May 30, 2019
The term "ventilation accessories" might conjure images of high-tech machines or hospital ventilators, but in the HVAC industry, it refers to something quite different. Essentially, these accessories are just components used for ventilation. The name itself is quite clear, so no further explanation is necessary.
Ventilation refers to the process of introduction as well as circulation of outdoor, fresh air into the interior of a room or building. The purpose of a ventilation system is to control the temperature and humidity of the interior space. It is also used to control and maintain indoor air quality to a level where it is livable by displacing and diluting pollutants found indoors.
Modern technology has brought a lot of things that have improved our way of life. With the help of HVAC, it is now possible to live in even extreme temperatures with wonders like air conditioners and heaters. But there is still no match for natural ventilation. After all, why would people not prefer something close to nature that does not cost much in terms of energy? Although there is no such firm list of natural ventilation accessories, there are still some items that can be characterized as such:
Windows
Operable windows
Doors
Embrasure (a South Asian feature)
Clerestory windows
Vented skylights
Wind capture facades
Here is a reference to some items falling under that category.
Air ducts (passages or conduits for an HVAC system to circulate the air)
Air dampers
Air inlets
Attic vents
Silencers
Air purifiers
Filters
Discharge caps for walls and roof
Duct coolers and heaters
Mounting equipment (to fix the vents and ducts in the place)
Access doors (to access a confined space or a specific piece of equipment)
Dryer vent boxes and couplings
Exhaust stack
Grilles
Ventilation guards (protection grid for fans)
Smoke extract fans
Ventilation shutters
Exhaust Fans
Exhaust Fan Controls
Roof hoods/ Curbs
No, of course not. For a residential ventilation project, the basic ventilation accessories required include ducts, vents, related accessories, mounting equipment, filters, air purifiers (which are not necessary unless there is an ill family member), and air inlets. Adding even a vented skylight can be considered an extravagance unless you are strictly managing a small space. As the scale of the ventilation project increases, additional ventilation accessories become necessary. Otherwise, you are all set.
Most accessories can be found in basic HVAC accessory stores. If you can't find what you need, consider searching online. When shopping online, ensure that the products you plan to buy have positive reviews.
