We added a small HVAC ventilation device to our home’s main system. I’m sure you’ve heard ‘the solution to pollution is dilution’ and that’s the general idea behind using one of these devices. Many people spend a lot of time indoors and may not realize that their indoor air is of poor quality.
This technology (ventilation, or more technically ‘mechanical ventilation’) is more common in commercial buildings as I understand it, but small versions can be a great option for your home if you have the room to add one and if your outdoor air is generally of good quality.
Our device is similar to this Fantech.
How it Works
The Fantech HVAC ventilation device pulls air from just above the roof, in the middle of the home. The unit has a manual on/off switch and a speed controller. You could put one of these on a timer, but we typically turn it on manually when the temperature is advantageous so that our air conditioner or heater don’t have to work overtime. So for example, pulling in fresh outdoor air in the cool mornings in the summer. We are a bit careful in the spring when allergies are worse.
In the video below I explain how the air flows from above the roof, is filtered by the Fantech device, then filtered by the main HVAC system and distributed throughout the home.
Also, for other general ideas see my Indoor Air Quality blog.
Other Ideas
Look into HRV/ERV systems as well, which are more complex and expensive, but have an energy efficiency advantage.
Questions?
@diyecoguy on YouTube | BlueSky
Email Me (chris@diyecoguy.com)
If you like my content you can tip me on Ko-Fi so that I can buy a new keyboard and some more books!
© April 20, 2024 Chris Graber