Mechanical Ventilation

You may be wondering if a house can be too tight. We certainly need fresh air in our homes. Using a blower door to test the leakiness of the house while performing air sealing can ensure that proper ventilation is present in the home. A better solution, however, may be the introduction of mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation, as opposed to random air leaks in the house, ensures the right amount of air exchange year round under all conditions. Mechanical ventilation can also be used to control the quality of air passing through the home for better health. The basic rule of thumb in building science is “Seal tight; ventilate right!”