Ventilation Systems in Mequon, WI

Ventilation Systems in Mequon, WI

Proper ventilation is one of the most important upgrades you can make to improve indoor air quality, comfort, and energy performance in Mequon homes. With cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers near Lake Michigan, uncontrolled air leaks or insufficient mechanical ventilation can lead to stale indoor air, excess humidity in summer, dry indoor air in winter, and increased allergens and odors.

Why Controlled Ventilation Matters in Mequon homes

• Homes in Mequon are often well insulated and tightly sealed to save energy. Tight envelopes trap pollutants, moisture, and stale air unless mechanical ventilation is provided.
• Seasonal allergens and pollen from spring and fall, plus higher summer humidity, increase the need for ventilation that can balance fresh air intake with moisture control.
• Cold winters make heat recovery essential so fresh air is brought in without wasting heat from your home.

Benefits of a properly designed ventilation system

• Consistent fresh-air exchange and lower concentrations of VOCs, odors, and indoor pollutants
• Reduced indoor humidity peaks and lower mold risk in basements and bathrooms
• Lower heating and cooling penalties thanks to energy recovery
• Better overall comfort and reduced allergy symptoms for occupants

Mechanical Ventilation Options and how they work

• ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
• Transfers both heat and a portion of moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams.
• Helps retain summer humidity or winter moisture depending on conditions. Often a good choice where balanced humidity control is desirable.
• HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)
• Transfers sensible heat only (warmth), preserving indoor heat in winter and pre-cooling incoming air in summer.
• Preferred in cold climates where preserving heat is the priority.
• Spot Ventilation
• High-capacity fans for localized pollutant sources: bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.
• Effective when paired with whole-house ventilation but insufficient alone for tight homes.
• Whole-House Supply, Exhaust, and Balanced Systems
• Supply-only introduces filtered outdoor air and relies on natural exhaust points.
• Exhaust-only draws air out and can depressurize the home; not recommended where combustion appliances are present.
• Balanced systems (HRV/ERV) provide controlled, measured intake and exhaust for neutral pressure and best indoor air quality.

Choosing ERV vs HRV for Mequon, WI

• HRV is often recommended for Mequon because of long, cold winters; it preserves heat efficiently.
• ERV can be advantageous if your home tends to be overly dry in winter or if you want some moisture exchange year-round.
• The right choice depends on your home’s humidity profile, occupant needs, and existing HVAC equipment. A site assessment will identify which recovery strategy provides the best indoor air quality and comfort balance.

Sizing and Balancing: practical guidance

• Proper sizing uses home size and occupancy, not one-size-fits-all rules. ASHRAE 62.2 guidance is commonly used for residential ventilation calculations (a home-specific equation based on floor area and bedrooms).
• Typical continuous ventilation needs range from about 40 to 100 CFM for many residences; larger or more-occupied homes require more.
• Balancing refers to matching intake and exhaust flows so your home remains near neutral pressure. Improper balance can lead to backdrafting of combustion appliances or unplanned moisture transport.
• Commissioning should include measurement of supply and exhaust CFM at terminals, register adjustments, and a pressure test when needed.

Code and health considerations

• Residential ventilation should comply with applicable building codes and standards, including ASHRAE 62.2 and the International Residential Code where adopted locally.
• Combustion safety: mechanical ventilation must not create conditions that cause backdrafting of furnaces, boilers, or water heaters. Balanced systems reduce this risk.
• Radon: ventilation can reduce radon concentrations in some situations, but radon mitigation systems are the approved solution if levels are high. Ventilation is part of a larger indoor air strategy, not a guaranteed radon fix.
• Moisture and mold prevention is a key health concern in humid months; controlled ventilation plus proper humidity control limits mold risk.

Installation and commissioning steps

Home assessment

• Inspect building envelope, combustion appliances, duct layout, and moisture-prone areas like basements.

System selection and layout

• Choose ERV or HRV, spot fans, or integrated whole-house system based on the assessment.

Ducting and unit placement

• Locate the unit centrally with short, insulated duct runs; avoid routing through unconditioned attics without proper insulation.

Electrical and controls integration

• Connect to the HVAC control system or dedicated controls for scheduling and variable flow as needed.

Commissioning and testing

• Measure actual airflow, adjust balancing dampers, verify pressure relationships, and test for proper defrost and condensation management.

User orientation

• Provide homeowners with control operation, filter maintenance schedules, and seasonal considerations.

Maintenance requirements (simple, ongoing tasks)

• Replace or clean filters on schedule: typical replacement intervals vary from 3 to 12 months depending on filter MERV rating and occupants.
• Clean or inspect the heat/energy recovery core annually; some cores are washable while others require replacement.
• Check condensate drains and pans for blockage, especially in summer and during defrost cycles.
• Verify fan operation and listen for unusual noises; check electrical connections and controls annually.
• Re-commission or re-balance if major building work or HVAC changes are made.

How ventilation complements filtration and humidity control

• Filtration removes particulates from incoming and recirculated air; combine a balanced ERV/HRV with MERV-rated filters appropriate for your needs (MERV 8 to 13 commonly recommended for allergy control; HEPA in dedicated systems).
• Dehumidification during humid summers prevents mold and improves comfort; whole-house dehumidifiers work well with ventilation systems to maintain 45-55% relative humidity.
• In winter, a humidifier may be used to offset dry indoor air that results from heating and ventilation; ERVs can help preserve some indoor moisture.
• Integrated systems that coordinate ventilation, filtration, and humidity control deliver the most consistent indoor air quality and comfort.

Common ventilation issues in Mequon and how they are solved

• Stale or stuffy rooms in a tightly sealed house: solved by balanced whole-house ventilation sized to home occupancy.
• Excess basement or bathroom moisture: add spot exhaust fans and ensure whole-house ventilation exchanges adequate air.
• High energy costs from continuous ventilation: addressed with energy recovery ventilators that reclaim heat and reduce heating/cooling loads.
• Odors and cooking pollutants: improve kitchen exhaust and ensure makeup air is properly supplied so range hoods function correctly.