Improve Indoor Air Quality in Tiny Homes

Indoor air quality is more of an issue for tiny homes than for larger homes.

Because tiny homes are built so tight, the small air volume inside can become hazardous to your health very quickly. Moisture and carbon monoxide levels can rise and the oxygen can be depleted in a relatively short time compared to a full size home.

From AirCycler: “Homeowners spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, making clean indoor air quality essential for a healthy environment. In fact, indoor air pollution can cause greater health risks to occupants than outdoor air, even in highly industrial or congested areas. Proper ventilation protects a home from unwanted toxins, pollutants, and odors and can also help protect the overall structure of a home or building by eliminating excess moisture from the air.”

Automatically Control Ventilation Equipment to Improve Indoor Air Quality

That’s why I’m excited to see the Panasonic SACG2K-04 SelectCycler Whole House Ventilation System Control for 4″ Ducts.

Also from AirCycler: “The SelectCycler System is a cost effective, whole house mechanical ventilation solution for ASHRAE 62. 2 compliance. Ideal for single and multi-family construction, it provides whole house ventilation control that’s integrated into the home’s Central HVAC system.The SelectCycler System encompasses the WhisperGreen Select ventilation fan or fan (sold separately, shown here), the System Controller, Motorized Supply Damper* and FanConnect Fan/Light Wall Switch. This provides whole house ventilation control that’s integrated into the home’s Central HVAC system.”

Designed to work with Panasonic WhisperGreen Select Fans

“Designed exclusively to work with Panasonic WhisperGreen Select fans (sold separately, shown here), which incorporate Pick-A-Flow adjustable CFM technology for optimal use in Balanced mode. Works in tandem with spot exhaust fan to achieve hybrid supply or balanced ventilation.

Two operational modes help a home achieve the lowest cost per HERS point for either supply or balanced ventilation strategies. In Hybrid (supply ventilation) mode, the supply damper is open to bring in fresh air; if normal heating and cooling cycles don’t run long enough to meet required ventilation, the controller will also power on WhisperGreen Select via the FanConnect wall switch to provide supplemental ventilation.

In Balanced Mode, the controller opens the supply damper and activates the WhisperGreen Select at the same time; if heating or cooling cycle is too short to meet ventilation needs, the controller will also activate the HVAC/AHU. Durable, powered open/close damper alleviates damper chatter. Controller monitors the thermostat for heating/cooling calls, controls the supply damper, and can monitor and control the WhisperGreen Select ventilation fan via two-way communication with the FanConnect fan/light wall switch. Fan/light switch is a simple switch serving as a communicator between the main controller and WhisperGreen Select ventilation fan.”

Installing a Ventilation System if You Do Not Use a Central HVAC System

This system requires an outside air intake vent and a duct to get the fresh air to the HVAC unit. The fresh air damper, shown on the right, controls the amount of fresh air that mixes with a forced air HVAC unit to provide the correct CFM suggested by the ASHRAE 62.1-2019 Standard 62.1-2019

Most tiny homes do not have a central HVAC system, so a little re-engineering needs to be done.

It will work with the Panasonic HRV, but those are expensive

An intake system of some kind that can be controlled by the AirCycle2 module must be used. This VIVOSUN 6 inch Inline Duct Booster Fan will do the job. Also see the Wall-Through Garage Ventilation Kit shown in the widget section of this page.

Unlike an HRV. this fan will not recover the indoor heat as it draws in outside air. If you live in a very cold climate, this might not desirable. But in the temperate climates, this will work just fine.

Again, you will need an air intake vent through your wall.

The intake air vent should be mounted at the opposite end of the tiny home from the exhaust vent.

Wiring the AirCycler g2

Here is a photo of a typical AirCycler g2 wiring. 2-conductor. 20 AWG thermostat wire is used for the low-voltage connections. You could also use CAT-5 wire.

Click on the image to download a .pdf of the entire wiring diagram.

Below is a YouTube® video showing a typical installation of the AirCycler G2 system

You will need to extrapolate the information to make a system that fits your tiny house needs.

Here is a link to the free tool at Residential Energy Dynamics to calculate required minimum flow rate of dwelling-unit ventilation.