Effective Natural Ventilation Year Round

Natural ventilation is an important facet of good building design as it can provide significant cost savings on energy consumption. Natural ventilation uses pressure differences and natural airflow to deliver fresh air into the building through operable windows. By incorporating natural ventilation into any new or existing building, one can reduce the reliance on mechanical forms of ventilation. This can result in energy savings, while also facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide and harmful airborne pollutants from the interior space. Natural ventilation in the warmer months Mechanical forms of ventilation such as air conditioning systems are used heavily in the warmer months, increasing the building’s total energy consumption. Natural ventilation allows effective passive cooling to take place, allowing hot air to escape from the room, delaying the need for air conditioning to be activated, and reducing energy consumption and ultimately, the operating costs of the building. Natural ventilation also ensures the removal of carbon dioxide and various airborne pollutants in the building through the natural airflow created, reducing health risks for occupants and helping to maintain productivity levels. When the air conditioning system is active, controlled fine openings of the windows allow stale air to be exhausted from the building, while ensuring minimal energy loss. Natural ventilation in the cooler months Heating systems typically operate for extended periods during the cooler months, resulting in high energy consumption as well as an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants. Natural ventilation assists in the removal of carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants, lowering potential health risks and drowsiness. Controlled fine openings of the windows assist in exhausting...