Heating - Ventilation

To be verified whilst work is underway 
 

• The outlets in question must be positioned as efficiently as possible (under windows) and must be large enough to insert the grille.
• Each of the air ducts must have a key to balance the system.
• The ducts must be fixed firmly and their joints must be screwed. Special adhesive tape must be used to seal all the openings to avoid whistling.
• The ventilator equipment must be readily accessible to enable inspection, maintenance, repair work and cleaning.
• Position the vent in the basement, in an unfinished area or in the least-utilized area.
• Position the vent far away from plumbing pipes, to avoid freezing.
• Ventilation shafts are made of rigid materials.
• In general, an air inlet and outlet must be supplied for each room in the house. But when calculating the number of outlets required, you must take several factors into account, such as : the room’s dimensions, its opening on to neighboring rooms, the number of windows and their dimensions, etc.
• Check with the carpenter that the location decided by the tinsmith and plumber for the air ducts and plumbing pipes respectively does not affect the structure (for example: laminated pierced beams), and if so that this has been corrected in accordance with the beam manufacturer’s specifications and/or the Building Code in force.
• It is very important to take into account the outside air quality at the place you are planning to install the air vent.
• Avoid car parks (carbon monoxide), fire vents (gas emission), tumble dryer outlet, ventilator outlet, thermopump outlet, etc.
• Torn vapor barriers and dislodged wool must be repaired.
• The height of the kitchen ventilator must correspond to the kitchen plan.

To include in the contract

• Electric furnace
• Air exchanger (it is compulsory that you install an air exchanger system)
• Thermopump
• Accessories (electrostatic filters, humidifier, etc.)
• Thermostats
• Small ventilation ducts (for example: kitchen and bathroom ventilators)
• The ventilation systems must all be planned in relation to the size of the house
• The air exchanger system must be capable of replacing the air in the house approximately once every three hours, without taking into account the tumble dryer vent.

Practical tips

To avoid problems both for the plumber and the tinsmith who handle the air ducts, it is preferable to plan their work for the same day. Together they will be able to plan the best locations for their ducts and pipes, taking into account any restrictions.

Avoid installing ventilation apparatus near to bedrooms as it can sometimes be noisy. Air vents must not touch floor plywood, to prevent noise when walking. To avoid outlets becoming blocked or pipes getting filled with dust during construction work, it is advisable to block them with a large piece of insulating wool.