The introduction of outdoor air at rates beyond what is necessary for occupant health and comfort can lead to several detrimental consequences. This situation, where air exchange surpasses the required level, may manifest as drafts, temperature fluctuations, and increased energy consumption. For instance, a building’s HVAC system, set to introduce significantly more outside air than needed based on occupancy and activity levels, would be an example of this phenomenon.
Maintaining appropriate air exchange rates is vital for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Exceeding these rates unnecessarily increases the load on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This, in turn, results in higher energy bills and a greater carbon footprint. Historically, over-ventilation was sometimes employed as a simplistic solution to indoor air quality concerns. However, modern building science emphasizes optimized ventilation strategies to balance air quality and energy conservation.
