The more energy efficient your home, the more you need an effective ventilation system. To reduce heating and cooling loss, houses these days are built to high standards of airtight construction. While you get lower operating costs and more consistent comfort, the lack of air exchange with the outdoors can result in stale indoor air and accumulate pollutants and allergens inside the home. Several alternatives for a ventilation system address this problem.
Exhaust fans. These are one-way mechanical ventilators usually installed in single areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms or laundry room. Exhaust fans may exhaust conditioned air and induce negative pressure in rooms, which draws hot or cold outside air in through gaps and leaks.
Supply ventilation. A central blower draws outdoor air in and distributes it through a network of ducts. Supply ventilation systems may create positive pressure in living spaces, pushing out cooled or heated air. Humidity forced into areas like the attic or wall voids may cause moisture-related problems.
Heat recovery and energy recovery ventilators. With blowers installed in a central control unit, HRV and ERV systems intake and exhaust an equal amount of air through dedicated ductwork, preserving neutral air balance. A heat exchanger adds warmth to incoming fresh air in winter and cools hot summer air. An ERV also adds moisture to overly dry fresh air in winter and extracts humidity in summer.
When deciding on a ventilation system, consider these factors:
- Quietness. Fans can be noisy, particularly those installed inside the envelope of the home. Look for fans with the Energy Star label for low noise.
- Controls. Programmed or timed operation is preferable. Switches should be accessible and clearly labeled as ventilation controls.
- Distribution and filtration. Systems that utilize ductwork to distribute ventilation consistently are superior to one-room fans. Outdoor air must be filtered as it enters the home, and filters must be accessible for regular replacement.
Paitson Bros. has provided heating, cooling and ventilation services to Terre Haute and surrounding communities since 1922. Ask for more details about a household ventilation system to clear the air in your home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ventilation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922