Information Center — Portable

With the rising costs of energy and living expenses, it’s especially important to know where to find homeowner savings. Sometimes, all it takes to change the way homeowners power their homes and consume vital resources are a few low-cost investments and a little time. Here are some ways to increase energy efficiency and save homeowners money: Plant trees and shrubs or install fencing in strategic locations to provide shade for the home. Use window treatments to block light and heat. Install protective awnings. Consider light colors for roofing to reflect the sun and keep solar energy from over-heating the home....

An oscillating fan is a fan that rotates rather than blowing in one direction, using forced convection to cool a space. This type of fan is stationary (on a stand or base), while the fan housing rotates from side to side. Oscillating fans come in a variety of sizes with a number of settings (side to side, stationary, angles, or up and down). They come as pedestal models or clip-on wall-mounts. Some are built as combination units with both heating and cooling settings. They’re a great way to cool a room in conjunction with A/C or alone. Oscillating fans can...

Exhaust fans play a major role in air quality and temperature controls for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They work by drawing stale air out of homes and buildings to be replaced with fresh, outdoor air to meet HVAC industry-recommended air quality standards. Ventilation exhaust fans can help provide a healthful living environment by removing toxic gases, chemicals, and odors. Mold and mildew caused by heat and moisture (particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that generate heat and moisture) can cause health problems and compromise the structural integrity of a home or building. Similarly, areas that generate smoke, chemicals,...

Residential ventilation is important for supplying quality airflow and ventilation to homeowners. Since most modern homes are built to be airtight, and because windows are often shut at certain times of the day, circulation is essential to keep stale air, humidity, and contaminants at bay. Maintaining or improving the quality of indoor air can be achieved by evaluating and updating mechanical ventilation. Operating an efficient HVAC system that employs ductwork, vents, and exhaust fans will result in proper circulation. There are several types of residential exhaust fans: The most common type of modern household exhaust fan is a ceiling-mounted exhaust...

A commercial ventilation exhaust system is designed to vent smoke, fumes, grease, and odors through a hood to the outside of a building and provide fresh replacement air from outdoors. Solid commercial kitchen ventilation design, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to foodservice for public health and safety, fire prevention, and emissions control. Exhaust fans need to meet the specific criteria for the intended application and provide adequate air quality controls. Without proper use and care, even the most superior equipment can fail to provide adequate ventilation to meet certain local, state, and federal guidelines. Staying in compliance means avoiding...