Posted on Mon, Feb 13, 2012
UltimateAir’s Jason Morosko attended the
Better Buildings by Design conference. The conference was held on February 8 & 9, 2012 at the Sheraton Conference Center in Burlington, Vermont.
Jason presented at the conference the following topics.
Check out his presentation.
- Best practices of commercial ventilation operation
- The cost of ventilation options in commercial applications
- Commercial ventilation design
- Commercial ventilation and it's relationship to the heating/cooling system
“The conference was well attended, great turnout, I was impressed” 
Stay tuned to our blog for more events and conferences!
Posted on Tue, Feb 07, 2012
The Best Ventilation System
The best ventilation system will bring in an equal amount of air that
is removed from the home, while transferring the ‘energy’ from the leaving air -into the incoming air (so you don’t waste it), and filtering it. This is not as easy as it sounds. Manufactured E/HRV’s which perform this function have two air moving fans. One fan to bring fresh air in, and one fan to take stale air out. In most products available in North America - these two fans are tied to the same single motor. Now- if i have two duct systems, one to move air into the house, and one to remove stale air from the house... the only way that these two duct systems would have the same air flow is if (1) they were identical, (2) they were balanced with a differential pressure manometer after the system was commissioned, and the system never saw any environmental change. It is almost impossible for either of those two cases to be true.
Two Independantly Controlled Motors
The UltimateAir RecoupAerator has two independent variably controlled motors controlling two independent fans. With this capability, we have built in volumetric flow control - independent on each of the two air streams. This uniquely allows the RecoupAerator to balance incoming vs outgoing flow with different duct systems and a dynamically changing duct condition (filter load up, impeller load up, etc), and over its full range of flow settings.
The RecoupAerator is the only unit in the industry which has ‘flat fan curves’, independent on each of its two air moving fans.
Posted on Thu, Feb 02, 2012
The Problem
Mildew is a mold that grows under warm (temperatures between 77 – 86 degrees F.), wet, and humid conditions (relative humidity between 62% - 93%).
Window condensation is one visible manifestation of excess humidity, but ideal conditions also are found lurking out of sight within wall cavities, in crawl spaces and attics.
Under saturated conditions wood will rot, giving rise to frequent and expensive repairs, and mold spores serve as triggers for allergies and contribute to an unhealthy home environment.
You don’t have to open doors and windows to bring moisture into our home. Outside humidity, moisture generated in the home, vapor pressure (the drive that causes moisture to migrate to dryer areas), all contribute to the problem. Exhaust only ventilation (bath fans, range hoods, dryers) as well as the stack effect from a chimney will accelerate the infiltration of outside humidity through poorly installed (or non-existent) air barrier. Cumulatively this moisture can add hundreds of pounds of water per day to a home.
Solutions
Here is where an ounce of prevention is worth 100s of dollars of expensive water removal using dehumidification/air conditioning, building repairs and potentially medical expenses and even debilitating illnesses for family members.
Remediation and Prevention
Building/remodeling right and ventilating right, along with occupant awareness to reduce moisture generation will have a major impact on the prevention of moisture issues that lead to mold growth.
The Building Envelope
Minimize paths of infiltration by sealing your home and adding insulation, install a vapor-permeable air barrier, prevent water from entering basements and crawl spaces with proper sealing, drainage, and landscaping. Don’t forget to clean the gutters.
A Ventilation Strategy
Install an Energy Recovery Balanced Ventilation System. The UltimateAir® RecoupAerator,® model 200 DX will exhaust excess humidity (along with odors, stale air and pollutants) in the winter and leave a percentage of the humidity outside in the summer while bringing in an equal amount fresh filtered air. This balanced ventilation approach will help prevent unwanted infiltration by keeping the home at balanced or slightly positive pressure most of the time. It is also the most cost effective way to provide the ventilation necessary for a safe, comfortable and durable home.
A well-ventilated, balanced- pressure home with a 35 – 45% RH is one of the best investments you can make to prevent mold, reduce allergy triggers (both pollens and mold spores) and insure the health of your family.
UltimateAir's Jason Morosko writes about moisture, mold, indoor quality and other topics. Stay tuned!
Posted on Mon, Jan 23, 2012
Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside
Today’s well-insulated and sealed homes trap odors and chemicals from rugs, furniture, and household cleaning products. Common sense and studies have shown that the by exhausting the pollutants and replacing this exhausted air with filtered, fresh air from outside, the quality of the home environment is uncommonly improved. By adding heat and moisture recovery to this air exchange (in essence, recovering the energy already used to heat and cool the home), ventilation and filtration can be done for as little as 25 cents per day.
Green Cleaners
However, consumers are confounded by a bewildering array of sprays, powders, candles and plug-in devices to mask IAQ issues. Indeed, these masking agents - “air fresheners”, “aerosol air cleaners”, and candles - significantly contribute to degrading the home environment and causing allergic reactions.
