8 Ventilation Best Practices for Healthier Air with ACs

Maintaining healthier air indoors requires an understanding of ventilation best practices that balance air circulation, temperature control, and contaminant removal. Whether you rely on natural ventilation through open windows or an advanced ventilation system, implementing the right strategies can significantly improve indoor air quality and promote better well-being.

What is Proper Ventilation?

Proper ventilation refers to the process of supplying fresh air into space while simultaneously removing stale air to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. It is essential for controlling air quality, regulating temperature, and preventing the buildup of harmful pollutants. Proper ventilation can be achieved via natural ventilation, an assisted ventilation system, or a combination of both.

What is the Principle of Good Ventilation?

Good ventilation hinges on several principles that improve indoor air quality and are conducive to health and productivity. By understanding these principles, spaces can be optimized to support well-being and efficiency.

Air Exchange

Facilitating a steady inflow of fresh air and the outflow of indoor air is essential for diluting contaminants and maintaining healthy air quality. This process prevents the accumulation of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, odors, and harmful particulates, which can pose risks to health and comfort.

Pollutant Removal

Effective ventilation systems play a critical role in removing air contaminants like dust, allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and moisture. This not only reduces health risks for occupants but also minimizes structural damage caused by mold or mildew, ensuring the long-term integrity of the space.

Controlled Airflow

Planned airflow direction is vital to avoid stagnation and areas where pollutants can accumulate. This will ensure indoor air quality is maintained. Cross ventilation, exhaust systems, or strategically placed vents can achieve this goal. Ensuring that air flows from clean areas to areas with potential pollutants helps prevent the recirculation of contaminated air.

Temperature and Humidity Regulation

Good ventilation contributes to comfort by evenly distributing conditioned air across a space. Additionally, controlling humidity levels prevents discomfort, condensation, and mold growth, creating an environment that feels comfortable and remains structurally sound.

Energy Efficiency

Efficient ventilation systems are designed to maintain high air quality without excessive energy consumption. Innovations like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) enhance efficiency while ensuring the system operates sustainably.

Adaptability to Space and Use

Ventilation systems should be designed with the specific needs of the space in mind, considering its occupants and the activities performed within. This adaptability ensures the system can manage varying levels of occupancy and pollutant loads, supporting both immediate and long-term air quality requirements.

How to Implement Best Practices for Best Indoor Air Quality

Here are some ways how you can improve indoor air quality: 

1. Prioritize Proper Installation of Ventilation Systems

All ventilation systems must be installed properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal functionality. A correctly installed ventilation system helps regulate airflow, reducing the presence of air contaminants like carbon dioxide or other contaminants that affect health and safety. For a more complex ventilation system, seek professional assistance to avoid contamination and ensure thermal comfort.

2. Integrate Natural Ventilation When Possible for Fresh Air

Natural ventilation, such as opening doors or windows, is a cost-effective method to bring in fresh air and remove contaminated air. Cross-ventilation techniques, which use openings on opposite sides of a room to promote airflow, are particularly effective in humid climates. Regularly ensure that outside air entering the space is clean to avoid contamination.

3. Maintain High-Quality Air Filters

High-efficiency particulate air filters are essential in removing contaminants from the air. Regular cleaning and replacement of air filters improve ventilation efficiency and reduce energy costs associated with poorly functioning systems. Regular air ducts and filter inspections should be conducted to avoid contamination and enhance indoor air quality.

4. Use a Mechanical Ventilation System for Precise Control

A mechanical ventilation system, such as those incorporated into air conditioning systems, is ideal for controlling airflow and temperature. Such a ventilation system operates efficiently by balancing outdoor air intake and exhaust air removal, ensuring adequate ventilation even in sealed environments. This is especially critical in areas with poor ventilation or where natural ventilation isn’t feasible.

5. Incorporate Local Exhaust Ventilation and Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans and a local ventilation system help remove contaminants directly from their source, such as in kitchens or bathrooms. Position exhaust fans strategically to complement air conditioning. Ensuring proper operation of exhaust fans reduces the risk of dirty air recirculating in room air. 

6. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of your ventilation system, including air vents and air ducts, prevents issues related to poor ventilation. Visual inspection of these components, from air ducts to vents, ensures proper operation and improves ventilation efficiency. This also extends the lifespan of your systems while safeguarding health and safety.

7. Address Energy Costs Without Compromising Ventilation

While ventilation is crucial for removing contaminants, it’s equally important to manage energy costs. Using positive pressure systems and makeup air strategies can improve ventilation and indoor air quality while maintaining thermal comfort. These approaches, paired with regular cleaning of air vents, help your system operate efficiently and reduce installation costs over time.

8. Educate Occupants on Ventilation Best Practices

Finally, promoting awareness of adequate ventilation best practices ensures long-term success. Encourage actions such as opening windows when possible, performing regular cleaning of exhaust fans, and conducting visual inspections of air conditioning systems. Informed occupants are more likely to maintain ventilation habits, resulting in healthier air and enhanced well-being for everyone.

Follow these ventilation best practices and see a marked improvement in your indoor air. 

What is the Preferred Method of Ventilation System?

The preferred method of ventilation system often depends on the specific needs of a building or space, as well as environmental, structural, and functional factors. However, combining natural and mechanical ventilation (mixed-mode ventilation) is widely regarded as an ideal approach because it leverages the advantages of both methods to maintain healthy and efficient airflow.

Natural ventilation relies on openings like windows, doors, and vents to allow fresh outdoor air to flow into the space and stale air to exit. It is often preferred for its simplicity, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This method works best in climates with good air quality and manageable temperature variations. It is especially suitable for homes, small buildings, and low-occupancy spaces. You simply have to open windows and let fresh air in.

Mechanical ventilation involves the use of fans, ducts, and air-handling systems to control airflow, temperature, and humidity. This method is preferred in larger buildings, high-occupancy spaces, or environments with insufficient natural ventilation due to poor outdoor air quality or extreme climates.

Mixed-mode ventilation combines the strengths of natural and mechanical systems. It uses natural ventilation when conditions are favorable and switches to mechanical systems when additional control is needed. This approach is both energy-efficient and effective in improving ventilation.