Home Ventilation and IndoorAir Quality -A Guide from the Home Ventilating Institute

December 12th, 2017

THE BENEFITS OF GOOD VENTILATION More than 35 million single-family homes have been constructed since the late 1970s. Well-built and insulated to be extremely airtight to reduce energy consumption, these homes also can experience higher rates of indoor air quality problems. Today’s homes are more energy-efficient because they follow a tighter-built standard. However, without an appropriately designed, installed and maintained ventilation system, we can suffer a multitude of negative consequences. 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 theAmerican LungAssociation, in 1999, 85% ofAmericans didn’t realize the air in their homes posed a possible health hazard. The good news, however, is that we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of indoor air quality and health. We are demanding better comfort and healthier air. Ventilation is a system of exhaust and supply that creates a flow of fresh air.A good home ventilating system provides a wide array of benefits, described in this guide.Additionally, offering these systems gives heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors and builders the advantage of offering their customers proper ventilation using performance certified products.Common pollutants from materials, people, activities and contents used to build the home, along with excess moisture, can create an unhealthy environment.