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THE GUIDE TO HOME VENTILATION & INDOOR AIR QUALITY 

IN RESIDENTIAL VENTILATION 

A PUBLICATION OF HVI, THE HOME VENTILATING INSTITUTE

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IN RESIDENTIAL VENTILATION 

Contents 

HVI 

Board of Directors 

Peter Grinbergs 

Chair 

Jim Boldt 

Vice-Chair/Treasurer 

John Fox 

Secretary 

Ola Wettergren 

Immediate Past-Chair 

Daniel Forest 

Member-at-Large 

Russell Pope 


John Harper 


Don Stevens 


Joe Fristik, 

GROUP PUBLISHER, Contracting Business 

John Ehlen, 

PUBLISHER, Fresh Ideas 

Mike Weil, 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Contracting Business 

Gwen Hostnik, 

GROUP MARKETING DIRECTOR, Contracting Business 

Renee Massey-Linston, 

PRODUCTION MANAGER, Contracting Business 

6 About HVI 

8 Why Ventilation? 

12 Ventilating Living Areas 

20 Continuous Whole-House Ventilation 

26 Whole-House Comfort Ventilators 

28 Attic Ventilation 

30 How Much Ventilation Do I Need? 

35 Manufacturers’ Directory 

Eileen Callahan, 

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER 

Christine Barksdale, 

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR 

Becca Britton, 

MEDIA SERVICES COORDINATOR 

Pat Lang, 

ART DIRECTOR 

David Bosak, 

COVER DESIGN 

John Ehlen, 

ADVERTISING SALES 

17340 46th Ave. N. 

Plymouth, MN 55446 

763/550-2971 

jehlen@penton.com 

Publishing Offices: 

1300 East 9th Street 

Cleveland, OH 44114-1503 

216/696-7000 

www.contractingbusiness.com 

Copyright© 2006, Penton Media, Inc.

HOME Ventilation 

Guide 

Welcome to the Home Ventilating Institute’s 

Guide to Home Ventilation 

and Indoor Air Quality 

The mission of the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is to “Advance the Value of 

Residential Ventilation for Healthier Living.” The air inside our homes is 

almost always significantly more polluted than the air outside. Homes used to 

be leaky at great expense for heating and cooling, while allowing ventilation to take 

place. With added focus on energy efficiency and comfort, it becomes increasingly 

important to “build tight and ventilate right.” Proper mechanical ventilation is necessary 

to ensure a healthy environment for the occupants and to protect the building 

structure. 

HVI, founded in 1955, created the Certified Rating Program to provide a fair and 

credible method of comparing ventilation performance and noise levels. Not only are 

products HVI-Certified, but a random verification program ensures that those 

products perform as advertised. Laboratories, independent from any manufacturer, 

perform all testing. HVI Certification is available for a wide range of home ventilating 

products including bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, heat and energy 

recovery ventilators, inline single- and multiport fans, exterior-mounted ventilators, 

powered attic ventilators, ridge and other static vents, with new products being 

added as the market evolves. 

HVI Certified Ratings are trusted and referenced by Energy Star ® ,the American 

Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and 

building codes across North America. A complete list of HVI-Certified products 

and their manufacturers can be found in the Certified Home Ventilating Products 

Directory at www.hvi.org. 

We hope you find this guide a useful resource for learning more about the wide 

range of ventilation products available today, and how you can apply them to create 

more comfortable and healthier living environments. Always look for the “HVI-Certified” 

label when selecting residential ventilating products. 

Peter K. Grinbergs 

Chairman of the Board 

For more information, contact: 

Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) 

1000 North Rand Road, Suite 214 

Wauconda, IL 60084 USA 

Phone: 847/526-2010 

Fax: 847/526-3993 

e-Mail: hvi@hvi.org 

Website: www.hvi.org 

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www.hvi.org

Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your 

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Heat Recovery Ventilators for 

Balanced Whole House Ventilation 

Dryer Booster Fans 

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Phone: 800-565-3548; Fax: 877-747-8116; 

www.fantech.ca 

IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY THROUGH BETTER VENTILATION 


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Guide 

HVI-Certified Ventilation Performance: 

Everyone Wins! 

6 

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No matter what the home ventilation task, you 

can depend on products bearing the HVI-Certified 

label to perform as rated. 

For over 50 years, the Home Ventilating Institute 

(HVI) has been actively responding to the ever-changing 

needs of the residential ventilation industry. Its 

mission is simple: to Advance the Value of Residential 

Ventilation for Healthier Living. HVI achieves this in 

large part through its Certified Performance Rating 

Program. 

Products bearing the HVI-Certified label have been 

tested and certified to ensure they meet the 

stated ratings for airflow, sound and energy. 

Certification provides peace of 

mind to homebuilders, mechanical 

contractors and consumers alike. 

All testing is conducted by independent, 

HVI-designated laboratories 

to standardized procedures. 

Continued performance is further 

ensured through the HVI Verification 

program. 

Ratings can be found in the Certified Home Ventilating 

Products Directory, which is updated every 30 

days and available for download at www.hvi.org. It is 

divided into three main sections: 

Certified Ventilating Fan Products – Lists 

HVI-Certified airflow and sound ratings for bathroom 

exhaust fans, downdraft kitchen exhausters, 

fresh-air inlets, heat and energy recovery ventilators, 

inline fans, integrated supply and exhaust fans, 

powered attic ventilators, remote exterior-mounted 

ventilators, static vents for attics and crawlspaces 

and whole-house comfort ventilators. 

Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators 

(HRVs and ERVs) – Lists HVI-Certified ventilation 

and energy performance data. 

Certified Static Ventilating Devices (Non- 

Electronically Powered Ventilating Devices) – 

Lists HVI-Certified foundation vents, fresh-air inlets, 

gable end ventilators, roof ventilators, room-toroom 

transfer registers, sidewall ventilators and under-eave 

ventilators. 

www.hvi.org 

Home ventilating fans carry dual ratings for quietness 

and ventilating performance. Simple, validated 

numbers provide the air movement in cubic feet per 

minute (CFM) and the sound output in sones. 

CFM is the number of cubic feet of air that a fan will 

move in one minute. The sone is an internationally recognized 

unit of loudness, which simplifies reporting of 

sound output. One sone is approximately equivalent to 

the sound of a quiet refrigerator in a quiet kitchen, so 

the lower the sone rating, the quieter the fan. 

Who Benefits? 

Everyone in the residential building industry benefits 

from HVI-Certified ventilation performance. 

Residential ventilation manufacturers – The 

HVI Certification program provides a level playing 

field in a competitive market for HVI member companies, 

ensuring that products can be compared fairly. 

Homebuilders – By specifying HVI-Certified products, 

homebuilders can ensure they are meeting the 

ventilation rates specified by building codes and limit 

any liabilities that may arise from improper ventilation. 

More state and energy conservation programs are 

specifying the energy consumption of ventilation 

products, making HVI Certification, which is used by 

the Energy Star ® program, a necessity. 

Mechanical contractors – Armed with HVI Certification 

data, contractors can select products that meet 

building code requirements with confidence, knowing 

they will provide the necessary airflow. Installers can 

also select products for sound, and make recommendations 

to their builder and residential customers 

regarding the various options. In locales where the energy 

consumption of ventilation fans is mandated, HVI 

Certification gives contractors the information they 

need to make sure the requirements are met. 

Consumers – Ventilation products are designed 

to make homes more comfortable and healthy. HVI 

Certification ensures consumers that those products 

will perform as expected. 

For more information, contact HVI or any of its 

member companies listed at www.hvi.org. We’re 

always glad to help! ■

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Guide 

Why Ventilation? 

Homes today require specific strategies 

to maintain a healthy and comfortable 

living environment. 

Ventilation reduces excess moisture and unhealthy 

indoor air pollutants. Properly designed 

and installed ventilation increases 

comfort and security. 

