Replies

1. 
   Gabe_Martel | Aug 30, 2000 02:53am | #1

   *
   I'm only curious,

   Do you post only to show people your house?

   I'm asking because you always argue the advise given if it's not in keeping with your own. It's like you consider yourself some type of expert.

   Gabe

1. 
   Rob_Susz_ | Aug 30, 2000 06:00am | #2

   *He has yet to argue my advice.Jesse - Gene Leger has posted here several times the studies that show that AAHE are a net loser when it comes to life cycle cost. They never save as much energy as they cost to buy, install, run, and maintain.Again I will say - here is where a blower door test comes in handy. Unless you build up humidity inside the house, there is no other indication of whether you even need one.From previous posts, it is probably safe to assume you do, or at least it wouldn't hurt.Depending on the types of combustion appliances you have there are two options that do not capture heat from the rejected air.One is a makeup air unit - just exhausts house air and brings in outdoor air - can be balanced to provide no pressure difference inside or out.Exhaust only - use a central silent fan to continually exhaust a minimum amount of air, like .2 ACH. Then have a humidistat control that will vary fan speed based on indoor humidity. When humidity gets above 50%, fan speed increases, but it never decreases below the speed you set to get a minimum air change. This puts the house under a negative pressure, that varies from house to house, which is fine for sealed combustion appliances, clothes dryers, most good range hoods, and the building envlope. Testing needs to be done to insure that the house doesn't get too negative in pressure.Interstingly, the exhaust only is a controlled means of natural convection that occurs in leaky houses, but many people dismiss it. Interstingly, I have never seen a Canadian endorse exhaust-only, yet many american's do it all the time. There are a few tricks to testing and balancing that I'll give you via e-mail if you'd like.-Rob

1. 
   Jesse_Lackman | Aug 30, 2000 06:23am | #3

   *No.But...I'm only curious, Do you post only to show people your job title? I'm asking because you often insult the question asked if it's not in keeping with your own ideas. It's like you consider yourself some type of expert.JesseThe Lackman House

1. 
   Mark_Helling | Aug 30, 2000 01:09pm | #4

   *So Rob, I'm also building a very tight house here in southern Ohio with propane appliances and as an added consideration we are in an area known for radon. I was considering putting in a Venmar system to give us some fresh air, rid the humidity & cooking odors, and as a precaution against any possible radon. Now your saying it's not worth the expense. I have to rethink this large of an investment. What would I ask the HVAC guy to install? A "Make up air vent"?

1. 
   Gabe_Martel | Aug 30, 2000 05:04pm | #5

   *Rob, that's only because he knows as little about the subject as you do.Gabe

2. 
   Gabe_Martel | Aug 30, 2000 07:31pm | #6

   *No,I posts to answer honest questions from people with genuine problems. I don't post false questions so that I can make a point or brag. Your house is nearly completed and the only thing you've proven is that any fool can build a house but few can build a good one and you're not one of the few....When I see one like yours, I have this little urge to give you a verbal slap up side the head.Whack, whack and double whack...Gabe

3. 
   K_Johnston | Sep 03, 2000 09:58am | #7

   *Consider using a 'Lifebreath' hrv.

2. 
   Jesse_Lackman | Sep 03, 2000 09:58am | #8

   *
   I've got information on Venmar and Vent-Air. I'm having a hard time getting through to Vent-Air. I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on other brands of air exchangers.

   Thanks,

   Jesse

   The Lackman House