Proper ventilation is essential for the health and well-being of all of us, especially now. Houses are more likely to be designed to be insulated, keeping in or out heat but also preventing the dilution of pollutants and moisture leading to a build-up of bacteria, mould, and stale air.
A fully functional ventilation system is the key to getting the right supply of fresh air into a room and pushing that older air out. Here we will take a look at these systems and why you should make sure yours is up to the right standard.
What are ventilation systems?
Ventilation is the process by which fresh air is introduced into a room or space from the outside, allowing the stale air inside to be diluted and dispersed outside. Ventilation systems are the means that make this happen, either naturally or mechanically.
There are many different types of ventilation systems that you can use depending on your needs and the requirements of the property you wish to ventilate. Natural ventilation systems, for example, may not be adequate today to create the airflow needed in insulated buildings.
Likewise, where there is a greater amount of moisture or other particles in the air, you may need a mechanical ventilation system to correctly clear out the polluted air and bring in enough from outside to replace it.
Why are ventilation systems used?
Ventilation systems are used for a number of reasons, including to remove stale air, bad odours, bacteria, and other undesirable pollutants that build up in an enclosed space. In some cases, high levels of ventilation are required for certain workspaces in industries that deal with chemicals or combustion, but ventilation systems are required in every building regardless of said building’s purpose.
Poor ventilation can cause harm over time, and definitely reduce the comfort and experience levels of the people that reside or work in the building. Good ventilation, on the other hand, leads to greater ease and health for everyone.
Previously, a great deal of ventilation was natural, and buildings were designed with this in mind. Many of the types of houses built in warmer countries like Vietnam are still built in such a way as to encourage air to circulate through the rooms, allowing the hot and stale air to disperse through holes in the roof.
Today, and particularly in cooler countries, buildings are created to be as insulated as possible. The former gaps around windows and under doors that allowed a certain amount of fresh air in and out are now sealed up tight to keep the heat in and save on energy costs.
This has left many in a state where they cannot properly get the right amount of outside air in, and just as importantly, cannot get pollutants out. Moisture and bacteria are left to reach unhealthy levels inside instead of being forced out.
A moisture-rich environment like a bathroom that doesn’t have a ventilation system can easily end up damp, with black mould, and an unhealthy and uninhabitable environment for many. Getting the right ventilation system can prevent damage to your property as well as harm to everyone in it.
You can also find that structural damage can occur if the building is not fully ventilated, and get timber rot, peeling and ruined wallpaper, and so much more.
It is not merely a case of letting in a little fresh air now and then, a proper ventilation system will likely use many methods to create the right environment inside your property.
What are the types of ventilation systems?
The key types of ventilation systems are exhaust, supply, and balanced systems. Some are better suited for different climates, others are usually pricier, so here are a few facts to help you decide which the right fit is for your home or building:
- Exhaust
Exhaust systems work to depressurize the building, forcing the air out from the inside so that fresh air then flows in naturally to equalize it. They are best used in places that tend to be colder, as drawing in hot and moist air can actually make the build-up of moisture worse.
One key example of where you will often see small-scale exhaust ventilation systems is in bathrooms, where a fan is mounted on the wall to draw out the hot damp air as you shower. An exhaust system for the whole house works similarly but on a larger scale and runs all the time.
- Supply
These systems work in the opposite way, pressurizing the building instead of depressurizing to force air into the building and let the inside air naturally disperse out. Again relatively inexpensive to install, a supply ventilation system is best deployed in warmer climates than colder ones where moisture can lead to dampness and mould.
One of the benefits of a supply system is that it gives greater control over the air coming in, and carries less risk of introducing pollutants from the outside than exhaust systems.
- Balanced
The best of both worlds, a balanced system will include aspects of both exhaust and supply ventilation systems so you can control the air going in and out. Instead of pressurizing or depressurizing the building, it works with roughly equal amounts of outside air in and inside air out.
Rooms like your bedroom, living room, and other communal areas will get plenty of fresh air in, while your kitchen and bathroom will push air out. A system like this is ideal in most buildings, though it can be a little pricier to install and maintain than the former systems.
Conclusion
To Sum Up:
- Ventilation systems are the ways in which fresh air is brought into a building, and stale air is pushed out.
- They are used to ensure a good supply of outside air full of oxygen, and also to disperse pollutants, moisture, and bad odours that build up inside.
- A properly ventilated house is essential for the health and happiness of those who live or work there.
- There are three main types of systems depending on your location and needs: exhaust, supply, and balanced.
Having the right ventilation system working for you will lead to a cleaner fresher interior to your property and improved health and comfort for those inside. If you are unsure if your system is working to its fullest, contact a professional company like Vent Pro today and make the most of their years of expertise to put your mind at ease.