Today’s homes are more energy-efficient because 

they follow standards mandating better insulation 

and airtightness. However, without an appropriately 

designed, installed and maintained ventilation 

system, the benefits of these better-built homes can 

become liabilities. 

When we think of buying, building or updating a 

home, we all too often focus on aesthetic features 

rather than factors such as the quality of the indoor 

air. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, 

85 percent of Americans didn’t realize the air in 

their homes posed a possible health hazard. 

The good news, however, is that we are becoming 

increasingly aware of the importance of indoor 

air quality and its direct relationship to good health. 

We are demanding better comfort and healthier air. 

Mechanical ventilation is simply a system that 

moves stale, tired air out of the home, replacing it 

with an inflow of fresh air. A properly designed and 

installed home ventilating system provides a wide 

array of benefits not only to the homeowner, but 

also creates healthier, more comfortable and satisfied 

customers for mechanical installers and 

builders. 

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Figure 1. Typical conditions found in a home with ways 

to improve air quaility. 

THE BENEFITS OF GOOD 

VENTILATION 

3 

More than 40 million single-family homes have 

been constructed in North America since the late 

1970s. Well-built, highly insulated and extremely airtight 

to reduce energy consumption, these homes 

also can experience higher rates of indoor air quality 

problems. 

Common pollutants from materials, people, activities 

and contents used to build and furnish the 

home, combined with excess moisture from poor 

ventilation, can create an unhealthy environment. 

2 

1 

2 

1 

1 

2 

3 

Excess moisture 

Too much moisture can contribute to allergy 

problems and structural damage by encouraging the 

growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, dry rot 

and insects. Showers, cooking and people produce 

large quantities of moisture on a daily basis. 

Common household chemicals and 

pollutants 

• Cleaning supplies 

• Paints and solvents 

• Formaldehyde from furniture, carpet 

and building materials 

• Pesticides 

• Volatile organic compounds 

• Odors 

Particles 

• Dust and dust mites 

• Pet dander 

• Pollen 

• Lead 

• Asbestos 

• Cooking by-products – grease and smoke 

Tobacco smoke 

A health risk to smokers and nonsmokers 

alike – children are especially at risk. 

1. Intermittent local ventilation 

2. Continuous whole-house ventilation 

3. Attic and crawlspace ventilation 

Combustion products 

These are produced by fuel-burning heating 

equipment, gas water heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves, 

gas ranges and candles. They include but are 

not limited to: 

• Carbon monoxide 

• Carbon dioxide 

• Nitrous oxide compounds (NO x) 

• Soot 

• Unburned fuel 

• Moisture 

Heat 

Attics can overheat from long days of 

summer sunshine, and excess moisture can accumulate 

in the winter. Attic ventilation systems and 

components are designed to: 

• Remove excess heat to lower attic 

temperatures 

• Remove excess moisture to reduce 

relative humidity 

Control of these factors through proper ventilation 

will enhance the comfort and indoor air quality 

of the home to help keep the occupants breathing 

safely. A quality ventilation system also contributes 

to preserving the structural integrity of the home, reducing 

maintenance costs and adding to the home’s 

value. The strategies outlined in Figure 1 include: 

www.hvi.org H V G 9


Guide 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND RESPIRATORY AILMENTS 

1. Intermittent local ventilation – For bathroom, 

kitchen and other moisture-, odor- and contaminant-producing 

areas. 

2. Continuous whole-house ventilation – To 

remove stale, polluted air and distribute fresh, 

outdoor air throughout the house. 

3. Attic and crawlspace ventilation – To protect 

attics and crawlspaces. 

Home ventilation products are designed for 

easy installation and typically require little 

maintenance. Consumers should consult with 

their builder or HVAC contractor to determine 

the appropriate HVI-Certified products for their 

particular application. The contractor will ensure 

that products are properly installed and 

arrange for regularly scheduled system checkups 

to verify that the ventilation system is operating 

effectively. ■ 

Asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments are serious 

problems affecting people of all ages. Considering that 

people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors (65 

percent in their homes), it’s no surprise that many researchers 

are studying the effects of indoor air on these ailments. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found 

the levels of common organic pollutants to be two to five 

times higher inside homes than outside, whether they were 

located in rural or highly industrialized areas. When products 

containing organic chemicals are used, people expose 

themselves and their families to very high pollutant levels, 

which can linger long after the activity is over. Elements 

contained in indoor air can trigger asthma and allergy 

attacks as well as aggravate other respiratory conditions. 

The American Lung Association has estimated that in 

2004, approximately 20.5 million Americans suffered from 

asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in 

childhood, currently affecting the lives of an estimated 6.2 

million children under 18 years. 

In its educational literature, the American Lung 

Association stresses that ventilation is an important strategy 

for helping to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, allergies 

and other respiratory ailments. Along with incorporating 

proper ventilation strategies in the home, the association 

also recommends controlling trigger sources and cleaning 

the air. 

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www.hvi.org 


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TOTAL PEACE OF MIND. 

DO YOU HAVE IT? 

EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS SHORT OF THE MARK 

Because it’s the mark regulators prefer, UL certified equipment is more likely to receive immediate regulatory 

acceptance. And because consumers associate the mark with safety, you can be confident that any UL certified 

products you select will satisfy your customers’ expectations. To put your mind at ease, turn to the testing and 

certification organization with unparalleled market acceptance. Turn to UL. 

Visit www.ul.com/hvacr to learn how UL 

can provide you with the peace of mind you need. 


Copyright © 2006 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ® 

ULAB-637 10/06


Guide 

Ventilating 

Living Areas 

Bathrooms, kitchens and other 

rooms have individual needs 

for ventilation. 

Proper ventilation of a home’s interior living area 

requires two complementary strategies: 

1. Applying local, or “intermittent,” ventilation in 

areas with short periods of poor air quality such 

as bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms using 

fans that exhaust polluted air to the outdoors. 

This limits the spread of contaminants to other 

areas of the home. Sometimes, it’s necessary to 

combine local ventilation with intakes that provide 

outside makeup air. 

2. Applying whole-house continuous ventilation 

for the entire living area using quiet fans or heat 

or energy recovery ventilators that constantly 

work to expel stale air and bring in fresh, outside 

air. 

Let’s start with the first strategy, applying intermittent, 

local ventilation. 

12 

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www.hvi.org

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©2006 American Standard All rights reserved 



Guide 

Photo courtesy of Broan-NuTone LLC 

BATHROOMS 

Moisture control where it’s needed most 

During a bath or shower, the humidity level in a bathroom 

can be like that in a tropical rain forest – uncomfortable, hot 

and damaging – a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew 

and microorganisms that can impact your health. 

Excess moisture has tremendous potential for damaging 

the home. It cracks and peels paint, ruins gypsum wallboard, 

causes exterior paint failure, warps doors and rusts 

cabinets and fixtures. Without control, it can even cause 

deterioration of joists and framing above the bathroom. As 

it condenses on windows, walls, ceilings and cabinets, it 

attracts dirt and makes more frequent cleaning and decorating 

necessary. It encourages mildew on tile grout and 

generally provides an environment for increased bacterial 

growth. 

Exhaust fans, ducted to the outside, remove moisture and 

prevent these types of problems in bathrooms and spa areas. 

Not only will occupants be more comfortable after a bath, 

shower or spa, but the room will also be rid of odors, potentially 

hazardous aerosol vapors and other pollutants. In addition 

to healthier air, this minimizes the potential for home 

damage, saving the homeowner the cost of making repairs 

to correct problems that were simply preventable. 

It is also possible to vent bathrooms with a central exhaust 

system using inline fans or heat or energy recovery 

ventilators. 

