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home ventilation
Home Ventilation
Ventilation is an important aspect of healthy,
comfortable living. It creates a flow of air that allows
the house to �breathe� and helps prevent moisture build-up
year-round. This process of supplying or removing air can
be done by infiltration, natural or mechanical ventilation.
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Infiltration - The
process by which air leaks into a building through cracks
and gaps in the building envelope, especially around
windows and doors. When air moves out of a building
it is called exfiltration.
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Natural Ventilation
- Natural ventilation is unpredictable and unreliable.
It is a type of ventilation that depends on natural
instead of mechanical means for air movement. Movement
is affected by the wind or the difference in temperature
from one area to another. Occurs when outdoor air enters
through open windows and doors.
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Mechanical Ventilation
- A type of ventilation in which air moves by means
of a fan or other mechanism. It is controlled and purposeful.
Exhaust fans and the use of fans and ductwork are used
with mechanical ventilation.
In our efforts to conserve energy, newer
homes are being built with limited means of infiltration
and other ventilation processes. With inadequate home ventilation,
pollutants can build up and become very strong. Mold, mixed
with high levels of humidity, are one of the leading problems
associated with insufficient ventilation. A mold break out
can cause numerous damages, therefore leading to a big dent
into your back account.
Other problems with poor ventilation include
dust mites, nose and throat irritation, dry skin, carbon
monoxide poisoning, allergies and asthma symptoms. It is
extremely important that you manage your ventilation. Important
components of ventilation include opening windows and doors,
using air exchangers; using kitchen and bathroom exhaust
fans, using attic ventilation fans, and dryer vents.
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