Check out the green cleaner experiment - you can see formadhyde levels rise.
We also used to powder and perfume ourselves instead of bathing, go on pilgrimages to avoid the plague, and build homes without insulation... And how did this work out?
Choose a better indoor air quality with the RecoupAerator
To insure the health, safety and comfort of your family, choose the real long-term solution to a better indoor environment, the UltimateAir RecoupAerator Ventilation and Filtration system.
Posted on Thu, Dec 22, 2011
In the great race to deck our halls and dress our homes for the holidays, it’s easy to overlook how much money we might be wasting, and the dirty air we might be breathing by ignoring some simple winterization, and air filtration secrets.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that we spend an average of 90% of our time indoors during the winter. Since indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than the outdoors, we can be allowing an unhealthy amount of pollutants to unnecessarily remain in the home.
While these statistics can be seriously unsettling, it’s important to remember that, despite the “dirty” talk, there are ways to keep your family safe and warm this season; and more energy efficient.
Fact is the harm of unhealthy air is easily avoidable; it’s simply a matter of awareness and proactive efforts. These quick energy saving tips along with a sound air filtration/ventilation system will keep you breathing easy this season:
Preseason maintenance
Heating and cooling equipment “requires” yearly maintenance. Dirty filters can quickly restrict airflow and increase your home’s energy demand. Having your equipment cleaned and checked annually will lower your utility cost and extend the life of your equipment.
Ventilate
Air filtration/ventilation systems that has a MERV rating of at least 10 will ensure clean air is coming into your home without unwanted particles from the outdoors, and it will also ensure you’re not breathing the same stale air.
Keep your vents clear
Drapes, furniture or any other blockages will restrict airflow throughout the house. Keeping them clear will avoid running your heating system longer than it needs to.
Weather strip doors and windows
Compensating for drafty doors can account for 5 to 30 percent of your energy use in the winter. Again, it’s OK to have your home tightly insulated if you own an air filtration/ventilation system. Keep unfiltered outdoor air from entering your home, and let the RecoupAerator® cycle in fresh, filtered air for your family to breathe!
Block even the littlest leaks
The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall. The RecoupAerator’s WarmFlo Defrost System gives homeowners peace of mind that there home can be tightly insulated AND have clean, healthy air to breathe during cold winter months.
Standards for environmental efficiency have ushered in a global consciousness for clean air and energy savings; and homeowners and builders across the globe are paying attention. The goal, successfully saving money in heating and cooling costs while improving indoor air quality – keeping all your holidays safe, healthy, and warm.
Posted on Thu, Dec 15, 2011
In November, UltimateAir®'s Vice President of Engineering, Jason Morosko, hosted an excellent Technical Training webinar on the RecoupAerator® air filtration/ventilation system. We had a great response; so much so that dozens of questions from attendees went unanswered due to time constraints.
To follow up and provide the most comprehensive information possible on the importance of indoor air quality AND performance and specs of the RecoupAerator®, we have launched a follow-up video series to answer many of those great questions.
Be sure to subscribe to our blog to ensure you don't miss a single video part of this series, and download the Technical Training eBook as well!
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We'll start this video series with the most important step to installing a RecoupAerator® 200DX: properly unpacking the system from the delivery box!
In this three-minute tutorial, Jason discuses the best method to prepare your RecoupAerator® for installation.
Posted on Fri, Dec 02, 2011
The federal government is currently offering two tax credits to help assist with the total cost of energy efficient products or upgrades. Both credits require a large initial investment in order to produce years of utility savings. .
The underlying intention and incentive behind this unique government-funded opportunity is a mutually beneficial arrangement for the homeowner to save money while boosting the US economy through market expansion from increased demand.
Only certain highly efficient products qualify and the credit is only eligible if purchased before the end of December, in which case they can be deducted from your taxes.
Energy Efficiency Tax Credit:
- 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300
- Expires on December 31, 2011
- Existing home & principal residences
- New construction and rentals do not qualify.
This credit will offer financial help for both improvements to the home shell and installation of any qualifying energy-efficient heating and cooling systems including:
- Biomass Stoves
- Heating Ventilating AC (HVAC)
- Insulation
- Roofs
- Water Heaters
- Windows & doors
The extended renewable-energy credit is slightly more flexible, allowing both primary and secondary homes to qualify, as do both new and existing homes.
Renewable Tax Credit:
- 30% of cost with no upper limit.
- Expires December 31, 2016.
- Existing homes & new construction qualify.
- Both principal residences and second homes qualify.
- Rentals do not qualify.
Applicable for the following products:
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Small Wind Turbines
- Solar Energy Systems
How to Apply For a Tax Credit On Your Energy Efficient Product
If installed before December 31, 2011, the credit can be applied for qualifying products through your 2011 taxes by filing IRS form 5695. Dissimilar to a deduction, the credit will function as a reimbursement, lowering your tax burden by up to $500.
