What does the term "ventilation rate" refer to?

The term "ventilation rate" specifically refers to the amount of fresh air entering a home or building, which is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality. An adequate ventilation rate helps to dilute indoor pollutants, including radon, and allows for the circulation of fresh air, which can significantly impact health and comfort levels. It is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s), indicating how much outside air is brought in relative to the total volume of air inside the space.

Other aspects related to air movement, such as the frequency of air exchange and air infiltration speed, while related to ventilation, do not encapsulate the amount of fresh air being introduced into the living environment in the same direct manner as ventilation rate does. Pressure measurements can reflect how ventilation systems are operating but do not define the actual rate of air exchange. Thus, understanding ventilation rate in the context of fresh air intake is vital for assessing indoor air quality and managing radon levels effectively.