Ventilation means circulation of air in the habitable space such as homes, offices etc. so that the stale air is replaced with new fresh air. This improves the quality of air and the environment as the moisture is removed from the space. In homes, the indoor air collects moisture from cooking vapors, laundry washing, showers and also the occupants’ breathing. If there is no air circulation, then the occupants of the house feel uncomfortable as the air becomes stale.The moisture in the air also has effects on the walls, ceilings and furnishing in the house. The moist air causes dampness and mould to grow. Condensation on windows, walls, moisture and mould are found in many New Zealand homes without adequate air circulation. The internal environment in the home such as – poor air quality results in occupants suffering from asthma and other respiratory illness.

The basic function of a home ventilation system is to provide adequate air circulation throughout the house. It should slightly pressurise the house so that the stale, moist laden air is pushed out through the gaps around doors and windows.

There are 2 types of ventilation systems:

• Positive pressure type
• Heat Recovery ventilation

The positive pressure ventilation system consists of a filtered fresh air system with a fan which brings in the warm air in the house roof cavity to various rooms of the house. The air in the roof cavity is normally supplemented by a grille mounted on the soffit or eve of the house.The system operation is controlled by a wall mounted controller. You also have the option of increasing or reducing the air flow coming out from the system. The controller will indicate when the servicing / filter replacement is due to keep the system in good working order. Many options such a summer cooling, heater etc. can be incorporated in the system.

Heat Recovery Ventilation system consists of 2 fans system and a heat exchanger. One fan brings in fresh air from outside and it is either heated or cooled in the heat exchanger before it is delivered to rooms. The moist laden air in the house is extracted by the second fan and before it is dumped outside, the heat or cool energy from is recovered by the heat exchanger and transferred to the incoming air.

Comfort Systems specialize in both types of systems and can offer many years experience in all types of home ventilation systems and heat pumps.

The building code G4 document specifies the ventilation requirements for all types of buildings. Ventilation for acceptable air quality standard NZS 4303 stipulates the minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality that will be acceptable to human occupants and are intended to avoid adverse health effects. Ventilation systems shall be designed and installed so that the ventilation air is supplied throughout the occupied zone. There are minimum ventilation rates for residential, commercial, institutional, vehicular and industrial spaces.

Comfort Systems can design ventilation systems for a variety of applications:

• Dry cleaners, Laundries, shops, business premises
• Food and beverage service – Dining rooms, cafeteria, fast food bars, cocktail lounges, kitchens
• Garages, Service stations, enclosed parking garage, auto repair rooms
• Hotels, motels, Resorts – Bed rooms, Living rooms, Baths, Lobbies, Conference rooms, Assembly rooms, gaming casinos etc
• Offices – office space, reception area, computer and server rooms
• Retail stores, show rooms, storage rooms, warehouses
• Specialty shops – Barber, beauty salon, furniture, hardware, supermarkets
• Medical centres - Gymnasiums
• Sports and amusement area- game rooms
• Theatres, conference rooms, educational facilities
• Transport centres
• Work rooms, photo studios, laboratories

Contact Comfort Systems today for a consultation.