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Building Science for Dry Climates 6 - Mechanical Ventilation

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically mechanical ventilation for air flow. Part 6 of 7.

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates, RR-0981

Reference

Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Video

Video describing roof and attic construction for cold climates, including cathedral roof design and insulation strategies, from Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Building Science for Dry Climates 7 - Duct Testing and Leakage

Presentation

Presentation by Home Performance Contractor Academy giving building science advice for for homes in dry climate zones, specifically duct testing and leakage calculations. Part 7 of 7.

Right - Provide passive ventilation in hot climates by installing wind chases and vents.

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Landscape trees and shrubs to funnel cooling breeze towards a home in hot climate zones.

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The polyethylene ceiling vapor barrier is sealed to form an air barrier around the exhaust fan in this very cold climate location (≥ CZ 6).

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In hot, dry climates, passive cooling should focus on shading, night flush through cross ventilation and whole-house fans, potentially using high-mass construction

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Louvers and jump ducts allow cross ventilation through rooms with closed doors

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A shallow, open floor plan allows free flow of cross ventilation through the house

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Inducing airflow through the stack effect requires low inlets and high outlets such as a ridge hood or crown monitor

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Locating windows on adjacent and opposite sides of the house will allow cross ventilation regardless of wind direction

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Whole-house fans or wind-driven cross ventilation can be used to draw air across thermal mass for a night flush strategy

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Comfort ventilation focuses on airflow over occupants; in this example of wind-driven cross ventilation, the air is directed through the main occupied areas of the bedroom

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Airflow can be directed across thermal mass in the ceiling, floor, or elsewhere inside the home through various window and louver configurations

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Even when wind is blowing parallel to a wall, an open casement window can create a zone of higher pressure near the window opening, driving airflow into the house

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Weatherstripping

Reference

Fact sheet describing how weatherstripping can be an easy and cost-effective way to save money on energy costs and improve comfort by reducing drafts.

Home Cooling Systems

Reference

Website providing information on low-energy and standard cooling systems, with a focus on saving energy.

Attic Venting, Attic Moisture, and Ice Dams

Reference

Article by the Canadian Government on attic ventilation and considerations for moisture and ice dams.

What Is a Weep Hole and Its Purpose?

Reference

An article describing a way to protect drain and ventilation holes in brick veneer siding against pests. Selecting a fine screen mesh opening (1/55-inch or 0.5-mm) is important to guard against small insects such as subterranean termites.

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

Guide

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Building Science Insights: To Vent or Not to Vent

Video

Video presentation describing proper attic venting design for energy efficiency and weather resistance.

If your home doesn't ignite it can't burn

Video

Video from National Fire Protection Association on the most common ignition points on homes.

Natural Ventilation

Reference

DOE Energy Saver webpage providing a brief summary of natural ventilation for houses.

Earthship Huts – Low Hanging Fruit in the Fight Against Poverty

Reference

Article describing earthship homes.

Wood Tornado Shelters Segment 6

Video

Video from Home Innovation Research Labs showing how to drill ventilation holes and anchor a wood tornado shelter. Part 6 of 6.

Passive Solar Design

Reference

Article from Williams College on the key elements of passive solar design for homes.

Passive Cooling

Reference

Article from Smarter Homes NZ on home building techniques that incorporate passive cooling.

Passive Design

Reference

Website providing guidance on passive heating, cooling, and lighting methods.

Plant for the Sun!

Reference

Blog article describing considerations for how to use trees for shading to reduce cooling energy demand.