Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- writing:solarpunk_building_changes [2026/07/02 23:03] – created JacobCoffinWrites
+++ writing:solarpunk_building_changes [2026/07/02 23:40] (current) – [Technical Stuff] JacobCoffinWrites
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 eliminating pollution and reducing grid strain while ensuring the availability of hot water during outages
-====Small Technical Stuff====
+====Technical Stuff====
-===Energy Recovery Ventilators===
+===Heat Recovery Ventilators/Energy Recovery Ventilators===
-These devices bring fresh air into buildings without changing the temperatures inside.
+These devices bring fresh air into buildings without changing the temperatures inside. ERVs and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_recovery_ventilation|HRVs]] both transfer heat between incoming and outgoing air streams. However, ERVs also transfer moisture and can help cool the home, while HRVs can’t.
-===whole-house fans===
+ERVs are a good choice for climates with high humidity or for homes where maintaining consistent indoor humidity is a priority. [[https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/how-an-energy-recovery-ventilator-erv-works|HRVs can be a better choice for climates with mild humidity or in colder environments, as ERVs can have trouble functioning in cold temperatures]].
-===Solar attic vent fans===
+These are usually large systems set up in an out-of-sight spot and connected to ductwork, but [[https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/introducing-the-swervair-energy-recovery-ventilator|window units]] are going on the market now, so they may be more common in your solarpunk future.
-These self-contained, power-and-fan arrangements are mounted to house roofs, intended to vent the attic and flush out hot air and moisture.
+===Filtered Box Fan/Corsi-Rosenthal Box===
+A staple of wildfire zones, [[https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/|these DIY window filters]] can be a good visual indication that climate change is still wreaking havoc or that long memories still carry some scars and caution. They can also help with airborne pathogens and pandemics. When using an off-the-shelf fan, it's important to match the available airflow against its default speed settings. By using multiple MERV-13 air filters, arranged as a box which sticks out the window, there's enough airflow for the fan to operate as normal (a single filter, sealed up against the fan would burn out the motor).
+===Whole-House Fans===
+These fans [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole-house_fan|are designed to circulate air through an entire house]] or other building by venting unwanted air into the attic or outside. This removes hot air from the building and draws in cooler outdoor air through windows and other openings.
+===Solar Attic Vent Fans/Powered Attic Ventilator===
+These fans vent hot air and moisture from the attic to the outside through an opening in the roof or gable. Most are wired into the house and connected to a thermostat but some are solar-powered, self-contained arrangements. This can reduce the load on HVAC or air conditioners by reducing the amount of heat inside the building (even if it's mostly trapped in the attic) and reduce damage to the building from mold or rot.