Ventilation Design
Ventilation Design | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Delano
From bustling packinghouses to quiet suburban homes, Delano trusts HEP to keep every breath fresh. Our seasoned technicians design and install smart ventilation systems that seamlessly integrate with your heating and air conditioning, whisking away contaminants while balancing humidity and temperature. Whether you’re retrofitting a historic bungalow or breaking ground on a new commercial space, we analyze airflow patterns, select high-efficiency equipment, and fine-tune controls so the indoor environment feels crisp, comfortable, and consistently healthy.
Because true comfort is measured by more than degrees on a thermostat, we pair rigorous engineering with thoughtful care to elevate ventilation and air quality. Expect transparent proposals, prompt service, and long-term energy savings—backed by local experts who answer the phone right here in Kern County. Ready to breathe easier? Call HEP today and let us bring fresh Central Valley air into every corner of your property.
FAQs
Why is proper ventilation design so important in Delano’s climate?
Delano sits in California’s southern Central Valley, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 °F and winter nights can drop into the 30s. Homes and businesses are usually sealed tight to keep conditioned air inside, but that airtightness traps heat, humidity, and airborne contaminants. A well-designed mechanical ventilation system continually replaces stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air, helping to: • control moisture and prevent mold growth • dilute allergens, pesticides, and agricultural dust common in the area • reduce concentrations of viruses, VOCs, and CO₂ • improve comfort and reduce HVAC energy use by balancing temperature and humidity levels. Without engineered ventilation, even the best heating and cooling equipment can leave occupants uncomfortable and expose them to poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
What types of residential and commercial ventilation systems do you install or service?
We design, install, and maintain all major ventilation approaches so we can match a system to any budget or building layout: 1. Exhaust-only systems: Strategically placed fans remove stale air; best for retrofit bathrooms and kitchens. 2. Supply-only systems: A dedicated fan draws filtered outdoor air in and relies on passive leakage for exhaust. 3. Balanced systems with HRVs/ERVs: Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) or Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) simultaneously exhaust and supply equal airflows while transferring heat—and in ERVs, moisture—between the streams. Balanced units offer the highest efficiency and most precise IAQ control for Delano’s hot-dry summers and cool, damp winters. 4. Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS): For larger commercial buildings we separate ventilation from heating/cooling, delivering 100 % conditioned outdoor air to each zone. 5. Demand-controlled ventilation: CO₂ or occupancy sensors automatically adjust airflow, saving energy when spaces are unoccupied.
How does a ventilation system integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment?
Modern ventilation is not a stand-alone add-on; it works in concert with your HVAC system: • Shared ductwork: In many homes we tie the fresh-air duct from an HRV/ERV into the return plenum so incoming air is pre-conditioned by your furnace or heat pump. • Dedicated penetrations: Kitchens and bathrooms keep their own short, direct exhaust runs to limit grease and moisture buildup. • Controls: A central controller or smart thermostat coordinates ventilation runtimes with heating/cooling calls, ensuring comfort without unnecessary energy use. • Load calculations: Our Manual J, S, and D designs include the extra sensible and latent loads from outdoor air so your equipment is sized correctly—no hot or cold spots and lower utility bills.
Do I need a permit or Title 24 compliance for a new ventilation system in Delano?
Yes. Any new or substantially altered mechanical ventilation or duct system in California must meet the 2022 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. For most projects in Delano we handle: • Building permit application with Kern County or the City of Delano (depending on jurisdiction) • HERS verification and duct leakage testing if ducts are added or modified • Mechanical compliance forms (CF-MCH-01) documenting airflow rates, fan power, and HRV/ERV efficiency. Failing to pull a permit can delay home sales, void manufacturer warranties, and expose you to code-violation fines. We streamline the paperwork so you stay fully compliant.
How often should I service my ventilation system and what maintenance is involved?
Routine maintenance keeps airflow rates consistent and protects IAQ: • Filters: Inspect HRV/ERV and supply-only system filters every 3 months, replace or wash as needed. During wildfire season check monthly. • Core cleaning: HRV/ERV heat-exchange cores should be vacuumed and rinsed once a year to maintain efficiency. • Exhaust fans: Remove dust from bathroom/kitchen fan grills twice a year; lubricate motors if manufacturer specifies. • Duct inspection: Every 3-5 years have our technicians check for insulation damage, rodent intrusion, and seal leaks. • Controls calibration: Verify airflow setpoints annually; sensor drift can lead to under-ventilation or wasted energy. Regular service typically costs less than a single higher utility bill caused by a clogged filter.
Can advanced IAQ products help during wildfire smoke events and agricultural burn days?
Absolutely. Delano residents frequently face elevated PM2.5 levels from regional wildfires and field burns. We can integrate several add-ons with your ventilation design: • MERV-13 to HEPA filtration: Upgrades in the fresh-air or return path capture >90 % of smoke particles. • UV-C germicidal lamps: Installed in the supply plenum, they inactivate viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. • Activated-carbon media: Removes odors and gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde and ozone. • Air quality monitors: Real-time sensors track PM2.5, VOCs, and CO₂; the system ramps up filtration or shuts outside air intake when outdoor air is hazardous, switching to recirculation until conditions improve. These technologies provide a healthier indoor environment without compromising energy efficiency or comfort.