Since 1991 in Washington State, some means of bringing fresh air into the home has been required by the Washington State Energy Code. This requirement is for new construction as well as significant remodels. So, as an inspector, I am always looking for these systems.
On remodels it is common to find these systems missing. When they are missing it is one of the indicators that work was done without proper permits.
When they are missing in new construction it is usually because someone forgot to install the timer and simply installed a regular toggle switch to operate the fan. Obviously in this case it is not a difficult repair.
There are several means of meeting the requirements of the code and the simplest of these is accomplished by installing a timer-control on a Bathroom exhaust fan or the Laundry exhaust fan. Other approaches involve being integrated with the heating system ductwork. Sometimes it is done by means of a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV).
These systems don't just exhaust the air, they also require locations for bringing fresh air into the home when the fan is operated. With no means of providing air to the home, the home would be placed under negative pressure and air would could then be pulled into the space down chimneys and the vents of other fuel burning appliances. Some jurisdictions used to allow for leakage around doors and windows to be the source of this make-up air. Obviously not the best solution to the problem.
The other thing to keep in mind is that when any exhaust fan is operating (kitchen, bathroom, dryer etc) make-up air must be provided. The lack of adequate air intake when exhaust fans are running is often evidenced by dark "ghosting" at carpeting around exterior walls of the home or by "ghosting" at poorly fitted exterior doors and windows. It can cause smoke to be drawn into the home from fireplaces and it can be related to back-drafting of gas appliances like water heaters.
Fresh air intakes are a REALLY good idea---and will help your home have balanced air pressure---neither negative pressure or positive pressure. Balanced air pressure within the home is good for avoiding moist air from either being drawn into walls or driven into walls. In energy efficient homes these considerations become more critical. In old drafty homes it is done more or less automatically---along with emptying your wallet and supporting the oil barons.
Some windows (like the one in the picture at the beginning of this post) come with little vents in the windows that can be opened to allow air to enter the home----or even leave the home if for some reason a positive pressure was created. Most home buyers have no clue what theses things are---if they noticed them at all. During the inspection they are almost always closed---consistent with the homeowner not having any clue what they are or what they are for either.
On a recent inspection I found another common type of air intake.
When this type is installed the inspector will usually find one in each room of the home. This ensures that fresh air will be drawn into all areas of the home when the exhaust fans in the home are operated. These are mounted on the wall and have a screened cap at the exterior. These screens must be maintained free of debris and easily clog with lint because they will act as a filter for the air moving through them.
Sometimes they suffer from house painters that also have no clue what they are for.
This one, in brand new construction, will need to be replaced due to being heavily painted.
Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
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