


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.


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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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.


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




HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:38 AM Page 32


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. ■


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


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


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.


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)


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


HVI 2006 A 1/2/07 11:48 AM Page BC2

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