Attractive options to complement every décor 

Today, there are many attractive options for bathroom 

exhaust fans. Existing homes – where old fans may be ineffective 

and noisy – can benefit from quiet, effective, easily 

installed upgrades. In new construction, homeowners can 

use bathroom ventilation products to complement the interior 

design, in styles ranging from simple to lavish. 

Bathroom exhaust fans can remove moisture many 

times faster than no fan at all. HVI recommends ventilation 

rates based on eight air changes per hour. For most bathrooms 

this works out to one CFM per square foot of bathroom 

area (70 CFM for a 7 x 10 bathroom), but a minimum 

of 50 CFM is required even for small bathrooms 

(see page 30). Fans should be installed as near to the 

shower as possible and, if marked as suitable for this location, 

directly over it to capture the moisture as directly as 

possible. Your fan should have a control that will allow the 

fan to run at least 20 to 30 minutes after each shower to ensure 

that moisture levels are reduced. 

14 

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www.hvi.org

Venmar AVS and HVI: Partnership for Success 

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Guide 


TYPES OF FANS 

Bathrooms, Kitchens and Other Rooms 

Many types of fans are available to meet any application 

requiring local ventilation. 

■ CEILING EXHAUST FANS – These fans are mounted in the 

ceiling and discharge either vertically through the roof or 

horizontally through the exterior wall. 

■ FAN-LIGHTS and HEAT/FAN-LIGHT COMBINATION UNITS – 

These fans offer the convenience of built-in illumination in 

combination with bathroom ventilation. 

■ REMOTE EXTERIOR-MOUNTED VENTILATORS – These mount 

outside the building and pull, rather than push, the air through 

the duct. Much of the mechanical sound stays outside, so 

these fans maintain a low sound level inside the house. 

■ INLINE FANS – Duct-mounted, these fans are available in 

single-port or multiport versions to exhaust air from several 

areas with one main fan, located remotely (for more 

information, see the sidebar on page 17). 

■ WALL FANS – Made to be located in and exhausting 

through an outside wall. Installation is easy as no ducting is 

required. Integral switches and outside weather hoods that 

close when you turn off the fan may be included. 

■ KITCHEN RANGE HOODS – A fan with an enclosure 

designed to capture odors and humidity from a cooking 

surface. Most kitchen range hoods are located over the 

cooking surface and have an internal fan, but there are also 

downdraft kitchen exhauster units designed to pull air across 

the cooking surface, as well as kitchen range hoods designed 

for remote-mounted fans. 

Control options for all fans: A wide variety of controls are 

available. They include electronic variable-speed controls, 

timers, humidistats and dual fan-light and/or fan-heater 

combinations. 

KITCHENS 

Cooking and gathering in comfort 

Kitchens are one of the most popular gathering 

places in today’s homes. Cozy, comfortable and often 

connected to living areas, they serve as a place 

to relax, cook, catch up on daily events, do homework 

and make plans. 

For all the warm images a kitchen may conjure, 

something hidden lingers – pollution! In fact, 

kitchens can be a main source of pollutants in a 

home. Consider all the grease, smoke, undesirable 

odors, gas cooking by-products and moisture generated 

during the cooking process – pollutants that 

cling to walls, ceilings, carpeting, upholstery and 

drapes – requiring frequent cleaning and all the effort 

and expense that entails. 

An array of products is available to keep kitchens 

ventilated properly. They include a wide selection of 

kitchen range hoods, downdraft kitchen exhausters 

and kitchen fans – all designed to keep the air fresh 

and the environment comfortable. 

Kitchen range hoods and downdraft 

kitchen exhausters 

Kitchen range hoods not only expel heat, smoke, 

moisture and odors quickly and directly, they are 

also attractive and useful additions to the kitchen. 

Today, they are available in a variety of styles, designer 

colors or metal finishes. They provide bright 

cooktop lighting, and some models offer a variety 

of light levels including a subtle nightlight. 

Kitchen range hoods installed directly over the 

range capture heated air, moisture, smoke, gas 

fumes and odors, while a fan exhausts them 

through ductwork to the outside. An easily removed 

and cleaned filter traps grease. A kitchen 

range hood should be at least the same width as 

the cooking surface it will serve and be mounted 

directly over it at a height of 18 to 30 inches above 

the burners. 

For normal cooking conditions, two-speed or 

variable-speed controls provide a choice of a lower 

speed and quieter operation. Hoods with a wide variety 

of sound and airflow ratings are available. The 

appropriate airflow capacity is determined by evaluating 

the cooking unit and the occupants’ cooking 

habits. More-demanding cooks usually require 

more exhaust capacity to handle loads resulting 

16 

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from moisture generated by boiling large pots of 

water or the grease and smoke resulting from 

grilling or frying. 

What about cooking surfaces in peninsulas or islands? 

A larger-capacity kitchen range hood can 

provide better capture when there are crosscurrents 

and when the hood needs to be mounted 

higher. Downdraft kitchen exhausters are an acceptable 

alternative. Larger kitchen range hoods, 

as well as downdraft kitchen exhausters, are stylishly 

designed to complement the wide variety of 

styles of today’s kitchens. 

The majority of kitchens in newly built homes 

are equipped with kitchen range hoods. Older 

homes present an opportunity for new installations 

to upgrade kitchen ventilation with a kitchen range 

hood or a downdraft kitchen exhauster. However, 

if neither is an option, homeowners may select 

kitchen fans, which will provide good general ventilation 

in the kitchen. Kitchen fans may be used 

alone or with kitchen range hoods. They can also 

provide fresh airflow during periods when the 

cooking surface is unused. 

It is important to note that nonducted, recirculating 

kitchen range hoods provide no real ventilation 

– they simply recirculate the air collected from 

the cooktop back into the kitchen. They do not reduce 

moisture and have limited value in managing 

odors. For optimum kitchen air quality, always use 

kitchen range hoods, downdraft kitchen exhausters 

or fans, which vent directly to the outside 

of the home. 

INLINE FANS 

Inline fans present an attractive option for homeowners 

who want to locate the fan away from the room or rooms 

that need exhausting. 

Inline fans are mounted inline with the ductwork, bringing 

air from the inside and to the outside of the home. An inline 

fan may also be described as a remote-mounted fan. 

Inline fans are useful for applications that include: 

■ Ventilation of wet spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens 

and laundries; 

■ Remote fans for kitchen range hoods; 

■ Duct boosters for ventilation systems and clothes dryers; 

■ Supply or exhaust fans for continuous whole-house 

ventilation; and 

■ Radon mitigation systems. 

Inline fans come in many different configurations, sizes 

and capabilities to meet a wide variety of ventilation needs. 

They are available as simple single-port versions or versatile 

multiport versions. Single-port units have one incoming 

supply duct and one outgoing exhaust duct. Multiport 

versions have multiple ducts with a minimum of one inlet 

and one exhaust. A single fan can then manage air 

movement to or from multiple locations (e.g., two 

bathrooms). By varying duct sizes, inserting “Y” fittings to 

branch duct runs, employing adjustable grille openings and 

varying the fan speeds, different ventilation rates are 

possible for each location connected. Multiport versions 

offer ventilation capacity appropriate for larger-scale singlefamily, 

multifamily and commercial buildings. 

Inline fans are available in a range of airflow capacities 

from about 100 CFM, suitable for many housing needs, to 

2,000 CFM for commercial applications. Manufacturers offer 

a variety of sizes, flow capacities, ducting configurations, 

controls and accessories. 

www.hvi.org H V G 17


Guide 

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FRESH AIR INLETS: AN OPTION FOR 

PROVIDING MAKEUP AIR 

Fresh air inlets, also known as trickle ventilators, 

are effective for providing fresh air from outdoors 

to individual rooms, such as bedrooms and living 

rooms, in conjunction with exhaust fans operating 

continuously for general ventilation. Inlets are 

available for walls or windows in mechanical or 

nonpowered versions that occupants can adjust 

themselves. Standard self-regulating and humiditycontrolled 

air versions are available. Features 

typically include adjustable airflow (volume and 

direction), insulation to eliminate condensation 

and reduce sound penetration, and dust and 

insect filters. It is possible to duct small, powered 

makeup air systems to individual rooms, such as 

bedrooms, to ensure they receive fresh air. 

sound protection 

for your home 

Quiet... 

