Passive Ventilation Systems

About Passive Ventilation Systems

Every home needs ventilation systems for both safety and comfort. Stale air not only causes difficult breathing but may lead to more germs growing. There have been many advancements in technology for air circulation products, but passive, also known as natural systems, remain an option for homeowners. 

Benefits

Reduce Energy Use

Unlike mechanical ventilation systems that constantly rely on energy generation for power, the natural way allows nature to do the work without electricity. For those who are looking to lower their carbon footprint, making the switch could make a significant impact on reducing the energy consumed for circulating air. 

Lower Energy Bills

Using less energy not only means helping the planet but helping on monthly bills as well. Not relying on appliances to circulate air is a simple way to cut back on the everyday cost of keeping a house comfortable. 

Low Maintenance Costs

For systems that are made up of complicated ducts and fans, this involves hiring professionals for repairs and higher prices when something needs replacing. At most, the natural way may just involve installing an extra ceiling fan which can easily be done by a homeowner, making maintenance much cheaper. 

Extend the Life of HVAC Appliances

HVAC systems are often called on to work all year round. This wears them out quickly. Even for homes with mechanical ventilation, passive ventilation from time to time can give the HVAC a break, thereby extending the equipment's life expectancy. 

Better Health

A fresh breeze is brought in with proper passive ventilation, and pollutants are naturally pushed out with the stale air. This dramatically improves indoor air quality, making for a much safer environment for anyone in the house. 

Types of Passive Ventilation Systems

Wind-Driven

Wind-driven passive ventilation systems are also referred to as cross or single-sided. The system depends on wind behaviour and the building's design. While effective for bringing in the fresh air, it is limited to only when the wind is blowing. For those relying on wind-driven air, it's best to have a backup system. 

Buoyancy-Driven

When there are two different types of air next to each other, the warmer will rise above the cooler. With buoyancy-driven systems, the warmer air inside the house rises and exits through passive roof ventilation stacks. The cool breeze is free to enter the home. Because of this, buoyancy-driven homes function best in cooler weather. 

Factors

Regular Ventilating Periods

Homes with passive systems don't need to have windows and doors left open constantly. However, it will need to be ventilated regularly to ensure that everything is flowing as it should. This should be done for at least 15 minutes 5 times a week. 

Knowing Which Windows to Open

Passive ventilation systems don't require just allowing any breeze in or out of the home. It's about controlling air. This means knowing what windows to open, what vents to instal, or what needs to be sealed up. This may take some trial and error to get right. 

Multi-Level Home Requirements

For multi-level homes, the difference between the two levels must be considered. The upstairs will react to a natural system differently than the downstairs. Each level should have operable doors and windows to ensure that every part of the home is ventilated. 

Features

Background Air Leakage

Although air ideally flows naturally, this is not the same as uncontrolled. Heated or cooled air shouldn't escape. This will only lead to more energy costs. 

Background air leakage is especially a problem for those in colder when the heat is escaping. Then, it may be best to opt for passive ventilation with heat recovery ventilation. This means that the cold that enters will be turned into warm air. This means the heating system won't need to fight against heat loss due to background air leakage. 

Passive House Ventilation System Design

When designing a home, it is typically created for passive ventilation or not. Many modern homes may be built without the possibility of passive ventilation. Everything is tightly sealed, which means air isn't lost. But this also means a breeze won't circulate well naturally. For those with homes that don't allow for passive ventilation, 

Design

Certain ventilation components can help support the natural forces at play and can fit any home decor. For example, louvred doors have slats to maintain privacy and allow air into closets or small rooms. Mixing and matching windows, ceiling fans, and various components can create a system that works and looks beautiful. 

Installation

Even homes that allow for passive systems will likely require an alternative when nature isn't quite enough. Installing products that measure the level of humidity and air quality is a great addition. Having a device that measures and features automatic demand-driven ventilation can help keep a home comfortable and safe at all times. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

A passive system itself requires minor care. Mostly just opening and closing windows. However, if a system is present as a backup, make sure that annual checks are done to keep fans and ducts clear, especially over long stretches without use.