As homes become increasingly airtight for the sake of energy efficiency, they also accumulate pollutants and humidity indoors, which increases the need for mechanical ventilation systems to reduce major health impacts. But mechanical ventilation that brings in cool air and evacuates hot air will generate a net energy loss during heating season. This loss can be reduced by installing a high efficiency central ventilation system to recover the lost energy and, at the same time, reduce GHG emissions. The most effective device is a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). The filter function of an HRV also improves indoor air quality and the air exchanger distributes heat evenly among the rooms.

Our recommendations :

1. Install a high efficiency central ventilation system suited to the size of the space to be aired. The system’s air intake and outlet must be located outside the home to reduce the health impact. To save energy, choose a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) that is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute or ENERGY STAR®, rather than a conventional model. Certified models are also quieter, which encourages their use. Avoid ducts that are too long or too flexible as this will reduce the system’s performance.
2. Effective air circulation in the basement can help evacuate excess humidity. Install air recirculation units in all basement rooms to keep air and heat circulating. Humidistats are a practical solution for this: they automatically turn on the fan when the relative humidity level gets too high.
3. The growth of mould and its impact on health can be minimized by controlling humidity. If the ventilation system does not adequately eliminate excess humidity, install an ENERGY STAR® dehumidifier suited to the size of the rooms. Mould and mildew form mainly in damp places like bathrooms and basements, so in these areas you need to take certain steps for the sake of your family’s health.

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