As buildings become more sealed to save energy, an unintended problem arises – a buildup of indoor contaminants leading to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
This is a serious issue affecting people’s health, cognitive function, productivity, and overall well-being. On average, 72% of a person’s chemical exposure happens at home. Indoor pollutant levels can be much higher than outdoor levels, with people spending about 90% of their time indoors. This high indoor air pollution is a significant risk to public health, causing short-term problems like allergies and headaches, and long-term issues such as cancer and organ damage.
To improve indoor air quality (IAQ), we boost it by increasing and balancing ventilation. Exhaust ventilation systems help by reducing the pressure inside a building. These systems pull air out of the house, creating a pressure change that draws fresh air in through leaks and intentional vents. This method is best suited for colder climates. In warmer areas, it can bring in moist air that may cause damage. Installing exhaust ventilation is straightforward and cost-effective. It usually involves a single fan connected to a central exhaust point. A more effective approach is connecting the fan to ducts from various rooms, especially those with pollutants like bathrooms and kitchens.
Adjustable vents in windows or walls can introduce fresh air, but they may need larger pressure differences to function properly compared to those induced by ventilation fans.
