The Key Benefits Of Proper Vent Exhaust Placement For Your Home

Proper vent exhaust placement can lead to better air quality, improved comfort and a reduction in mold, mildew and water damage.

Improving Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

Americans, on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. This statistic shows how important good air quality indoors is.

Many people don’t realize the kinds of things that can cause poor air quality. Major sources of indoor air pollution include exhaust from gas stoves and fireplaces, space heaters, candles, air fresheners, tobacco smoke, laser printers, hairspray,  household cleaning products, pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.

The primary function of a home exhaust system is removing stale, contaminated air. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are hot spots for moisture, bad odors and pollutants like volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs). 

When these things aren’t vented properly, they can linger. When they linger, they degrade the air quality and leave homeowners with discomfort and even potential health risks. By expelling this air, exhaust systems keep indoor air more fresh, healthier and more comfortable. 

Preventing Mold, Mildew, and Water Damage

One of the most common issues in homes is moisture buildup. In areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where steam and humidity levels are high, moisture needs somewhere to go. Left unchecked, excess moisture can lead to mold growth, drywall damage, insulation issues and wood rot. 

Source: Pexels

An exhaust system helps control humidity by pulling excess moisture from the air, especially after showers or cooking. An exhaust system is a surefire way to prevent long-term moisture issues and protect the structural integrity of the home.

Regular use of home exhaust systems help contribute to the overall maintenance of home, protecting finishes, furniture and the building structure itself. A well-maintained exhaust system reduces the likelihood of expensive repairs related to mold or mildew, making it a worthwhile investment.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

When hot, moist air is exhausted through these home exhaust systems, it allows cooler, drier air to naturally infiltrate. This reduces the load on air conditioning systems, especially in areas with warm or humid climates. This can lead to energy savings for homeowners, as HVAC systems won’t need to work as hard to keep the home comfortable.

Without an effective exhaust system, cooking odors, pet smells and smelly bathroom odors can quickly become trapped. This can cause these rooms to feel stuffy and unpleasant. Nobody is comfortable when overwhelmed with bad smells. Exhaust fans expel these unwanted odors, ensuring the home is fresh and pleasant. This is particularly important in more open-concept homes.

And lastly, homes often harbor pollutants like dust, dander, smoke and chemicals from cleaners or building materials. Exhaust systems help minimize the concentration of these pollutants to improve better breathing and higher comfort. For homeowners with asthma or allergies, this is especially vital.

Exterior Vents vs. Roof Vents: Which One is Right for a Home?

Pros and Cons of Exterior Wall Vents

Exterior wall vents are a popular choice for venting exhaust systems, particularly in homes where roof venting is difficult or impractical. While they offer several advantages, they also come with a few potential drawbacks.

Pros of Exterior Wall Vents

• Easier Installation: They are easier and faster to install compared to roof vents. It often requires less labor and fewer materials.
• Direct Venting Routes: This is particularly true for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Since the venting system runs horizontally, it avoids the potential for long and winding ductwork that could cause efficiency issues.
• Less Risk of Water Damage: Wall vents tend to be more sheltered from rain and snow as long as they are properly installed and weatherproofed. When done properly, they are less likely to allow water infiltration, reducing the risk of water damage in the home.
• Saving Space: Wall vents can be installed in places that are hard to reach with roof vents, giving greater flexibility in placement for homes that have limited space for complex ductwork.

Cons of Exterior Wall Vents

• Aesthetic Issues: Wall vents are more noticeable from the outside when they are forced to be placed on a prominent side of the house or in a decorative area on the front. Homeowners try to keep them discreet, but sometimes space doesn’t allow it. This can detract from a home’s curb appeal. 
• Space Limitations: This all depends on the design and layout of the home. Sometimes, wall vents are easier to place, but someones other features like windows or doors make it difficult. If the property is small or crowded next to other homes, vent placement on a sidewall can be obstructed from neighboring structures or landscaping. When this happens, roof vents should be used.
• Backdrafting: If not installed correctly, wall vents can allow wind to push exhaust air back into the home. Vents placed too close to windows, doors or other air intake points could cause a reversal of air flow, which can lead to odors, moisture or even hazardous fumes entering the living area.

Benefits of Roof Vents for a Clean, Seamless Look

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Roof vents are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a clean, seamless aesthetic. Since they are installed directly on the roof, they tend to blend in with the overall design of the house, offering a subtle, unobtrusive appearance. Unlike wall vents, which can disrupt the exterior facade, roof vents are typically less visible and can be strategically placed to maintain the architectural integrity of the home.

Installing roof vents can be fairly more complex and costly than wall vents. They require access to the roof, proper sealing to prevent leaks, and careful planning to ensure optimal placement for airflow. Despite these installation challenges, roof vents are often favored for their aesthetic appeal and their ability to maintain a clean look without compromising on functionality.

Efficient Vent Exhaust Systems Begin with Proper Vent Placement

To maintain fresh air, control moisture and improve indoor air quality, you need a well-designed home exhaust system. Whether you’re choosing between an advanced balanced system or simple exhaust fan, you can deliver optimal results to your customers with FAMCO.

Visit FAMCO’s Product Page to explore our top-of-the-line exhaust and ventilation solutions designed for efficiency, durability, and ease of installation. See how FAMCO supports the professional contractor and how you can request a consultation or customized product to fit your unique needs.  Let us help you make every home feel fresher and more comfortable.