Changes to Canadian building codes and standards are likely to increase the use of residential ventilation systems by homeowners. This has raised concerns about operating and maintenance costs, particularly because much of the existing residential equipment is not designed for longevity, or energy efficiency. The technical potential for improving the longevity and efficiency of ventilation systems has been documented in other research reports by CMHC.

This study examined the efficiencies of residential ventilation and furnace fans . The scope included a detailed review of motor and motor control t echnology , fan design issues and an international search of motor / fan combinations of conventional and higher - efficiency . It was found that current residential air handlers are often ten times less efficient than their  larger commercial counterparts . Cost effectiveness considerations of ventilation and furnace fans ( the most energy intensive applications ) , showed that dramatic improvement s in efficiency are justifiable .

This document is the final report on a field assessment of proposed revisions to Article 9.32 of the Ontario Building Code. In the fall of 1992, Buchan, Lawton, Parent Ltd. was commissioned by the Ontario New Home Warranty Program, on behalf of a group of Project Partners comprised of government agencies and industry groups1, in order to undertake a field assessment of the residential construction industry's ability to install mechanical ventilation systems for houses to meet the requirements of the proposed Revisions.