Weekly Home Information Guide
Ventilation
On going home maintenance is the key to pride of ownership. Each season thousands of homeowners prepare their homes for the summer/winter seasons.
Attic vents, kitchen vents, bathroom vents, dryer vents, air-to-air heat exchangers, crawl vents and fresh air makeup vents are all types of venting found in the home. They all aid in ridding the home of moisture buildup. There are about 65 sources of moisture in the modern home and a family of four produces about 25 litres of liquid water daily. This amount of moisture can do much damage to the interior of the home very rapidly.
Ventilation has two distinct functions: to control the amount in indoor pollutants containing water vapour and to maintain humidity levels for healthy living. The tighter the home is upgraded/constructed the higher the need for proper venting becomes more apparent. For new construction this becomes vitally important.
The major uses of fans is to expel the moist indoor air to the exterior using the kitchen and bathroom fans and having the fresh makeup air and air-to-air heat exchangers be in continuous use. The near ideal humidity level in the home is between 40 and 60%. Above this the moulds, mildews and fungi thrive. Also mould/mildew/fungi thrive in about 20% moisture content. Kitchen and bathroom fans should be vented directly through the attic to the outside. All exhaust fans (blades and ducting) must be kept clean for efficient operation. Screens should be vacuumed once yearly to ensure free airflow values and prevent vermin entry. A noisy fan indicates a problem that needs servicing.
Direct sidewall vents pose fewer problems and crawl vents should only be closed in the wetter/winter months. Attic vents (soffit, gable end or roof) need occasional vacuuming and the direct fresh makeup air sourced from the exterior of the building is recommended. A competent technician should service the air-to-air heat exchanger yearly. Crawl spaces in new construction require air exchange through the internal duct works typically.
We recommend qualified tradespersons where needed do all tasks, as they offer quality materials, proper installation requirements and a written guarantee.
Know that, for peace of mind, the care and attention to your home will serve you well year after year and in comfort.