Very old homes may only have been built with natural ventilation, meaning air comes in through windows and doors and diffuses out through the roof. For most homes in the mid to late 20th century, mechanical exhaust was introduced, meaning homes were built with bathroom and kitchen fans as part of the initial construction. Some homes may also have mechanical air supply. More recently, homes with ERV/HRV units will have a mechanical supply and exhaust system. For more information on what this means, please refer to
this website.
Natural Ventilation – only doors and windows and cracks etc. provide fresh air
Mechanical exhaust/supply – typically a switch by the thermostat, or we turn on bathroom exhausts. Furnace brings in fresh air
HRV/ERV – Can be standalone or often connected to the furnace