----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2001 5:12
AM
Subject: [GBlist] Air Inlets
Does anyone have experience with Fresh 80's,
Airlets or any similar passive source of fresh air for residences in northern
climates. I'm thinking particularly of houses which might be minimally heated
and unoccupied for a period of time in the coldest part of the winter during
some years, in which case there is no need for fresh and cold air. (I've had
no complaints so far with the Airlet 100 where houses are continually
occupied).
I'm told by Aldes, on the other hand, that the
Airlet 100 is always open, though it moderates under wind pressure. They do
not recommend it for this climate. The Fresh 80, on the other hand, seems to
rely on the owner to either open it or close it, not a really good long term
solution.
Apparently the Airlet 500 is controlled by humidity and
"almost closes" when under certain conditions, but I'm not clear how well that
would work in Maine, either.
I know about more active systems, including
HRV's, but those are not in play at the moment for this project.
My concerns have to do both with unnecessary
energy use, when the house is not occupied, and with comfort level. If there
are cool drafts, the Fresh 80 will be closed and the Airlet will be "plugged",
the architect's good intentions notwithstanding.
Info on any "real life" results in a
comparable situation will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lance Fletcher, AIA
14 South Freeport Road
Freeport, ME 04032
207.865.3611
