A Complete Guide to Installing the Perfect Ventilation at Home

Think of the scorching summer days when all you want to do is pull the heavy drapes and turn the air-conditioning on full blast. Now imagine the terrible winter months when you like your windows shut tight and your home all warm and toasty. And don't forget the monsoons when the humid air outside is more of a menace than a pleasant experience. Now think about what this does to the interiors of your home. Most flats and apartments in India face a major challenge when it comes to getting proper ventilation. Here is what you need to know to make the best of installing a ventilation system at home.

Understanding your home needs

When it comes to installing ventilation systems, there is no one-size-fits-all. Different apartments in the same building may have different needs due to their level or placement. The first thing you must do is find out all the natural ventilation sources. This includes balconies, windows, or even doors that let in natural air from the outside into your home. You will want to optimise the natural ventilation by ensuring that the windows and balcony doors can be opened completely and are not blocked by furniture or fixtures. Once this is clear, let us look at other ventilation systems that can help keep your home air fresh.

Spot Ventilation Options

Some parts of our home require additional support when it comes to ventilation. In bathrooms with high moisture areas, kitchens can quickly become smoky and humid. Small storage areas, garages, basements etc., require spot ventilation systems. Electric chimneys and exhaust fans are good options, but we must remember that spot ventilation options work best for small areas and for a limited time. Considering vents for spot ventilation systems may be a good idea if you buy an under-construction property.

Whole Home Ventilation

The greatest advantage of buying a property in a big residential project from a renowned developer is that such a project may incorporate a whole home ventilation system into its design. These are systems designed to balance exhaust and supply and are often integrated into the building's HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. These work on various technologies and work through ducts and vents built into the building design.

Supply Ventilation

If your building or housing project does not have a great whole-home ventilation system, you may want to consider installing a supply ventilation system. What this does is it forces outside air into the home through pressure pumps. Supply ventilation systems also use ducts and pipes, often hidden above a false ceiling. So installing the system before you set out to get your interiors done may be a good idea. In addition, most supply ventilation systems come with pre-installed air purifiers that remove toxic gases and moisture before the air enters your home.

Getting Professional Help

While most homeowners understand that their homes feel stuffy and smell damp during the monsoons, they may not be adept at finding solutions to their ventilation challenges. Therefore, it is a good idea to seek professional help before you consider getting the interiors done and before moving into your new home. There are several green ventilation installation companies that can help. Alternatively, pick an interior designer with expertise in designing and providing customised ventilation solutions for your home.