Smart tips from Natural Resources Canada
Whether your customer is someone who enjoys all the efficiencies of a newly built home, or the character and charm of an older home, it’s important for them to understand all the ins and outs of how their place is ventilated. With improvements in building codes and construction practices, new houses tend to be more airtight while older ones require renovations and upgrading to eliminate leakage and drafts.
New or old, according to Natural Resources Canada (nrcan.gc.ca), fresh air needs to be moved around the house, particularly to rooms with closed doors, such as bedrooms. Without proper circulation, fresh air might not reach all the rooms in a house, which can cause pockets of stale or moist air. Getting that proper distribution of air throughout a house usually requires fans and ducting systems.
Signs of poor ventilation
Natural Resources Canada explains that if “a house is stuffy, has lingering odors, or has high humidity levels in fall and winter, it is likely the house does not receive adequate ventilation”.
They note that if any of the occupants have respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, or chronic colds, getting the proper amount of fresh air is even more important.
Naturally, many people think that opening windows is the easiest way to provide fresh air, but they risk problems such as driving wind or rain, increased heating or cooling costs, and even security issues. Natural Resources Canada suggests that using a mechanical ventilation system, such as an exhaust fan or a heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), can be more effective.
Putting the control in the homeowner’s hands
While providing a number of possible solutions, Natural Resources Canada points out that adding mechanical ventilation, in addition to the required air exchanger, puts the control of household indoor air quality in the homeowner’s hands rather than having the weather dictate the air change rate within different parts of the house. They say it also allows for the house to be built or renovated to high air tightness levels that reduce heating bills and improve overall comfort, while ensuring good indoor air quality throughout. Recognizing how indoor air quality can vary depending on the season, having a system that both monitors and adjusts to changing conditions takes the worry out of the whole process.
Why ClairiTech works
For nearly 30 years, ClairiTech has been single-mindedly dedicated to continuous innovation in mechanical ventilation. We've built our reputation on moisture control and ventilation systems designed to create cleaner, drier air year-round by a three-step process. Our systems expel odors, excess moisture, mold spores and other pollutants from the downstairs where they are most concentrated. They replenish the air in the basement with a fresher healthier supply of air from upstairs, lowering the relative humidity. Ultimately, they ventilate the entire home with continuous air flow, extracting moisture that can cause structural damage, reducing biological growth of mold and mildew, and achieving healthier air. Once installed, the automatic sensor controls provide continuous ventilation to maximize performance, energy efficiency, and ease of operation 24/7.
With so many options available to homeowners these days, knowledge is power. Helping your customers understand all the ins and outs of ventilation will help them enjoy their indoor space and breathe easier in the long run.
