Infiltration (HVAC) - Infiltration As Ventilation Air

Infiltration As Ventilation Air

In many smaller buildings, 'forced' or 'mechanical' ventilation is not used to introduce ventilation air. Instead, natural ventilation, via operable windows and other openings, exhaust fans, and infiltration are used to provide ventilation air. Typically, at least one-third air change per hour is considered the minimum. Recently, ASHRAE Standard 62.2 has been adopted (2004); it clarifies the ventilation air requirements for low-rise residences. The Standard specifies that forced ventilation is required in houses with infiltration less than 0.35 ACH. This is typically accomplished with heat recovery ventilation or exhaust fans running constantly or periodically.