On the Importance of Fresh Air Intake in HVAC Systems

There are several functions that a given home’s HVAC system must be able to complete on a regular basis to properly heat and cool the space, and one that cannot be ignored here is fresh air intake. What exactly is fresh air intake, why is it important, and do all HVAC systems have fresh air intake?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to provide the very best AC repair, furnace installation and numerous other HVAC services to clients around Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights and nearby areas. Here’s a primer on what fresh air intake is, why it’s a constant presence in central and continuous air systems, and some of the key benefits of ensuring your fresh air intake vents are always operating optimally.

What is Fresh Air Intake?

For those just learning about HVAC systems or considering installing a new one, fresh air intake may be a foreign concept. This term refers to the process of bringing outside air into your home’s HVAC system for heating, cooling and ventilation purposes. Fresh air intake is typically achieved through vents or ducts that allow outdoor air to enter the system and mix with the existing indoor air.

Generally speaking, fresh air intake vents will be located on the exterior of your home, often near the ground. They are designed to prevent certain contaminants from entering the air supply while still allowing fresh air to enter and mix with indoor air. They should be kept far from any contaminant or pollution source.

From here, a series of ducts connects the intake vents to your HVAC system’s air handler, allowing the fresh air to be filtered, heated or cooled and distributed throughout your home.

Why is Fresh Air Intake Important?

The HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring comfort levels within the home. Proper ventilation through fresh air intake is vital for this purpose. It helps dilute pollutants and odors, removes stale air, and introduces oxygen-rich outdoor air into your home. Without adequate fresh air intake, indoor pollutants can build up over time and affect overall health and well-being.

Additionally, fresh air intake also helps regulate humidity levels within the home. In areas with high humidity, proper ventilation can prevent mold and mildew growth, which can cause damage to both your home and health.

Do All HVAC Systems Have Fresh Air Intake?

Not all HVAC systems have dedicated fresh air intake vents. Some older or simpler units may rely solely on recirculating indoor air without bringing in any fresh outdoor air. However, most modern central and continuous air systems do have fresh air intake as a standard feature. This is because it has become increasingly recognized that proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and overall system efficiency.

Benefits of Proper Fresh Air Intake

Ensuring your HVAC system has proper fresh air intake can bring several important benefits, including:

• Preventing CO2 buildup: Fresh air intake helps to dilute carbon dioxide levels in the home, which can affect respiratory function and overall health.
• Avoiding indoor pollutants: Ventilating with outdoor air can help remove potentially harmful pollutants from your home, including allergens, chemicals and odors.
• Reducing energy costs: Proper ventilation through fresh air intake can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by reducing strain on the unit. This can lead to lower energy bills over time.
• Maintaining comfort levels: Adequate fresh air intake helps regulate humidity levels, preventing mold growth and maintaining a comfortable environment for you and your family.

Basic Care for Fresh Air Intake Vents and Ducts

While your HVAC system’s fresh air intake is an important feature, it does require some basic care and maintenance to ensure it functions properly. Here are a few tips for keeping your fresh air intake vents and ducts in good shape:

• Regularly check and clean vents: Make sure the exterior vents for your fresh air intake are clear of any obstructions such as dirt, debris or plants.
• Change filters regularly: The air filter connected to your fresh air intake ducts should be changed at least every three months to ensure proper ventilation and indoor air quality.
• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance by a professional HVAC technician can help identify any issues with your fresh air intake and ensure it is functioning optimally.

Overall, fresh air intake is a crucial component of any HVAC system. By understanding its purpose, importance and proper care, you can keep your home’s indoor air quality at its best and enjoy comfortable living all year round.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with all your HVAC needs. Contact us for expert advice and services in Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights and surrounding areas.