Attractive... 

Effective... 

Proper ventilation can now be achieved quietly 

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the Air King Deluxe Quiet Exhaust Fan Series. Our 

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www.hvi.org 

Photo courtesy of Fantech, Inc. 

OTHER ROOMS 

Better air everywhere 

There are many other rooms in the house that 

can benefit from ventilation. Examples include 

laundry rooms, workshops/hobby areas, family 

and recreation rooms. Removing contaminants 

such as tobacco smoke, odors, fumes, hot air and 

humidity from these rooms – thus encouraging air 

movement and a fresh air supply – provides better 

indoor air quality for the entire family and protects 

the home itself. 

Ventilation products for use in these areas are 

similar to those used for baths and kitchens. Consumers 

will find a wide range of airflow capacities 

with designs that fit any décor. 

One of the most important areas to ventilate is 

the laundry room. Consider all the mold and 

mildew that can accumulate in this area, from 

damp clothes, splashing water or other factors. A 

ducted exhaust fan installed near the washing machine 

will remove 

heat and moisture 

that can make laundry 

an unwelcome 

chore. 

Clothes dryers 

must be vented directly 

to the outside 

of the house. In 

many newer homes, 

the laundry room is 

located a considerable 

distance away 

from the exterior 

walls, resulting in 

long ducts and reduced 

airflow. In 

these cases, booster 

fans can be used to 

ensure proper airflow. 

The illustration 

on this page 

shows one option 

for installing a dryer 

booster fan. ■



Guide 

Continuous Whole-House 

Ventilation 

Fans, heat or energy recovery ventilators work 

continuously to improve indoor air quality. 

A continuous, balanced ventilation system 

brings in fresh air from the outside while 

exhausting stale air from the inside. 

(www.hvi.org) provides information on a 

variety of products that can be used for 

continuous whole-house ventilation. It is 

important to choose a system appropriate 

for your climate. Balanced systems with 

both supply and exhaust air can generally be 

used in any climate. Exhaust-only systems are 

appropriate for temperate to cold climates, 

while supply-only systems are more appropriate for 

hot climates. 

In the early 1980s, continuous whole-house ventilation 

systems were developed to meet the indoor 

air quality needs of the tight, well-insulated 

homes being developed at that time. Continuous 

whole-house ventilation can be provided by singleand 

multiport exhaust and supply fans; balanced 

ventilators; and heat or energy recovery ventilators 

(HRVs or ERVs). 

One or more fans can be combined to supply fresh 

air and exhaust stale air to provide a continuous 

level of general ventilation throughout the home. 

These fans are typically very quiet (less than 1.5 

sones) or are remotely located to reduce the perceived 

sound level in the home. Sometimes it is possible 

to upgrade a bathroom exhaust fan to a very 

quiet fan that operates all the time to provide both 

local bathroom exhaust and continuous wholehouse 

ventilation. The HVI Certified Home Ventilating 

Products Directory located on the HVI website 

Heat and energy recovery ventilators 

Heat and energy recovery ventilators (HRVs and 

ERVs) bring in fresh air from the outdoors while exhausting 

stale air from the home. Both HRVs and 

ERVs moderate the temperature of the fresh air by 

conducting heat from one air stream to the other. 

Additionally, ERVs modify the humidity content of 

the fresh air through the transfer of water vapor 

from one air stream to the other. Since HRVs and 

ERVs combine both exhaust and fresh air intakes, 

we describe them as balanced systems. The continuous 

fresh air that is provided conditions and 

improves the indoor air quality, thus increasing 

occupant comfort, especially for those who suffer 

from allergies and respiratory ailments. 

How they work 

The HRV or ERV is a combination of fans, controls 

and heat-recovery elements that exhaust stale 

air from the home, bring fresh air in from outdoors 

and transfer heat energy from one air stream to the 

20 

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Guide 

other. A continuously running HRV or ERV provides 

a steady supply of fresh air to the home, while recovering 

a portion of the energy normally lost 

through non-heat-recovery ventilation. 

In the winter, heat from the stale exhaust air is captured 

by the heat recovery core and transferred to the 

cold incoming air. In the summer, the outgoing, airconditioned 

exhaust air cools the incoming air. 

HRVs and ERVs filter the fresh outside supply air, 

minimizing the entry of pollen, dust and insects into 

the home, and are intended to operate year-round. 

Models suitable for extremely cold climates are 

equipped with automatic defrost mechanisms, allowing 

continuous operation throughout the winter. 

HRVs and ERVs are available as stand-alone units 

with independent ductwork, or they may be connected 

to existing forced-air heating and cooling 

systems. Properly selected, installed, operated and 

maintained, an HRV and ERV will: 

• Exhaust indoor pollutants and help to maintain 

good indoor air quality. 

• Provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered 

and tempered outdoor air throughout the home. 

• Recover heat from the exhaust air in winter. 

• Control excess indoor humidity when outdoor 

humidity levels are lower. 

• Cool incoming air in summer when the house is 

air-conditioned. 

• Provide an energy-efficient means for reducing 

acute indoor air-pollutant problems such as 

radon, formaldehyde, excess moisture or odors. 

ERVs can reduce the moisture content of the 

fresh incoming air, reducing the load on the air-conditioning 

system. 

What’s in your attic? 

Proper ventilation is the key to eliminating 

heat and moisture in your home. 

We manufacture certified, high quality, 

aluminum vented soffit in the following 

profiles--Double 5, Double 6, Triple 4 and 

Quad 4. Available in 30 designer colors. 

Quality Aluminum Products, Inc. 

For a complete line of aluminum building products 

For more information call 800-550-1667 

or visit our website at 

www.qualityaluminum.com 





Guide 

Many ERVs look and operate very similarly to HRVs. An ERV not only conducts 

heat but also allows water vapor to pass from one air stream to the 

other. In cold weather, moisture is transferred from the exhaust air stream to 

the fresh air stream. In warm, humid summer weather, the ERV transfers 

moisture from the fresh air stream into the exhaust air stream, which the air 

conditioner has cooled. In both cases, this moderates the humidity from the 

extreme levels found outdoors. 

Selecting a model 

There are many different models of HRVs and ERVs, each with its own advantages 

and uses. To select the right model for your application, consult HVI’s Certified 

Home Ventilating Products Directory, available at www.hvi.org, which 

contains performance-testing reports for HVI-Certified HRVs and ERVs. 

Airflow is an important consideration when selecting an HRV or ERV, as the 

unit’s first function is ventilation. It is critical to select a unit suitable for use in 

the climate in which it will be installed. In cold climates, the unit’s frost 

protection must be sufficient 

“RECIRCULATION” 

IS NOT VENTILATION 

Ventilation is one of the most 

misunderstood parts of any central 

heating and air-conditioning system. 

Builders, contractors and 

homeowners alike may believe that 

the home’s ventilation needs are 

being met by the central forced-air 

system since it provides air 

movement and distribution. The 

American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning 

Engineers (ASHRAE) defines 

ventilation for indoor air quality as, 

“the process of supplying outdoor air 

to or removing indoor air from a 

dwelling by natural or mechanical 

means.” 

Traditional forced-air heating and 

cooling systems do not ventilate; 

they only recirculate the same air 

through the dwelling over and over 

again, controlling temperature but 

doing little to improve air quality. A 

large variety of excellent mechanical 

ventilation solutions is available, from 

single-point exhaust fans to 

balanced supply and exhaust 

systems with heat and energy 

recovery. Installation of HVI-Certified 

ventilation products will help to 

ensure optimum indoor air quality. 

to ensure that ventilation 

will continue throughout the 

winter. 

