Ventilation Planner
Plan your home's ventilation strategy with DIY tools, templates, and checklists designed to optimize airflow and indoor air quality.
How to Map Airflow at Home
Creating an airflow map helps you visualize how air moves through your home and identify areas that need better ventilation. Follow these steps to create your own map.
Step 1: Draw Your Floor Plan
Start with a simple sketch of your home's layout, including all rooms, windows, and doors. Don't worry about perfection—this is a working document.
Step 2: Mark Entry and Exit Points
Identify all windows and doors that can be opened. Mark potential air entry points (typically windward side) and exit points (leeward side).
Step 3: Trace Airflow Paths
Draw arrows showing how air would flow from entry to exit points. Consider door positions and how they connect rooms.
Step 4: Identify Problem Areas
Look for rooms with no airflow paths or areas where air gets trapped. These are your priority zones for improvement.
Best Fan Placements
Strategically placed fans can significantly enhance natural ventilation. Here are optimal placement strategies for different scenarios.
Window Fans
Place exhaust fans in windows on the leeward side to pull air through your home. Intake fans on the windward side push fresh air in.
Ceiling Fans
Position ceiling fans in the center of rooms to circulate air. Reverse direction in winter to push warm air down from the ceiling.
Corner Placement
Place floor fans in corners to create cross-room air movement, especially effective in large open spaces.
Humidity + Temperature Balancing
Maintaining the right balance between humidity and temperature is crucial for comfort and indoor air quality. Here's how to achieve it naturally.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Ideal indoor humidity ranges between 30-50%. Use a hygrometer to track levels in different rooms throughout the day.
Ventilate During Dry Periods
Open windows when outdoor humidity is lower than indoors to reduce moisture levels naturally.
Use Natural Dehumidifiers
Certain plants like peace lilies and English ivy can help regulate humidity while improving air quality.
Morning vs Evening Ventilation Routines
Different times of day require different ventilation strategies. Tailor your routine to maximize effectiveness.
Morning Routine
- Open windows early when outdoor air is coolest
- Create cross-ventilation by opening opposite windows
- Let morning breeze refresh indoor air
- Close windows as temperature rises
Evening Routine
- Open windows when outdoor temperature drops
- Use fans to enhance natural airflow
- Create stack effect with high and low openings
- Keep windows open overnight for cooler air
