Homeowners don't always know what's best for them. This is especially true where ventilation is concerned. Basically, most homeowners cannot determine whether or not the minimum ventilation rates are being met. For this reason, ASHRAE Standard 62.2 states that mechanical ventilation is preferable to windows or other systems that require occupant control or provide unpredictable amounts of ventilation.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) published Standard 62.2, "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-rise Residential Buildings," in December 2003.