Other factors to consider 

include “sensible heat-recovery 

efficiency,” controls, type of 

defrost system and power consumption. 

To determine the best choice 

for your area, contact HVI 

member companies, which 

have many years of experience 

with HRVs and ERVs. 

Control options 

The controls for continuous 

ventilators range from simple 

to complex. Controls are 

available that permit variable 

ventilation rates, automatic 

high-speed operation (when 

bathrooms are in use, for example), 

automatic operation 

to control excess humidity, 

timed or proportional operation, 

and even air-quality-sensing. 

HVI member companies 

can provide detailed information 

to guide your selection 

process. ■ 

24 


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Guide 

Whole-House Comfort 

Ventilators 

Simple cooling for the 

entire home. 

Whole-house comfort ventilators can provide 

an effective way to improve comfort in the 

entire house without air conditioning. If the 

home has air conditioning, whole-house comfort ventilators 

may help reduce energy costs because the air 

conditioner doesn’t have to operate as frequently. 

Available in various models to fit any home, wholehouse 

comfort ventilators allow the house to 

“breathe freely” when summer breezes are not strong 

enough to cool the house. A properly located wholehouse 

comfort ventilator draws cooler outside air 

through screened windows and doors, pulls it up 

through the house and exhausts it, usually through 

static vents in the attic. With traditional, high-volume 

whole-house comfort ventilators, the result is a cooling 

breeze throughout the house that can lower skin 

temperature by two to eight degrees – a significant 

cooling effect. In the evening, the fan provides relief 

from the day’s heat by flushing the house with cool 

night air as the outdoor temperature drops. 

How they work: 

• In the early evening, or when the temperature 

outside is less than the inside temperature, the 

homeowner opens the windows and turns on the 

fan. 

• Later in the evening, the homeowner closes the 

windows and doors in unoccupied areas and opens 

the bedroom windows so the air flows only through 

the bedroom areas. 

• In the morning, the homeowner opens the windows 

and lets the fan draw in cool air until the outside 

temperature rises, at which time they turn off 

the fan and close the windows and doors to store the 

cool air indoors. Closing the drapes, especially on 

the sunny side, also helps keep the house cool. 

Large, traditional whole-house comfort ventilators 

generate enough airflow through the house to 

create a perceivable “breeze” that cools both the 

house and its occupants. As houses have become 

more energy-efficient with smaller heating and cooling 

loads, smaller whole-house comfort ventilators 

can effectively cool the mass of the house quietly 

26 

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with low energy cost. These efficient units usually 

have motorized and insulated doors and can be used 

to meet cooling loads and the requirements of many 

energy-efficiency programs. 

A whole-house comfort ventilator can reduce airconditioning 

operating costs and help prolong compressor 

life by ridding a house of hot air before the 

air conditioner is turned on. 

Mounting configurations 

Whole-house comfort ventilators are mounted in 

one of three ways: 

• Horizontally – Suspended on joists over a ceiling 

opening in a central location and concealed by a 

ceiling grille or a shutter with automatically opening 

louvers. 

• Vertically – Usually installed in a gable end with 

a motor-operated ceiling grille in a central location. 

You can install smaller fans in a wall of the living 

space. 

• Through the wall or roof in houses that have no 

attic. 

Note: For these systems to work properly, there 

must be adequate openings from the attic to the outside. 

Openings should be provided equal in “clear” 

area to the airflow in CFM of the fan divided by 750. 

For example, a whole-house comfort ventilator with 

a 3,000 CFM capacity should have openings from the 

attic to the outside equal to a clear four square feet. 

Whole-house comfort ventilators are modular, requiring 

only minimal on-site assembly; manufacturers 

usually provide templates for cutting ceiling, 

gable or wall openings. 

Control options 

Timers and thermostats are available for starting 

and shutting off fans automatically. Two-speed and 

infinite-speed controls are available on some models, 

and other models include remote or “smart 

house” controls. 

Note: To prevent negative pressure and back 

drafting of combustion appliances, automatic controls 

must not be used when windows are closed. ■ 





Guide 

Attic Ventilation 

The advantages of air movement beneath the roof. 

It is essential to include proper attic ventilation 

when building a house – local building codes will provide 

guidance for your area. Attic ventilation is an important 

factor in preventing weather-induced home deterioration. 

Reduction of heat buildup, which can reach 150°F on 

hot summer days, and moisture in the winter are the 

two main goals of attic ventilation. 

Heat and humidity can weaken the home’s structural 

integrity and cause interior finish, drywall and exterior 

paint failures. The high cost of energy, home repairs 

and maintenance should be incentive enough for 

homeowners to properly ventilate their attics. 

The purpose of attic ventilation is to equalize temperatures 

inside and outside the attic throughout the 

year. In summer, this equalization of temperatures 

helps make the living areas beneath the attic cooler and 

more comfortable; this can help reduce how hard the 

air conditioner needs to work, thus lowering its 

operating costs. This equalization helps reduce heat 

that will distort and destroy roof shingles and cause the 

premature deterioration of roof boards, sheathing, siding 

and insulation. 

In winter, equalizing attic and outside temperatures 

helps to prevent moist air, which seeps into cold areas, 

from condensing on the underside of the roof surface, 

beams and rafters. This condensation can cause 

mildew, rotting of wood and excessive rusting of fasteners 

and other metal components of the roof structure. 

Excess condensation creates wet insulation, 

For better solutions in home ventilation, 

choose Continental Fan! 

A comfortable home requires good ventilation, and Continental Fan offers remote mounted 

silent fan solutions to help create an ideal home environment. AXC In-Line Duct Fans and 

EXT External Mount Fans deliver quiet, efficient and superior ventilation. 

Bathroom Exhaust 

- Available in one or two ventilation points. 

- Ideal for wet applications, and may be installed directly over a shower. 

Range Hood Exhaust 

- Powerful and silent range hood exhaust. 

- Improve efficiency of an existing range hood by applying as a booster fan. 

Dryer Boosting 

- Improved energy efficiency and less wear & tear on the dryer. 

- Ideal for use in interior laundry room applications. 

Duct Boosting 

- Designed to boost airflow through long or complex duct runs. 

- Ideal for areas that are difficult to heat or cool. 

A full range of accessories and fan kits are available to suit most applications. 

USA: Continental Fan Manufacturing Inc. Tel: 800-779-4021 Web: www.continentalfan.com 

Canada: Aeroflo Inc. Tel: 905-890-6192 Web: www.aeroflo.com 

28 

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which diminishes its effectiveness and in sufficient 

quantities may damage interior ceilings. 

Proper attic ventilation can also help prevent the 

formation of “ice dams” in the winter by equalizing the 

indoor and outdoor temperatures. Ice dams occur 

when snow hits a part of a home’s roof warmed by 

heat loss from the interior. The snow then melts and 

freezes at the eave area of the roof, where it’s colder. 

Here the mounds of ice and snow often drip and form 

icicles. 

Powered and static attic ventilators 

Effective attic ventilation requires air to exit the attic 

at or near the peak of the roof and replacement air to be 

drawn in under the eaves of the house. This can be 

achieved using a combination of static vents, or the 

ventilation can be given a boost using powered attic 

ventilators (PAVs). 

PAVs pull air out of the attic and are usually 

equipped with automatic thermostats, which activate 

the unit as the temperature rises above the setpoint. 

They are usually placed near the roof peak on the back 

slope of the roof, where they are less visible from the 

street, or high on a gable end wall. A humidistat may 

also be used to start the unit automatically when the 

humidity rises above the selected setting in the winter. 

Static vents, both intake and exhaust, are not electrically 

powered and depend on natural airflow for ventilation. 

