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What is the best ventilation scenario for my very small, tight house?

strawclay | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

(Climate zone 4A – Charleston, WV) I built a small (12′ x 24′ main level w/ loft) guesthouse in my back yard. I am fairly new to building and decided to experiment with building it as tight as possible. I caulked all the stud bays, foamed around all window and door opening, etc. I don’t have specific numbers but with all the windows closed there is a definite suction when the door is opened or closed. (Please excuse my vagueness, I have not done a blower door test). For simplicities sake I had planned on doing an exhaust-only ventilation system based around the bathroom exhaust fan. There will also be a dryer in the bathroom exhausting to the outdoors.

My question is –
a) if I do an exhaust only system what CFM should use for the bathroom exhaust fan?
b) should I consider a different approach such as a HRV for a house this small? If so, can you direct me to a HRV appropriate for this size dwelling?
c) any other advice, ideas, or concerns that I may not have thought of?

This is primarily a concern for the winter months only as we don’t use air conditioning and keep the windows open throughout the warmer months.

Thanks!

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    DC,
    I think that all of your questions should be answered in this article: Designing a Good Ventilation System.

    Considering the fact that this is a guest house that will only be occupied intermittently, I think that your plan to use exhaust-only ventilation makes sense.

  2. strawclay | | #2

    Thank you for the link, Martin.

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