VENTILATION SYSTEMS: HEALTHIER INDOOR AIR FOR PNW HOMES

A: Increasingly, yes. Modern homes are built tighter to energy codes, and older homes are being air-sealed for efficiency. While this reduces heating costs, it also traps moisture, pollutants, and carbon dioxide indoors. During our mild winters, homeowners often avoid opening windows, leading to elevated humidity and stagnant air. Mechanical ventilation provides controlled, efficient fresh air exchange without the energy penalty of open windows.

A: An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) transfers only heat between outgoing and incoming air. An ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) transfers both heat and moisture. In our coastal climate, ERVs are typically preferred because they manage humidity. During our damp winters, an ERV transfers excess indoor moisture to the drier outgoing air before it exhausts. During summer, it reduces the humidity load from incoming fresh air. We evaluate your home’s specific moisture dynamics to recommend the appropriate technology.

A: Minimally. Both HRVs and ERVs recover 70-85% of the energy from the air being exhausted and transfer it to the incoming fresh air. This means the air entering your home is already close to indoor temperature. The energy required to condition this fresh air is dramatically lower than opening a window. Most homeowners see a negligible increase in heating costs while gaining significant improvements in air quality and moisture control.

A: Absolutely. While ventilation is easiest to install during new construction or major renovation, dedicated systems can be retrofitted into existing homes. Strategies vary based on your home’s layout and existing ductwork. In some cases, we can integrate with your forced-air system. In others, we install dedicated distribution ducts to bedrooms and living areas. We assess your specific home and develop a practical, effective approach.

A: We calculate required ventilation rates using ASHRAE Standard 62.2, the national consensus standard for residential ventilation. The calculation considers your home’s square footage and the number of bedrooms. A typical 2,000 square foot, three-bedroom home in Whatcom County requires approximately 60-80 CFM of continuous fresh air. This is enough to effectively dilute indoor pollutants and manage moisture without over-ventilating and wasting energy.

A:

Regular maintenance is essential for performance and hygiene. Every 3-6 months, homeowners should clean or replace the filters in the ventilation unit. Annually, a professional service should include: cleaning the energy exchange core, inspecting and cleaning supply and exhaust ports, checking and balancing airflow, cleaning condensate drains, and verifying control operation. We offer comprehensive maintenance plans for all ventilation systems we install.

A: Yes, significantly. Unlike open windows, which introduce unfiltered outdoor air laden with pollen and other allergens, mechanical ventilation systems filter incoming fresh air. We typically specify MERV 8 or higher filtration, which captures a substantial percentage of airborne particulates. For homeowners with significant allergy concerns, we can integrate enhanced filtration options that trap finer particles, including some mold spores and pet dander.