Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation Code: Safety and Performance Considerations (TechNote)

Whole-house mechanical ventilation is the intentional exchange of indoor air with fresh outdoor air at a controlled rate using fans. The purpose of whole-house mechanical ventilation is to improve indoor air quality.

This TechNote covers the definition, types, benefits, performance and cost considerations, IRC requirements, and recommendations for whole-house mechanical ventilation.

TechNotes: Best Practices for Home Builders
In recent years, building codes for energy efficiency and related standards have been amended to require greater amounts of insulation in exterior wall and roof assemblies, including continuous insulation on exterior walls, higher levels of building air tightness, and mechanical ventilation.
NAHB’s Construction Technology Research Subcommittee worked with Home Innovation Research Lab to develop these TechNotes to help builders navigate these new code requirements and implement best practices to avoid building performance issues related to interior humidity levels, condensation in wall and roof assemblies, and interior air quality.