American Aldes Aldes SIP Ventilation Design Guide

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Local Ventilation
It is generally accepted by building-science experts and most code authorities that local ventilation is 
necessary  to  remove  high  concentrations  of  bathroom  and  kitchen  pollutants  such  as  humidity,  odors, 
and  cooking  by-products. As  a  guideline, ANSI/ASHRAE  Standards  62.1  and  62.2  recommend  that,  if 
local ventilation is operated intermittently, it must be capable of exhausting a minimum of 50 CFM for 
each bathroom and 100 CFM for the...

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1.5 CLIMATE ZONES
The ventilation recommendations outlined in later chapters are heavily influenced by the ASHRAE climate 
zone in which the structure is located. The continental United States is divided into seven specific climate 
zones, ranging from Very Hot in Zone 1 to Very Cold in Zone 7, as shown on the map below and in the 
table that follows. (Hawaii falls under Zone 1A, and parts of Alaska are Zone 8. See Appendix II.)
Additionally,  most  zones  are  divided  into...

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• Balanced  ventilation  is  suitable  in  all  climates  since,  by  definition,  it  means  an  equal  amount  of 
air is supplied and exhausted from the dwelling and pressure is equalized. However, two fans are 
required to achieve balanced ventilation.
ASHRAE Climatic Zones
Climate Zone 1A - Very Hot/Humid Also known as tropical. Temperature is constantly high and does not vary greatly from 
day to night. High heat and humidity levels make thunderstorms common.
Climate Zone 2A...

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Climate Zone 6A, Cold/HumidCold  climates  include  those  known  as  the  tundra,  taiga,  or  alpine.  These  climates 
are typically found close to the poles and include the majority of Canada, Northern 
Europe, and Northern Asia. Cold climates can be found at high altitudes in any region 
of the world. They typically have long, dark winters with short days; however, they can 
experience large seasonal temperature swings and very warm summers. Snow and 
ice accumulations are...

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1.6 CENTRAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS
A  central  ventilation  system  can  be  defined  as  a  centrally  located  ventilator  specifically  designed  to 
provide controlled movement of air in and out of the building for general ventilation. The purpose of a 
central  ventilation  system  is  to  provide  a  continuous  low-level  flow  of  air  in  and  out  of  the  building  to 
ensure a safe environment for the occupants and protect the structural i\
ntegrity of the building.
A...

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1.7 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VENTILATION AND HVAC/AC UNIT
It is a common misconception that the home’s central heating and air conditioning handling unit (AHU) 
provides ventilation. In fact, the AHU is designed to recirculate existing indoor air through the air-
conditioning and/or heating units. This is a closed system that neither exhausts pollutants nor supplies 
fresh air to the home.
Ventilation  is  the  process  by  which  “clean”  air  (usually  outdoor  air)  is...

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1.8 VENTILATING WITH AN AHU
Using a fresh air duct to provide supply ventilation via the central heating and air conditioning \
handling unit 
(AHU) is not recommended, except in very limited circumstances (Refer to Section 2.2 for recommen\
ded 
supply  air  solutions).  AHU  are  designed  to  respond  to  thermostat  requests.  They  will  not  respond  to 
ventilation requirements without special equipment.
Disadvantages of Ventilating with an AHU:
• Unregulated amount of air...

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1.9 OTHER INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETROFIT PROJECTS
When introducing a continuously operating appliance to a home that did not have one previously, consider 
the following:
• The appliance should be silent
•  The appliance should be ENERGY STAR rated
•  The appliance should be low maintenance
Residential SIP Ventilation Modification Design Guide  

Section 2       Page 19
SECTION 2   
COMMON MECHANICAL VENTILATION  METHODS
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2.1 CONTINUOUS EXHAUST 
• A fan brings in outside air by creating negative pressure 
inside the building
•  Good for source contaminant removal
•  Requires dedicated air-intake points to direct outside air 
to habitable spaces
•  ENERGY STAR rated fan recommendedCentral Exhaust Fan
Exhaust Air 
Outlet
Air Flow
Air Infiltration
Positive Air  Pressure
Negative Air  Pressure
Exhaust Ventilation
Types of Equipment*
In-Line Fan (VS) Multi-Port Fan (MPVS) Air Inlets
*Remote-mounted fans...