Natural ventilation refers to systems that use pressure differences to ventilate buildings. Pressure differences can occur either due to wind or due to buoyancy. However, if you are considering natural home ventilation systems then you need to remember that the amount of ventilation is greatly influenced by the size and design of the openings in your home. Windows, grills, louvers, and open plans are some of the means used to naturally aerate a home. Let's take a look at the different types of NV systems.

Natural Ventilation Due to Wind

NV can be enabled by harnessing natural breeze or wind to freshen the home. Winds blow in through openings on the windward side of a building and exit through the openings on the leeward side and roof of the building. In summer the winds are used to naturally ventilate a home by ensuring maximum wind flow into the home. In winter, on the other hand, ventilation is reduced to keep away excess moisture and pollutants. In instances where the wind flow is parallel to a building instead of being perpendicular to it, ventilation can still be enabled by making architectural changes. When implementing natural home ventilation by harnessing natural wind movement, you need to remember to remove any obstructions between the windward openings and leeward exits to ensure effective ventilation.

Natural Ventilation Due to Buoyancy

NV can also be induced by buoyancy. Buoyancy induced ventilation is of two types - temperature induced and humidity induced. These two can also be combined to create effective natural ventilation. Buoyancy occurs due to differences in air density caused by both temperature and humidity. This natural home ventilation system uses the cooling tower and stack ventilation techniques. Inside the home, the heat and humidity produced by both occupants and other factors results in the hot air rising and exiting through the ceiling. This results in cool air entering the home through the lower openings. This is a very effective technique in cool weather as it helps maintain a warmer indoor temperature.