Energy Conservation and Natural Ventilation
Since the discovery of electricity ventilation was never the same. Since then, the demand for energy has been ever increasing and more and more electricity using products have been invented. It wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that people began to realize that some energy sources might be finite or exceedingly difficult to access. Thankfully there has been a movement towards energy conservation and natural ventilation to preserve and conserve our rich natural resources.
Energy conservation in buildings
Before the discovery of electricity, buildings were designed to take advantage of sunlight and natural ventilation. Buildings had to make smart use of windows, doorways, and chimneys to maintain a comfortable temperature and to circulate fresh air. In pursuit of conserving energy, many architects are implementing these historic techniques into new buildings.
Focus these natural elements on using less energy. Engineers make more efficient and more comfortable buildings using natural solutions. As we tend to spend most of our time inside of buildings, either at the workplace or at home, ensuring comfort without wasting energy is a very important concern.
How does natural ventilation work?
Temperature control in a building means designing it to be warm in winters and cool in summers. By implementing natural weather conditions as much as possible, builders can reduce the need for heating and cooling. Natural ventilation works by using the differences in air pressure, buoyancy, and temperature to circulate air, bringing in fresh air and removing stale air. This can save a lot of energy otherwise used by air conditioning systems and fans.
When your designer is creating a ventilation system for your building, consult with him to place intake vents for air at strategic points in the building. Intake air vents, or louvers, should be placed as close to the ground as possible as cold air flows along at ground level and stifling air rises. Of course, this is also the reason air outlets should be on the ceiling; to let warm air rise and out of the building. This strategic placement facilitates the natural movement of hot air and chilly air.
Energy Conservation and Natural Ventilation
Make the most of your ventilation system. Whether its industrial building ventilation or a personal residence, natural is the way to go. Every building can take advantage of the same temperature control philosophies. This applies to open office areas too. For example, make sure there is space between cubicles and work sections. This will promote natural ventilation and improve airflow. Also, preplan the locations of windows, louvers, and grills in the inner walls of the building to cut down a building’s energy use.
How Natural Ventilation Can Help You Go Green
At Moffitt, we know the importance of reducing your carbon footprint. We have been in the business of cooling, heating, and ventilating buildings for more than fifty-five years. We’re happy to help throughout the design process. This includes consultations with the building engineers at the planning stage all the way through working with the building erector. We want to help save the planet, and we think natural ventilation is an effective way to do that.