Intake vents are necessary whether using a 

static exhaust system or a powered attic ventilator. Static 

vents include ridge vents, roof vents, gable vents 

and turbines. 

• Ridge vents are installed at the peak of the roof, often 

along its entire length. Roof vents cover holes cut in 

the roof near the peak to let air escape and to prevent 

rain, snow and insects from entering the attic. 

• Gable end vents, generally triangular, rectangular 

or round in shape, have either adjustable louvers to fit a 

wide range of roof pitches, or fixed louvers for a specific 

pitch. They are mounted at the highest point of the 

gable. 

• The intake vents, necessary to balance the systems, 

are installed under the eaves in the soffits. 

To be effective, both intake and exhaust vents must 

be present to promote air movement. Static ventilators 

are also available for installation in sidewalls to reduce 

peeling of siding paint and moisture damage. 

Guidelines for determining which type of static 

vents best fit a particular application are available from 

HVI member companies. ■ 




Guide 

How Much 

Ventilation Do I Need? 

HVI’s ventilation guidelines. 

Ventilation products have differing capacities 

for moving air, making it important to ensure 

the product being selected has ample capacity 

for the application. HVI’s Certified airflow rating 

appears on the product or on the HVI label displayed 

on each unit, in the manufacturer’s literature describing 

the fan and in the HVI Certified Home Ventilating 

Products Directory available at www.hvi.org. 

The following guidelines will help you to determine 

the fan capacity required for your application. 

• A timer or other control that ensures ventilation 

continues for a minimum of 20 minutes after each 

use of the bathroom should be installed in each 

bathroom. 

Bathrooms – intermittent ventilation 

HVI recommends the following intermittent ventilation 

rates for bathrooms: 

Bathroom size Calculation formula Ventilation rate required 

Less than 1 CFM per sq. foot A minimum of 50 CFM 

100 sq. feet of floor area 

More than Add the CFM Toilet 50 CFM 

100 sq. feet requirement Shower 50 CFM 

for each fixture Bathtub 50 CFM 

Jetted tub 100 CFM 

• An enclosed toilet should have its own exhaust 

fan. 

• Fans approved for installation in wet areas 

should be located over the shower or tub whenever 

possible. 

• Bathroom doors need to have at least 3/4" clearance 

to the finished floor to allow proper entry of 

makeup air. 


• For steam rooms, HVI recommends a separate 

fan located in the steam room that can be turned on 

after use to clear the heat and humidity. 

Bathrooms – continuous ventilation 

Continuous ventilation at a minimum rate of 20 

CFM may be used in lieu of an intermittent 50 CFM 

exhaust fan. 

Kitchen range hoods 

Recommended kitchen range hood ventilation 

rates vary greatly depending on the type of cooking 

30 

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performed and the location of the range. Kitchen 

range hoods mounted above the range capture contaminants 

with their canopy shapes and exhaust 

them effectively with relatively low air volume. 

Downdraft kitchen exhausters require a higher volume 

and velocity of air to adequately capture contaminants. 

They are an alternative when canopystyle 

hoods are not desired due to location of the 

cooking surface and kitchen aesthetics; however, 

their performance cannot equal that of hoods that 

capture the rising column of air above the cooking 

surface. When considering a downdraft kitchen exhauster, 

consult the range manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Kitchen range hoods equipped with multiplespeed 

settings allow low-level, quiet ventilation for 

light cooking with the ability for higher rates when 

needed. 

• For hoods located over islands multiply the rate 

by 1.5. 

• For “professional-style” cooktops, HVI recommends 

following the cooktop manufacturer’s advice 

Location of HVI recommended Minimum ventilation rate 

range ventilation rate per per linear foot of range 

linear foot of range 

Against a wall 100 CFM 40 CFM 

In an island 150 CFM 50 CFM 

Width of hood against a wall 2.5 feet (30 in.) 3 feet (36 in.) 4.0 feet (48 in.) 

HVI recommended rate 250 CFM 300 CFM 400 CFM 

Minimum 100 CFM 120 CFM 160 CFM 

to determine ventilation requirements. 

• Inflated performance ratings are common for 

range hoods that are not HVI-Certified. Selecting 

range hoods with HVI-Certified Performance Ratings 

will ensure that ventilation expectations and 

building code requirements are met. 

Note: Nonducted, recirculation kitchen range 

hoods provide no actual ventilation. For optimum 

kitchen air quality, always use kitchen range 

hoods, kitchen fans or downdraft kitchen exhausters 

that vent directly outside the home. 

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60 CFM/0.9 SONES 

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180 CFM 

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120 CFM/1.0SONES 

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160 CFM 

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110 CFM/1.5 SONES 

The above is only a sample of our extensive product line up. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

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Guide 

Heat and energy recovery ventilators 

For continuous indoor air quality ventilation, a 

heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) 

should provide 0.35 air changes per hour. This 

calculation must consider the complete occupied 

volume of the house. 

This rate can be more easily calculated by allowing 

5 CFM per 100 square feet of floor area. 

Total area of home (sq. ft.) Continuous ventilation 

rate 

1,000 sq. feet 50 CFM 

2,000 sq. feet 100 CFM 

3,000 sq. feet 150 CFM 

In addition to this minimum, continuous ventilation 

rate, HRVs and ERVs often have additional capacity 

to provide higher ventilation rates to meet the 

occupants’ needs. Such needs could occur as a result 

of larger gatherings of people; smoking; a hobby or 

activity using paint, glues or other air-quality contaminants; 

or for any other reason that requires additional 

ventilation to improve the quality of indoor air. 

Local codes may require different continuous 

ventilation rates – always check with your building 

officials to determine the specific requirements for 

your area. 

Whole-house comfort ventilator 

HVI recommends that a whole-house comfort ventilator 

have a minimum capacity to provide approximately 

one complete air change every two minutes 

within the occupied area. This flow rate will be great 

enough to create a perceptible “breeze” through the 

house. The required flow rate can be calculated by 

multiplying the gross square footage of the entire 

house (including unoccupied areas like closets) by 3. 

Be sure to include the “upstairs” area of multilevel 

homes. This formula assumes an eight-foot ceiling 

and takes into account typical unoccupied areas. 

House area 

Capacity in CFM 

1,000 sq. feet 3,000 CFM 

2,000 sq. feet 6,000 CFM 

3,000 sq. feet 9,000 CFM 

32 

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A smaller fan can effectively cool the mass of the 

house, relying on other fans such as “paddle-fans” to 

create the breeze needed to cool the people. This 

lower flow rate can be determined by multiplying 

the square footage by 0.4. 

2,000 sq. feet 800 CFM 

3,000 sq. feet 1,200 CFM 

For proper cooling and efficient operation, any 

whole-house comfort ventilator requires adequate, 

unobstructed outlets in the attic through soffit 

vents, grilles or louvers. 

To calculate the amount of attic exhaust area you 

will need, divide the fan’s capacity in CFM by 750. 

Fan capacity 

Exhaust area required 

1,000 CFM 1.5 sq. feet 

4,800 CFM 6.4 sq. feet 

NOTE: Large fans can put the house under significant 

negative pressure. At least one window 

should be open before the fan is operated. 

Powered attic ventilators – PAVs 

Powered attic ventilators should provide at least 

10 air changes per hour. Multiplying the total square 

footage of the attic by 0.7 will provide the rate required. 

For particularly dark or steep roofs, we recommend 

a slightly higher rating. 

Attic area CFM required +15% for 

/ in sq. feet 

dark/steep roofs 

1,000 sq. feet 700 CFM 805 CFM 

2,000 sq. feet 1,400 CFM 1,610 CFM 

3,000 sq. feet 2,100 CFM 2,415 CFM 

The air being exhausted must be replaced by outside 

air drawn through vents under the eaves in the 

soffit. To calculate the total minimum soffit vent intake 

area in square inches, divide the CFM of the 

PAV by 300 and multiply the result by 144. 

