BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

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

Image

Review of Residential Ventilation Technologies

Reference

Document reviewing current and potential ventilation technologies for residential buildings with particular emphasis on North American climates and construction.

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

Moisture-Safe Unvented Wood Roof Systems, RR-1001

Reference

Document describing a hygrothermal modeling study, including all of the US climate zones, a range of interior humidity levels and numerous arrangements and types of insulation.

Evaluation of Savings in Energy-Efficient Public Housing in the Pacific Northwest

Reference

Research study documenting market-ready energy solutions to improve the efficiency of new affordable housing in the marine climate of Washington State.

Infiltration meets ACH50 requirements

Information Guide

This information guide describes the maximum air leakage limit requirements for DOE ZERH certified homes.

Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

Video

Video describing the Cold Climate Housing Research Center heat recovery ventilator system.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Recently Constructed U.S. Homes: Measured Data From Select Southeastern States

Reference

This report examines indoor air quality in post-2013 homes across various climates, focusing on contaminant levels, ventilation equipment usage, and control measure impact, with regional data from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Attic Ventilation

Reference

Web page describing the benefits of attic fans, with rules for sizing fans and intake vents.

Jorge and Paul's Adventure with HRV

Video

Video describing the importance of a heat recovery ventilator system and potential moisture problems that can be prevented through its use in cold climates like Alaska.

Performance Assessment of Photovoltaic Attic Ventilator Fans

Reference

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – basement construction

Image

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – crawlspace construction

Image

Radon vertical ventilation pipe system – slab-on-grade construction

Image

Attic Ventilation Fans Pros and Cons: Will They Save Electricity?

Reference

Blog article discussing pros and cons of attic ventilation fans.

Placement of Intake and Exhaust Vents, Info-606

Reference

Information sheet providing guidance about the placement of ventilation approaches.

Is It Ever Helpful to Use a Powered Attic Ventilator?

Reference

Blog article citing the risks and downsides of attic ventilation fans from a building science perspective.

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.

Ventilating Your Home

Reference

Information sheet about proper ventilation and air sealing.

Home Cooling Systems

Reference

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

HVAC in Multifamily Buildings

Reference

Paper providing a comprehensive overview of HVAC system design considerations and challenges specific to multifamily residential buildings, focusing on optimizing performance and addressing common issues.