Page 33 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

SPOT VENTILATION
Local Management EcoMotor Ceiling Fans
Chronic moisture can lead to mold growth. Exhaust fans excel at Ceiling fans from Emerson can help
distribute air during the heating and
removing excess moisture that tends to build up in specific loca- cooling seasons for more efficient use of
tions, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Kitchen range hoods also conditioned air. The fans also help create
remove cooking contaminants. These fans have become quite so- better airflow when using natural ventilation.
EcoMotor ceiling fans are extremely energy
phisticated and quiet; some manufacturers such as Panasonic of- efficient, requiring a maximum of 33 watts to
fer “smart” models that adjust to changing moisture conditions, or operate. The quiet and durable DC motor is
that can sense when a room is occupied. Whole-house exhaust-only capable of six speeds. The fans range in size
from 42 to 72 inches and come in a variety
ventilation systems exist, but be aware that these rely on cracks of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Many are compatible with
and penetrations in the building envelope to supply the makeup Emerson’s lkGLO LED light fixtures.
air that replaces the exhausted air. In tighter homes, this can create www.ceilingfans.emerson.com
“negative pressure.” In general, we recommend using exhaust fans
to supplement balanced whole-house ventilation systems.
AirCycler g2-k Whole-House
Ventilation System
What Makes One Carpet The g2-k system integrates with an
Greener than Another? existing HVAC system and combines
the advantages of central fan integrated
supply and whole-house exhaust fan
ventilation systems. It includes the
The EPA offers a few guidelines: AirCycler g2 furnace fan timer, FanConnect bath/fan light switch with
remote fan control and a motorized fresh air damper, available in four sizes.
■ Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
■ www.aircycler.com/pages/g2k
■ No toxic dyes
■
■ Recyclable ENERGY AND HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS
■
■ Recycled content Key Component
■
You may have heard of energy recovery ventilator (ERVs) and
■ Reduced energy use (during manufacturing)
■
their northern cousins, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). This
■ Reduced or improved air emissions (during
heat transfer technology is a key component of any modern
■
manufacturing)
“tight” house. Without them, modern houses would probably not
■ Minimum 10-year warranty
■ be worth the foam, tape and caulking with which they’re sealed.
Recent EPA research found that carpet tiles can be a more These mechanical wonders take hot, unconditioned fresh air from
sustainable alternative than wall-to-wall products. If you outside, pass it over a heat collecting medium, where it gets a
stain a section, for example, you can remove and replace partial cool-down before entering the home. A study by John Bower
it. Also, you can “rotate” tiles from heavy use areas to light (visit www.healthyhouseinstitute.com) found that using a heat
use areas. The EPA’s test building used Milliken 36” x 36” tile recovery ventilator with continuous ventilation cost a Minnesota
carpet and low-VOC adhesives to test these principles. homeowner just $86 a year. It cost $188 to do the same ventilation
without an HRV. GB

Ventilation Air Requirements (CFM)
Fresh Air Formula
Bedrooms Indoor air tends to concentrate pollutants quickly.
As a result, building codes typically have certain
Floor Area (ft ) 0-1 2-3 4-5 6-7 >7
2
requirements for the amount of fresh air that must be
Less than 1,500 30 45 60 75 90 exchanged with stale indoor air over a given period.
Typically, this is expressed as cubic feet per minute,
1,501-3,000 45 60 75 90 105 or CFM. An organization called ASHRAE provides
guidelines for how much ventilation is needed, although
3,001-4,500 60 75 90 105 120
the best means for achieving that ventilation are often
4,501-6,000 75 90 105 120 135 debated. When in doubt, more ventilation is better than
less, but you have to balance the resulting energy loss
6,001-7,500 90 105 120 135 150 with improved indoor air quality.
Greater than 7,500 105 120 135 150 165 -Editor
SOURCE: ASHRAE 62-2-2003

www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2017 GREEN BUILDER 31

9-61 GB 1017 HH.indd 31 11/1/17 12:08 PM