Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What size is a fresh air duct?
The size of a fresh air duct depends on the CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirement. Generally, a recommended size is an insulated, 6” or 8” diameter rigid fresh air intake duct, along with a corresponding 6” or 8” diameter, 2-wire, motorized fresh air damper. The damper actuator should be power open/spring return closed.
2. How do I add fresh air to my HVAC?
To add fresh air to your HVAC system, a motorized damper and controller are commonly used. The damper allows fresh air from the outside to enter the 'return' side of the furnace. This allows the incoming air to be properly filtered and conditioned before being distributed along with the recirculated air.
3. What are the symptoms of a bad air intake hose?
Symptoms of a bad air intake hose may include the check engine light staying on, additional intake noises during acceleration, and rough idling and acceleration of the engine.
4. Do I need fresh air intake on my HVAC system?
Yes, a fresh air intake filter is necessary for HVAC systems to prevent pulling air from 'unconditioned' areas of the home with poor air quality, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and dryer vents. The filter ensures that replacement air is drawn from outside the home.
5. How big should my fresh air intake be?
A general rule of thumb for residential fresh air requirements is 100 cfm (cubic feet per minute) for every 600 to 900 sq. ft. of living space. The exact number may vary based on the tightness of the home and outdoor weather conditions.
6. How often should fresh air intake run?
It is recommended to run the air to air exchange system several times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. This is especially important when excess humidity, cooking odors, or other indoor contaminants are present, such as cleaning supplies.
7. How do you vent fresh air into your house?
To vent fresh air into your house, open doors and windows as much as possible to allow fresh outdoor air to come in. Even cracking a window slightly can help, and opening multiple doors and windows allows more fresh air to circulate inside.
8. What happens if I drive with a bad air intake?
Driving with a bad air intake can result in an inadequate fuel mixture, causing the engine to run rich and not burn properly. This can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to the engine. Regularly replacing the air filter is recommended to prevent these issues.
9. Where should fresh air intake vents be placed?
Fresh air intake vents should be installed at least 10 feet away from any contamination source terminations. Additionally, they should be positioned at least 2 feet above grade or above the roof deck, as required by ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes guidelines.