We've been burning wood in our log home for the past 35 yrs in a 1975 Defiant wood stove. When we moved in, the house was very leaky. Through the years I've sealed air leaks, trying to tighten things up. Then a few years ago, we built an energy efficient addition and made a few improvements (insulation and new windows) to a few of the ground floor rooms. It's hard to believe the house is totally airtight, as some original doors and windows remain, but replacement air seems to have become an issue. Last winter we were plagued with back drafts and smoke in the house. Even in the non-heating months, we get a 'creosote' smell when running the kitchen or bathroom vents. Clearly, the fans are drawing replacement air through the easiest source: the chimney. Right now, we're leaving a window cracked, but in the cold months, that creates a draft and letting cold air in seems counterproductive.
I'm looking for ideas on how to both supply combustion air to the stove, and replacement air for when the vent fans are running. I can envision some sort of ducting coupled with a heat recovery system. As I understand it, heat recovery vents (HRV) supply replacement air to the entire house, but run continuously and simply exchange air 1:1. Can they make up for the air deficit caused by exhaust fans and combustion? Any help and suggestions welcome.
I'm looking for ideas on how to both supply combustion air to the stove, and replacement air for when the vent fans are running. I can envision some sort of ducting coupled with a heat recovery system. As I understand it, heat recovery vents (HRV) supply replacement air to the entire house, but run continuously and simply exchange air 1:1. Can they make up for the air deficit caused by exhaust fans and combustion? Any help and suggestions welcome.
