Influence of mechanical ventilation systems on indoor VOC concentrations in residential buildings
Air change rates are often insufficient due to high airtightness and insulation for energy conservation. VOCs from building materials, furniture, and occupant activities can accumulate, impacting health. Since mechanical ventilation systems influence indoor air quality, understanding their relations...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2467246 |
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| Summary: | Air change rates are often insufficient due to high airtightness and insulation for energy conservation. VOCs from building materials, furniture, and occupant activities can accumulate, impacting health. Since mechanical ventilation systems influence indoor air quality, understanding their relationship with VOC levels is crucial. This study conducted field measurements on houses with balanced ventilation (N = 16) and unbalanced ventilation (N = 17) systems during winter and summer. The measurements showed that no houses exceeded the VOC guideline values. During summer, the average air- change rate in the living room of houses with unbalanced ventilation was lower than 0.5 h−1. In both winter and summer, the bedroom’s average air change rate was also lower than 0.5 h−1. The concentrations of α-pinene and d-limonene, which are derived from both buildings and household goods, tended to be higher in houses with lower ventilation rates. Overall, homes with balanced ventilation had lower VOC concentrations and were found to be better for managing indoor air quality than homes with unbalanced ventilation. |
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| ISSN: | 1347-2852 |