July 2002
This fact sheet explains spot ventilation, or the use of localized fans to quickly improve a home’s air quality, and covers spot ventilation design, issues, fan types, controls, specification and installation.
Ventilation
All homes need ventilation—the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air—to reduce indoor moisture, odors and other pollutants. Contaminants that may cause health problems, such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon, can accumulate in poorly-ventilated homes. Excess moisture generated within the home needs to be removed before high humidity levels lead to physical damage to the home or mold growth.
About Spot Ventilation
Spot ventilation is the use of localized exhaust fans (e.g., kitchen and bath fans) to quickly remove pollutants at their source as they are generated. It is an important tool for improving air quality and ventilation effectiveness whether natural or whole-house ventilation strategies are used. Spot ventilation strategies are often integrated with whole-house ventilation designs.
Using Spot Ventilation
This fact sheet, useful to both installers and consumers, provides a brief, easy-to-read description of spot ventilation, including:
- Spot ventilation design;
- Spot ventilation issues, such as backdrafting and the risk of drawing in radon-contaminated air through leaks in the floor;
- Fan types;
- Controls;
- Design specifications; and
- Installation, including mounting, ducts and duct termination
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Energy
4 pages