I recently bought a large house (4700 sq ft) that's four stories and 40 years old, and it hasn't been very well maintained. I've been upgrading the HVAC system, which is nearly finished, using two Bosch heat pumps with four zones and a propane boiler for backup. My main concern now is finding an efficient way to get fresh, cool air into the house at night, especially during the late summer months when the nights chill down. I don't want to run the AC since outside temperatures can drop to 56 degrees, but I'm struggling to find effective ways to circulate air inside. The attic is spray-foamed, so traditional whole-house fans won't work anymore. Is there any fan technique or air circulation method you would recommend? Would an ERV help? I also wondered about using bathroom exhaust fans or installing strong exhaust fans in specific areas. I'm looking for practical ideas and solutions as we plan a large remodel next year.
2 Answers
You might find success with standard convection methods! Opening a few windows and cracking the attic stairs could help create airflow. If you can get more windows open, like a window downstairs and a couple upstairs, it may bring in a lot more air. Just be sure to do this when it's significantly cooler outside to really feel the effect!
Have you thought about reaching out to a mechanical engineering firm? They specialize in systems for bringing in outside air quickly, a common need for larger buildings like schools and churches. They could potentially help you design a solution that works well for your place!
That's a great idea! I hope they can help me get a better setup for bringing in fresh air.
I know how to open the windows, but unfortunately, it's not enough to get the air flow I want. The spray foam makes things tricky, plus the living room is the only area cooling down quickly.