Most of us are fairly familiar with the H (heating) and the AC (air conditioning) parts of our HVAC systems, but what about the V? V stands for ventilation, and if you’re like most homeowners, you may be a bit vague on what comprises your ventilation system. Following are some ventilation terms you should know.

Ventilation Terms Defined

If your household has a typical central HVAC system, you will have the following components:

• Air supply vents — Supply vents are those from which the warm or cool air is distributed and are located in the ceiling, walls or floor.
• Air return vents — Air from the house is drawn into these vents, then conditioned and distributed. You might have one return vent in a hallway, or smaller ones in each room, most likely in the ceiling.
• Ductwork — Ductwork may be located in the basement, attic or in a concealing structure such as a chase. Ducts convey the conditioned air to be distributed through vents in each room.
• Grilles — Grilles cover air return vents. They don’t have dampers to regulate the flow of air.
• Dampers or louvers — These may be found at the back of a heat register, and can be adjusted to regulate the air flow.
• Heat registers — These cover the holes where the supply duct enters the room. They have a damper for controlling air flow.

Adding Ventilation Systems

Other ventilation systems can be added to bring in fresh air or exhaust stale or moist air. These systems are the most common:

• Supply ventilation — A fan pressurizes the house so that fresh air is introduced. (This is a good choice for warmer climates.)
• Exhaust ventilation — A fan draws air out of the house, creating negative pressure. An example is bathroom exhaust ventilation.
• Balanced ventilation — This system brings in fresh air while exhausting stale air in equal measure, with no pressure imbalance. Two fans and two duct systems must be installed.
• Energy recovery systems — These complex systems recover energy while air is exhausted. They’re not usually found in the typical residence.

What to learn more ventilation terms? Contact Powers Heating and Air of Peachtree City.