Practical guidance on reducing drafts and optimizing ventilation in dwellings.
This technical note presents recommendations for eliminating discomfort from drafts when air enters through external walls. It summarizes experiments and conclusions on how to design air inlets, account for wind, and pair inlet configurations with heating systems.
This edition focuses on direct air-inlet openings in outside walls and offers concrete guidance on cross sections, basic air flow, and how to distribute inlets throughout a home. It covers the concept of a discomfort index and explains how the placement of inlets—whether near radiators, ceilings, or floors—affects comfort, heating, and air distribution. The work also discusses adjustable openings and the impact of wind on air changes, with scenarios to help installers and designers balance ventilation with comfort.
What you’ll experience
- Clear recommendations for sizing and locating air inlets to meet ventilation goals without creating drafts
- Comparisons of inlet designs, including deflectors, ceiling- or radiator-based delivery, and their effect on warm-air diffusion
- Discussion of wind effects, height considerations, and how adjustable openings can protect comfort
- Practical notes on integrating air inlets with heating strategies and building requirements
Ideal for readers of building technology references and professionals evaluating or designing dwelling ventilation systems.