CFM of PAV 

Soffit vent in net sq. in. 

805 CFM 386 net sq. inches 

1,610 CFM 773 net sq. inches 

2,415 CFM 1,160 net sq. inches 

A minimum of one square foot of inlet area for 

every 300 CFM of HVI-Certified fan capacity is required 

for proper fan operation. 

• Use only soffit vents as fresh-air intakes for 

powered attic ventilators. 

• Do not use gable vents because it’s possible to 

draw rain and snow into the attic. 

Static attic ventilation 

In all seasons, the attic space is warmer than the 

outside air. This results in a constant upward air 

movement due to the buoyancy of warmer air. This 

characteristic of air may be used to help create a 

flow of air ventilating the attic. Placing exhaust vents 

in the roof, the gables or at the ridge of the roof and 

providing adequate air intake vents in the soffits best 

accomplishes this. HVI recommends vent selection 

and placement such that 60 percent of the vent net 

free area is provided by intake vents placed at the under-eave 

area and 40 percent of the vent net free area 

is provided by exhaust vents on the roof, at the ridge 

or high in the gable area. 

To determine the static ventilator net free area 

(NFA) needed for your attic space, determine the 

area of the attic in square feet. Divide that area by 

150 to determine the square feet of attic ventilation 

needed. Since manufacturers of static ventilation 

products rate their products in square inches of 

NFA, it will be necessary to multiply that value by 

144 to determine the square inches required. 

Attic area in sq. ft. Ventilation area in sq. ft. Net free area in sq. in. 

1,000 sq. feet 6.67 sq. feet 960 sq. inches 

2,000 sq. feet 13.3 sq. feet 1,920 sq. inches 


Static ventilation needs may be reduced if you 

have an uninterrupted ceiling vapor barrier installed 

with a rating of 0.1 perm or less. To calculate the 

ventilation required with such a vapor barrier, 

divide the square footage of the attic by 300 instead 

of 150. 

Attic area in sq. ft. Ventilation area in sq. ft. Net free area in sq. in. 




Use these numbers to select, proportion and 

place static ventilation products. ■ 


VENTILATION DESIGN AND INSTALLATION TRAINING 

In order to meet new code requirements and ensure 

homeowner satisfaction, today’s leading-edge contractors 

understand the importance of having an indepth 

knowledge of ventilation products, their appropriate 

application, installation, setup, maintenance 

and service. New and innovative ventilation options 

are readily available, but in order to choose the ventilation 

system that will provide optimum results, a 

number of criteria must be considered including: 

• Climatic conditions 

• Size and airtightness of the house 

• Size of system required to meet basic 

requirements 

• Additional system requirements to meet the 

needs of the occupants 

• Controls – type and location 

• Commissioning of the system 

• Maintenance requirements 

Knowing how to control indoor air quality and create 

a comfortable environment is essential to meeting 

the needs of today’s homeowner. Mechanical ventilation 

systems range from exhaust fans, simply ducted 

to the outside and controlled by an on/off switch, to 

heat and energy recovery ventilators, fully ducted 

with multiple control points. All systems require 

proper design, installation and maintenance in order 

to operate effectively. A poorly installed ventilation 

system will not perform as anticipated, resulting in 

potential damage to the home and safety concerns for 

the homeowner. 

SkillTech Academy, the education division of the 

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute 

(HRAI), offers Residential Mechanical Ventilation 

training programs throughout North America that provide 

mechanical installers, designers and builders 

with the knowledge required to design, install and 

maintain all types of residential ventilation systems. 

Using the core concept of the “House as a System,” the 

principles of building science are incorporated to provide 

a greater understanding of the critical role that 

ventilation plays in creating healthy, comfortable 

homes. This two-day course, which qualifies for 16 

hours of continuing education credits toward NATE 

certification, can be scheduled in any location for a 

minimum of 15 participants. 

For more information about this training program, 

visit the SkillTech Academy section of the HRAI website 

at www.hrai.ca or call 800/267-2231, ext. 232. 

“ 

SkillTech Academy’s Residential 

Mechanical Ventilation Training and 

Certification Program provided a practical 

value to the members of our technical 

community and brought attention to the 

fact that, as we move toward improving 

the way we build homes, the priority with 

which we treat ventilation of those homes 

must change as well. 

34 

The Residential Mechanical 

Ventilation Opportunity 

I was surprised by the number of 

participants who left with determination 

to change the way they address the issue 

of home ventilation. In the training world, 

that is a home run because what we want 

to see most of all is behavioral change 

within the technical community that 

” >> 

results in better and healthier systems 

for homeowners. 

Dave Swett 

HVAC Training Center Administrator 

Omaha, NE 


H V G www.hvi.org 

Can you afford not to train your technicians? 

SkillTech Academy’s Residential Mechanical Ventilation 

Installation training program explains the concepts of 

building science and the “House As A System” approach 

to pressure conditions. Appropriate for anyone involved 

in the design and installation of residential mechanical 

ventilation systems, including HRVs and ERVs, this 

2-day course covers: 

■ mechanical system interaction 

■ fundamentals of air quality assessment 

■ system requirements 

■ depressurization testing and 

■ duct layout and sizing 

For more information about the U.S. Residential Mechanical 

Ventilation training program, contact SkillTech Academy at 

800/267-2231, ext 232. Visit our Web site, www.hrai.ca, and 

go to SkillTech Training.

AD INDEX 

The following companies 

provided advertising 

support for this Guide. 

A.O. Smith – Electrical Products Co. 

531 North Fourth Street 

Tipp City, OH 45371 

U.S.A. 

937/667-2431 

Fax:937/667-5030 

www.aosmithmotors.com 

Circle 66 

Air-King Ventilation Products 

820 Lincoln Avenue 

West Chester, PA 19380 

U.S.A. 

610/692-7400 

Fax:610/696-8048 

www.airkinglimited.com 

Circle 60 

American Aldes Ventilation 

Corporation 

4537 Northgate Court 

Sarasota, FL 34234-2124 

U.S.A. 

941/351-3441 

Fax:941/351-3442 

www.aldes-us.com 

Circle 75 

American Standard 

6200 Troup Highway 

Tyler, TX 75711 

U.S.A. 

903/581-3467 

Fax:903/581-9070 

www.americanstandardair.com 

Circle 57 

Bodycote Testing Group 

2395 Speakman Drive 

Mississauga, ON L5K 1B3 

CANADA 

905/822-4111 

Fax:905/823-1446 

www.bodycotetesting.com 

Circle 68 

Broan-Nutone LLC 

926 West State Street 

Hartford, WI 53027-1098 

U.S.A. 

262/673-4340 

Fax:262/673-8696 

www.broan-nutone.com 

Circle 53, 78 

Continental Fan Manufacturing, Inc. 

203 Eggert Road 

Buffalo, NY 14215 

U.S.A. 

716/842-0670 

Fax:716/842-0611 

www.continentalfan.com 

Circle 70 

ebm-papst Inc. 

100 Hyde Road 

Farmington, CT 06034 

U.S.A. 

860/674-1515 

Fax:860/674-0108 

www.ebmpapst.com 

Circle 62 

Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas 

Engineering Experiment Station 

3581 TAMU 

College Station, TX 77843-3581 

U.S.A. 

979/845-6404 

Fax:979/845-6334 

www.esl.tamu.edu 

Circle 61 

Fantech, Inc. 

1712 Northgate Boulevard 

Sarasota, FL 34234 

U.S.A. 

941/309-6000 

Fax:800/487-9915 

www.fantech.net 

Circle 51 

Hangzhou AUPU Electrical 

Appliances Co., Ltd. 

