Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) adjusts outside air based on occupancy and air quality. Using CO2 or other sensors, it increases ventilation when spaces are full and reduces it when they’re empty, improving indoor air quality while cutting heating and cooling energy use.
/dɪˈmænd kənˈtroʊld ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃən/
Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) adjusts outside air based on occupancy and air quality. Using CO2 or other sensors, it increases ventilation when spaces are full and reduces it when they’re empty, improving indoor air quality while cutting heating and cooling energy use.
How does demand controlled ventilation work?
It uses sensors to measure occupancy or CO2 levels and adjusts outdoor air intake accordingly.
Source: The Cooling Company
DCV matches ventilation to occupancy for efficiency.
A conference center uses CO2 sensors to ramp up fresh air during events and scale it back between sessions to save energy.
Keep sensors calibrated and clean so the system responds accurately to occupancy changes.
“Keep sensors calibrated and clean so the system responds accurately to occupancy changes.”
DCV can contribute to LEED points by improving indoor environmental quality and energy performance.
Is DCV suitable for residential homes?
It can be, but it’s most common in commercial spaces with highly variable occupancy.
Does DCV reduce indoor air quality?
No. When properly calibrated, it maintains IAQ while reducing unnecessary ventilation.
What happens if a sensor fails?
Systems usually default to a safe ventilation rate until the sensor is repaired.
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