Learn more by visiting Energy Star
Posted on Fri, Nov 11, 2011
As part of our newly launched educational series, UltimateAir® is presenting a comprehensive look at our RecoupAerator® air filtration/ventilation system's performance specifications and air flow controls as part of our Technical Training Webinar.
To be held on Friday, November 18 at 1pm EST, UltimateAir®'s Jason Morosko, vice president of engineering, will host the presentation that will serve as an excellent resource for builders, HVAC installers, design professionals and even homeowners.
Our featured product, the RecoupAerator®, is a whole-house Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) that exchanges the stale air of an average-sized home with clean fresh air.
It exceeds competition with:
- 95 percent heat recovery ventilator.
- MERV rating of 12.
- WarmFlo Defrost system that allows it to be used year round in any climate.
Learn more today and sign-up for the free webinar by clicking the button above. After you've registered, we will send you all of the necessary information and instructions regarding how to call-in on the exclusive presentation date.
Posted on Thu, Nov 10, 2011
First, the bad news: formaldehyde is in many household products and is necessary to the manufacturing of them, so to some extent is unavoidable. But according to a study by the California Air Resources Board, many new homes have too much formaldehyde and too little ventilation.
But there is good news: we can substantially reduce its presence in our homes. There are practical steps one can take to drastically reduce the presence of, and exposure to, formaldehyde. While it may be necessary in the manufacturing of certain products, it doesn’t need to linger in the air we breathe!
Formaldehyde is often used in clothing and drapes to create a permanent press. It is used in adhesives, and in some paints and coating products. According to the E.P.A., it is at its most dangerous levels in particleboard, plywood paneling and medium density fiberboard.
Exposure to formaldehyde has several health consequences. It can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, and difficulty breathing. At its most extreme, it can cause severe wheezing and coughing, allergic reactions and perhaps even cancer.
Apologizes if this comes off as a scare tactic, but UltimateAir® feels the need to raise awareness, and how to assist in reducing formaldehyde in your home!
Tips to Reduce Formaldehyde in your home:
- First, increase ventilation through the use of a whole house ventilation system like the RecoupAerator®, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
- Off-gas the product containing formaldehyde before bringing it into your home. Leave the newly purchased product in your garage for a few days, or have the manufacturer unseal the product and let it breathe before purchasing.
- Use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products (containing a less dangerous form of formaldehyde).
- Test the level of formaldehyde in the air. For as little as $40 you can check existing levels of the byproduct in your home, either as a precautionary measure or after bringing in the product into your home.
By taking these simple steps, and by being cognizant of formaldehyde’s presence in so many products, we can substantially reduce its risk to our families’ health.
Be sure to check out our demonstration video that shows just how powerful a small dose of formaldehyde can be to your home’s indoor air quality.
Posted on Wed, Nov 02, 2011
The 6thAnnual North American Passive House Conference was held in Silver Spring, Maryland on October 28-29, 2011. The event attracted a wide array of business experts, builders, self proclaimed “geeks” and one person wearing a weird hat who all shared the latest technological developments and best practices for building sustainable, comfortable, affordable passive house buildings.
The main objective of the event was to spread awareness of, and build an understanding about, best practices of Passive House buildings. Relative themes and emphasis of the event focused on energy efficient construction as well as the amount of energy saved upon implementation.
Specific components included technical discussion and testimonies of real world experiences from various leaders in the green building field such as Sam Rashkin, Marc Rosenbaym and Katrin Klingenberg. Speakers also offered opportunities for attendees to adopt passive house standards.
The RecoupAerator® and Passive House Projects
For UltimateAir®, our employees in attendance were proud to hear such kind words about the benefits of our air filtration/ventilation system. Additionally, the number of Passive House projects that were formally discussed at the conference and using a RecoupAerator® was more than half!
Jason Morosko, UltimateAir®’s vice president of engineering and certified Passive House consultant, offered his personal reflections at the conclusion of the event, saying, “It’s only been implemented in United States building projects for the last 3-4 years, but we’re already at a point where we can assess completed projects and hear feedback. This will help build even more energy efficient homes”
Jason, if you’re still wondering, is the “Weird Hat Guy,” which became his nickname to many in attendance.
In addition to detailed discussion and explanation of Passive House initiatives, there was a portion of the event designated to debunking popular preconceived notions about the negativity of airtight construction. Common confusion surrounding the complexity of air replacement involved with mechanical ventilation, a key technology that requires significantly less amounts of heating and cooling costs, was carefully clarified and simplified.
Needless to say, endless opportunities lay ahead in future endeavors and involvement with energy efficiency, and the Passive House movement will only grow in the years ahead.
You can learn more about UltimateAir®'s work with recent Passive House projects.