1418 Moganshan Road 

Hangzhou, Zhejiang 

CHINA 

86/571-8817-5393 

Fax:86/571-8817-6188 

www.aupu.cn 

Circle 71 

Heating, Refrigeration and Air 

Conditioning Institute of Canada 

(HRAI) 

2800 Skymark Avenue, Building 1, Suite 201 

Mississauga, ON L4W 5A6 

CANADA 

905/602-4700 

Fax:905/602-1197 

www.hrai.ca 

Circle 74 

Imperial Air Technologies, Inc. 

480 Ferdinand Boulevard 

Dieppe, NB E1A 6B9 

CANADA 

506/859-9908 

Fax:506/388-4633 

www.imperialgroup.ca 

Circle 58 

Marley Engineered Products 

470 Beauty Spot Road, East 

Bennettsville, SC 29512-2700 

U.S.A. 

843/479-4006 

Fax:843/454-2261 

www.marleymeh.com 

Circle 69 

National HVAC Products, Inc./ 

Airex 

5 Sandhill Court, Unit #C 

Brampton, ON L6T 5J5 

CANADA 

905/790-8667 

Fax:905/790-1133 

www.airex.ca 

Circle 72 

Nu-Air Ventilation Systems, Inc. 

16 Nelson Street 

Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 

CANADA 

902/798-2261 

Fax:902/798-2557 

www.nu-airventilation.com 

Circle 63 



AD INDEX 

Nutech Brands, Inc. 

511 McCormick Boulevard 

London, ON N5W 4C8 

CANADA 

519/457-1904 

Fax:519/457-1676 

www.lifebreath.com 

Circle 50 

Panasonic 

1 Panasonic Way, 4A-6 

Secaucus, NJ 07094-2999 

U.S.A. 

201/271-3287 

Fax:201/392-4939 

www.panasonic.com/building 

Circle 54 

Quality Aluminum Products 

14544 Telegraph Road 

Flat Rock, MI 48134 

U.S.A. 

800/550-1667 

Fax:269/945-0342 

www.qualityaluminum.com 

Circle 64 

RenewAire LLC 

4510 Helgesen Drive 

Madison, WI 53718 

U.S.A. 

608/221-4499 

Fax:608/221-2824 

www.renewaire.com 

Circle 77 

Reversomatic Heating and 

Manufacturing, Ltd. 

790 Rowntree Dairy Road 

Woodbridge, ON L4L 5V3 

CANADA 

905/851-6701 

Fax:905/851-8376 

www.reversomatic.com 

Circle 65 

Soler & Palau USA/Breidert Air 

Products 

6393 Powers Avenue 

Jacksonville, FL 32217 

U.S.A. 

904/731-4711 

Fax:904/731-3610 

www.soler-palau.com 

Circle 76 

Stelpro Design, Inc. 

1041 Parent 

Saint-Bruno, QC J3V 6L7 

CANADA 

450/441-0101 

Fax:450/441-0106 

www.stelpro.com 

Circle 67 

Trane 

6200 Troup Highway 

Tyler, TX 75711 

U.S.A. 

903/581-3415 

Fax:817/251-6540 

www.trane.com 

Circle 52 

Trent Metals Limited/Summer 

Aire Manufacturing 

2040 Fisher Drive, P. O. Box 4088 

Peterborough, ON K9J 7B1 

CANADA 

705/745-4736 

Fax:705/745-6491 

www.trentmetals.com 

Circle 73 

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 

333 Pfingsten Road 

Northbrook, IL 60062 

U.S.A. 

847/664-1637 

Fax:847/272-8129 

www.ul.com 

Circle 56 

Venmar Ventilation, Inc. 

550 Lemire Boulevard 

Drummondville, QC J2C 7W9 

CANADA 

819/475-2635 

Fax:819/475-2660 

www.venmar-ventilation.com 

Circle 59 

Ventamatic, Ltd. 

P.O. Box 728, 100 Washington Street 

Mineral Wells, TX 76068-0728 

U.S.A. 

513/777-0200 

Fax:513/777-0898 

www.bvc.com 

Circle 55 

HVI MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 

Members with HVI-Certified Products 

Aeroflo, Inc./Continental Fan 

Air-King Ventilation Products 

Air-Movement Group, Ltd./Vent Axia Ltd. 

Air Tech Equipment, Ltd. 

American Aldes Ventilation Corporation 

Brizo Air 

Broan-Nutone LLC 

Cypress Technology, Inc. 

Fantech, Inc. 

Fuji Industrial USA, Inc. 

Genuine Electric Co., Ltd. Guangdong 

GE Consumer & Industrial 

Haier America 

Hangzhou AUPU Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd. 

Hunter Fan Company 

Imperial Air Technologies, Inc. 

Magnavent, Inc. 

Marley Engineered Products 

National HVAC Products, Inc./Airex 

Nu-Air Ventilation Systems, Inc. 

Nutech Brands, Inc. 

Ortech Distributors, Inc. 

Panasonic 

Quality Aluminum Products 

RenewAire LLC 

Reversomatic Heating and Manufacturing, Ltd. 

Soler & Palau USA/Breidert Air Products 

Spruce Environmental Technologies 

Stelpro Design, Inc. 

Taiwan Sakura Corporation 

Trent Metals Limited/SummerAire Mfg. 

Universal Metal Industries, Inc. 

Venmar Ventilation, Inc. 

Ventamatic, Ltd. 

Members without HVI-Certified Products 

Acme Miami 

Air 2000 

Haatz, Inc. 

Lonon USA 

Tamarack Technologies, Inc. 

Associate Members 

A.O. Smith – Electrical Products Co. 

ebm-papst Inc. 

36 

H V G 

www.hvi.org 


Fresh Ideas 

in Fresh Air 

Ventilation 

Homeowner Benefits: 

• Moisture Magnet Core TM 

moderates humidity in 

summer/winter extremes 

• Helps control mold 

and mildew 

• Elimination of bathroom, 

pet and tobacco odors 

• Affordable / Convenient 

• The most efficient way 

to ventilate 

The importance of Fresh Air 

in the home is well known. 

But, did you also know how 

simply and affordably Fresh 

Air can be provided through 

Energy Recovery Ventilation 

(ERV) from RenewAire? 

Contractor Benefits: 

• Models compatible to 

any HVAC equipment 

• Simple installation 

• Easy-to-access 

field support 

• Elimination of callbacks 

• “Green Building” 

compliant 

RenewAire reduces indoor air pollution economically. 

The Core is Key: 

• Efficient transfer of heat 

and moisture 

• No liquid is accumulated, 

so no drain pan or defrost 

mechanism is required! 

www.renewaire.com 

800 627 4499 

INSIDE 

Fresh Air to Room 

Fresh Air to Room 

Fixed Partition 

Fixed and Spacer Partition 

and Plates Spacer Plates 

(proprietary 

(proprietary 

resincomposite 

resin 

composite 

media) 

media) 

Inside Outside 

OUTSIDE 

Stale Room Air 

Stale (exhausted Room to outside) Air 

(exhausted to outside) 

Stale Air 

Stale Room Air 

Outside Air 

Outside Air 


INSTALLATION AS EASY AS 1 , 2 ... UM, THAT’S IT. 

Ultra Silent fans are designed for easy, solid installation in all types 

of construction. Every time. Their patented hanger bar features captive 

fasteners to keep nails in place – no handling needed. They also allow 

for infinite adjustment of the fan housing between joists up to 24”. For 

specs and details contact your Broan distributor or visit Broan.com. 

MODEL NO. QTXE080FLT 

Microban protection inhibits the growth of odor 

and stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew 

to keep Broan Ultra Silent Ventilation fans 

cleaner between cleanings. Available on select 

Broan Ultra Silent Ventilation fans. 

Broan.com 1-800-558-1711 

©2006 Broan-NuTone, LLC. Broan is a registered trademark of Broan-NuTone, LLC. Ultra 

Silent is a trademark of Broan-NuTone, LLC. Patents pending. MICROBAN is a registered 

trademark of Microban Products Company.

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