December 12, 2022
Unsure of the differences between various types of ventilation systems? Call the TemperaturePro Orlando team at (407) 225-8903!
Every home needs an effective ventilation system for cleaner and healthier air. It is necessary to stop the spread of germs and pollutants and to keep occupants safe.
Many ventilation systems in Orlando are available for purchase at various price points, but some are better than others. This guide compares the three main types of ventilation systems and explains their subcategories to help you find the right one for your home.
Why Does Home Ventilation Matter?
Home ventilation lets fresh air enter your residence, and frequent air regulation is essential in an enclosed area. Without an effective ventilation system, stale pollutant-filled air remains trapped inside, causing you and your family to breathe in poor-quality air. It has become increasingly critical for every house to have a healthy air exchange for a more comfortable living experience and to combat poor air quality.
Three Types of Ventilation Systems
While there are three ventilation systems to choose from, each has distinct subtypes that differ. More homeowners today are turning to whole-house ventilation systems for their effectiveness. They also evenly distribute clean air throughout their entire property.
1. Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation uses the wind to regulate air movement through doors, windows, and any openings in the house. This type is unaided by equipment and does not work as well in extreme weather conditions, such as when it is very hot, dry, cold, or windy. Unsealed areas in the home or foundation cracks also let outside air in and sometimes can cause uncomfortable drafts.
People have created two methods to improve natural ventilation systems.
- Stack Ventilation: A vent at the bottom of a residence draws in clean air while the roof vent sends out stale and dirty air.
- Trickle Ventilation: Small openings in windows cause fewer drafts and more precise air exchanges.
Natural ventilation is the most popular of the three types of ventilation systems and is simple. However, it can be unreliable and does not always provide the freshest and safest air for a home. It works best when supplementing the other forms.
2. Spot Ventilation
Spot ventilation works in a concentrated area and helps remove pollutants, odors, and moisture. It should only run for a limited time for maximum effectiveness. Examples of this include bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.
However, these systems are not enough to provide optimal ventilation for the entire home but are decent enough for some areas.
3. Whole-Home Ventilation
Whole-house is the latest and most advanced type of mechanical ventilation. Air distribution is uniform throughout the home, making it the best of the three types of ventilation systems. This ventilation type can install directly into existing HVAC and duct systems for the most filtered and safest air possible.
It is the most effective option since multiple fans are better than one and works hard to provide fresh air to every room. Healthy air means happier and healthier individuals. Three subclassifications of whole-home ventilation systems are available, each with certain advantages and drawbacks:
Balanced Ventilation
Balanced ventilation systems combine the best aspects of exhaust and supply types, creating the perfect whole-home ventilation air exchange. It ensures an equal amount of clean air entering and polluted air exiting the residence. While it is the most expensive of the three choices, it uses two duct systems and two fans to comfortably cool and heat the home and improves air quality.
Exhaust Ventilation
Exhaust ventilation systems are ideal for cold climates and include one fan and one exhaust area. Drawbacks of exhaust-only systems include their ineffectiveness in hot climates, creating harmful amounts of warm, moist air that can compromise the structure of a home. It also strains the HVAC system and increases energy bills, meaning it is not the preferred option.
Supply Ventilation
It permeates a space with clean outdoor air and operates from a fresh air source, like an attic fan; however, just like exhaust ventilation, there is no balanced air exchange. It is the exact opposite of exhaust ventilation which takes dirty air out but is more affordable with fewer pollutants. It can create excess moisture and water damage and operates best in warmer conditions.
Balanced ventilation systems can cost more depending on how much ductwork is in your home. The final price will be more expensive if you require additional ducts to pair with your ventilation system.
Balanced systems avoid the problems associated with supply and exhaust systems, and they break down even further into two distinct subcategories: energy recovery ventilator and heat recovery ventilator.
- An energy recovery ventilator, or ERV, cools warm air in summer and warms cold air in the winter. It works in a controlled, closed environment and improves energy efficiency by minimizing energy loss. These work exceptionally well in hot or warmer climates and effectively swap moisture and air.
- A heat recovery ventilator, or HRV, separates the air streams between fresh air and old, dirty air. It exchanges heat between them and decreases how much homeowners pay for heating. We recommend heat recovery ventilators for colder climates.
Which Type of Home Ventilation Is Right For You?
Your climate, budget, and home size can help determine your ideal ventilation system. Generally, the following types of ventilation systems work best for these climates:
- Balanced Ventilation operates effectively no matter where you live.
- Energy-Recovery Ventilation works well in extreme weather conditions (very hot or cold) and is usually more expensive.
- Exhaust Ventilation helps air quality in cooler climates.
- Natural Ventilation is beneficial in areas with natural breezes and cool nights.
- Spot Ventilation is effective in colder locations.
Contact TemperaturePro Orlando for Trusted Ventilation System Services
Are you considering upgrading your home’s ventilation system but don’t know where to start? Fortunately, our team at TemperaturePro Orlando understands all types of ventilation systems and can walk you through your best options.
At TemperaturePro Orlando, we can help Florida homeowners find the most energy-efficient system for their needs. Our experts are here to help and answer your questions, so call us today at (407) 225-8903!
