A breath of fresh air (natural ventilation strategies for indoor air quality)

Natural controlled ventilation is often ignored when buildings are designed. It is importantthat architects, property developers both commercial and residential, designers, engineers andthe general public be aware of guidelines (readily available) for proper indoor air quality.Mechanical engineers should realize that introducing supplemental fresh air ventilation intoheating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems aids in improving indoor air qualityand often maximizes the efficiency of the HVAC systems. In addition to air leakage present inevery building, the supplemental fresh air ventilation mentioned above is maximized throughthe use of devices either installed in windows or through walls that provide an alternative tomerely opening windows and/or doors for natural ventilation.