Page 39 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

SPOT VENTILATION THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR
Local Management EcoMotor Ceiling Fans
Chronic moisture can lead to mold growth. Exhaust fans excel at
removing excess moisture that tends to build up in specific loca- Ceiling fans from Emerson can help
tions, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Kitchen range hoods also distribute air during the heating and
remove cooking contaminants. These fans have become quite so- cooling seasons for more efficient use
phisticated and quiet; some manufacturers such as Panasonic of- of conditioned air. The fans also help
fer “smart” models that adjust to changing moisture conditions, or create better airflow when using natural
that can sense when a room is occupied. Whole-house exhaust-only ventilation. EcoMotor ceiling fans are
ventilation systems exist, but be aware that these rely on cracks extremely energy efficient, requiring a maximum of 33 watts to operate.
and penetrations in the building envelope to supply the makeup The quiet and durable DC motor is capable of six speeds. The fans range
air that replaces the exhausted air. In tighter homes, this can create in size from 42 to 72 inches and come in a variety of styles, from traditional
“negative pressure.” In general, we recommend using exhaust fans to contemporary. Many are compatible with Emerson’s lkGLO LED light
to supplement balanced whole-house ventilation systems. fixtures. www.ceilingfans.emerson.com

What Makes One Carpet AirCycler g2-k Whole-House
Greener than Another? Ventilation System

The EPA offers a few guidelines: The g2-k system integrates with an
existing HVAC system and combines
¦¦ Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the advantages of central fan integrated
supply and whole-house exhaust fan
¦¦ No toxic dyes ventilation systems. It includes the
AirCycler g2 furnace fan timer, FanConnect bath/fan light switch with
¦¦ Recyclable remote fan control and a motorized fresh air damper, available in four sizes.
www.aircycler.com/pages/g2k
¦¦ Recycled content
ENERGY AND HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS
¦¦ Reduced energy use (during manufacturing) Key Component
You may have heard of energy recovery ventilator (ERVs) and
¦¦ Reduced or improved air emissions (during their northern cousins, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). This
manufacturing) heat transfer technology is a key component of any modern
“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.
These mechanical wonders take hot, unconditioned fresh air from
Recent EPA research found that carpet tiles can be a more outside, pass it over a heat collecting medium, where it gets a
sustainable alternative than wall-to-wall products. If you partial cool-down before entering the home. A study by John Bower
stain a section, for example, you can remove and replace (visit www.healthyhouseinstitute.com) found that using a heat
it. Also, you can “rotate” tiles from heavy use areas to light recovery ventilator with continuous ventilation cost a Minnesota
use areas. The EPA’s test building used Milliken 36” x 36” tile homeowner just $86 a year. It cost $188 to do the same ventilation
carpet and low-VOC adhesives to test these principles. without an HRV. GB

Ventilation Air Requirements (CFM) Fresh Air Formula

Floor Area (ft2) Bedrooms Indoor air tends to concentrate pollutants quickly.
Less than 1,500 0-1 2-3 4-5 6-7 >7 As a result, building codes typically have certain
1,501-3,000 30 45 60 75 90 requirements for the amount of fresh air that must be
3,001-4,500 45 60 75 90 105 exchanged with stale indoor air over a given period.
4,501-6,000 60 75 90 105 120 Typically, this is expressed as cubic feet per minute,
6,001-7,500 75 90 105 120 135 or CFM. An organization called ASHRAE provides
Greater than 7,500 90 105 120 135 150 guidelines for how much ventilation is needed, although
105 120 135 150 165 the best means for achieving that ventilation are often
debated. When in doubt, more ventilation is better than
www.greenbuildermedia.com less, but you have to balance the resulting energy loss
with improved indoor air quality.

-Editor

SOURCE: ASHRAE 62-2-2003

The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 GREEN BUILDER 37