Your energy-efficient Michigan home requires mechanical ventilation to maintain optimum indoor air quality. A whole-house ventilation system should be quiet, offer good controls, great air distribution to the places you need it most, and quality filtration mechanisms. There are four types of mechanical whole-house ventilation systems you can install in your Beverly Hills or Farmington home—exhaust, supply, balanced, and energy recovery. Here is what you should know about each before choosing the best approach for your household.
Exhaust Ventilation
This ventilation system utilizes a fan to remove indoor air from your house. It is most effective in houses where depressurization does not pose a health, safety or structural durability risk, such as a tight home with an open floor plan. It is well suited for houses in cold climates and is relative inexpensive, but it may not be the best long-term option. It has poor filtration capabilities and can increase your home’s heating and cooling costs.
Supply Ventilation
This system’s fan draws incoming air from an uncontaminated location and filters it, making it a better choice for people with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities. The air is routed through your main HVAC return duct, allowing your heating and cooling system to heat or cool the air before it circulates through the home. Exhaust fans are additionally included in your kitchen and bath for the removal of excess moisture and odors.
Balanced Ventilation
This is a more versatile system that equally exchanges air between the inside and outside of your home. In the summer, the system transfers the heat from your incoming air to your outgoing air, reducing the load on your air conditioner. In the winter, it does the opposite, reducing the load on your central heating system.
Energy-Recovery Ventilation
Similar to the balanced system, the energy-recovery system goes one step further and transfers incoming moisture in addition to incoming heat. This reduces the amount your air conditioner has to dehumidify air, and prevents your home from becoming too dry during winter.
For more information on choosing the right ventilation system for your household needs, contact your local HVAC experts at Aladdin Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Detroit, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ventilation systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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