The Cost of Exhaust
To the Editor:
It was very surprising to find no
mention of "air exchanger" systems in
Andrew Shapiro's article "Simple
Whole-House Ventilation" (8/95).
These systems bring in fresh air and
exhaust stale air through a small heat
exchanger that can reclaim up to 80%
of the energy of the exhausted conditioned
air. These systems are quite
common in Canada, and are now
being offered by U.S. manufacturers
as well. Their use controls condensation
on window surfaces and reduces
"sick building syndrome" problems (as
would Shapiro's system), but with a
much lower energy penalty.
Carl Mezoff, AIA
Stamford, Conn.
Andrew Shapiro responds:
It's true that a heat recovery ventilator
(HRV) is the best mechanical ventilation
system: Not only does it