Closed air handling system with integrated damper for whole-building ventilation

Abstract

A closed air handling system for heating and/or cooling has an integrated damper mechanism for diverting discharge air into the attic or crawl space of a house, apartment, or other building, and for facilitating the introduction of fresh air into such building.

1 . A closed air handling system installed in a dwelling having a discharge plenum, a blower, and a damper, wherein the damper serves to preferentially direct airflow outside of the closed air handling system and into an attic or crawl space of the dwelling.  
   
   
       2 . The closed air handling system of  claim 1  wherein the damper is actuated by electromechanical means.  
   
   
       3 . The closed air handling system of  claim 1  wherein the damper is actuated by an electric screw drive.  
   
   
       4 . A method for operating the closed air handling system of  claim 1 , comprising: 
 a. selectively adjusting the damper from a closed position to an open position; and    b. activating the blower, thereby drawing air through the return air vent into the closed air handling system, bypassing airflow from the plurality of ducts, and directing airflow outside of the closed air handling system.    
   
   
       5 . A method for operating the central air handling system of  claim 1 , comprising: 
 a. selectively adjusting the damper from a closed position to an open position;    b. activating the blower, thereby drawing air through the return air vent into the closed air handling system, bypassing airflow from the plurality of ducts, and directing airflow outside of the closed air handling system; and performing automatically or remotely the steps comprising the selective adjustment of the damper and/or the activation of the blower.