| Author | Search for: MacDonald, Iain1; Search for: Magee, R.1; Search for: Fugler, D. |
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| Affiliation | - National Research Council of Canada. Construction
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| Format | Text, Article |
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| Conference | AIVC Workshop on Securing the Quality of Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings: Status and Perspectives, March 18-19th 2013, Brussels, Belgium |
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| Abstract | The residential ventilation market in Canada is defined by the country’s geography and its relationship with the USA. Codes and standards have been developed in Canada to unify the approach across the country and coordinate with the USA market, however due to regional variations (partially a result of the political structure) the “model” building code developed at the national level is implemented at the provincial/territorial level and can subsequently be modified at the municipal level. This can lead to regional variations in code requirements, e.g. the predominant use of exhaust-only systems in Ontario. The long heating season and cold winters have driven construction standards in Canada to produce air-tight buildings as a matter of course. The current energy code (2012) states that the worst case air change rate at 50 Pa for new build is 3.2 and if the air barrier system has been constructed to a higher standard (prescriptively defined) 2.5 air changes per hour, or the tested value can be used. Given these levels of air tightness were being achieved in the 1980’s it became apparent that deliberate mechanical ventilation was required. This need had been introduced into the building code 1980 but was refined and expanded through 1995 (the code is updated on a five year cycle). In 1991 the mechanical ventilation standard (CSA F-326-M91) was published covering design, installation and commissioning. The rate of new construction in Canada is such that almost 25% of single family homes have been constructed since 1990. Combining this with the code requirements for mechanical ventilation systems it can be concluded that the residential ventilation industry is well developed and mature. Future refinements will be made as our understanding of health and ventilation is further developed and as energy constraints become more pertinent. |
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| Publication date | 2013 |
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| In | |
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| Language | English |
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| Peer reviewed | Yes |
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| NPARC number | 21274003 |
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| Export citation | Export as RIS |
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| Report a correction | Report a correction (opens in a new tab) |
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| Record identifier | d0c2da0e-bea5-48cf-a069-094caddefaaa |
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| Record created | 2015-02-05 |
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| Record modified | 2020-10-14 |
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