What Is The Home Ventilation Institute?
The Home Ventilation Institute is an organization that was formed in the 1950's by five ventilating product manufacturers. The problem was that every manufacturer had a different method to test and rate their products (sort of like the whole house fan industry today). The five companies were Broan, Fasco, Prine and NuTone.
By 1960, Texas A & M University had been set up as a testing laboratory that would set the standard for rating a ventilation fans performance. The HVI shortly thereafter began testing vent fans for sound level certification.
I have been to Texas A & M University for fan testing. The process is very scientific and methodical. I was amazed at the lengths that they go through to test sound levels for fans. The sound testing room is quite large and is very well insulated. I was surprised to learn that the tests for sound are performed in the wee hours of the night, so that noise from nearby cars on the road is at a minimum and would not affect testing.
For the consumer, HVI certified products gives you the assurance that you are purchasing a product that is tested by a third party to meet industry set standards. HVI certified products give you the confidence that the product you purchased will perform as stated in the manufacturer specifications.
The Home Ventilation Institute is located in Wauconda, Il – visit their website for more information, HVI Website


