Modern residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your energy expenses small, it’s not so great for introducing adequate fresh air inside.
Newer homes are firmly sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older residences can. Because of this, your home might start to smell musty, feel too humid or experience issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they might experience worsening problems.
Luckily, it’s not hard to improve the ventilation in your residence in Pella. Many of the options that we’ll discuss soon are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the simplest way to get fresh air into your home during pleasant weather. But it’s crucial to be aware this usually isn’t a year-round possibility and can create problems if someone in your home has seasonal allergies. If so, you don’t want to open windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the worst, according to Mayo Clinic. You also don’t want to open them during dry, windy days, since the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Turn on Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Running these fans gets rid of stale air, excessive moisture, odors and other things you don’t want in your house. They’re also inexpensive to use. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 yearly in electricity if you were to operate it 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you want to do this, the CEE advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that delivers nearly noiseless, constant operation. These fans frequently include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when humidity is too elevated, so you won’t have to make a note to turn it on or off.
However, it’s important to know that an exhaust fan can undesirably impact your house’s temperature, since it’s removing air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your House’s Humidity Even
The right humidity level for your residence is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the correct amount of humidity won’t improve ventilation, it can enhance your home’s indoor air quality and keep your family pleasant at a more energy-efficient setting.
If the humidity is too low, you may experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to fracture. In contrast, humidity that’s too great can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth and irritate allergies or asthma.
The smartest method to keep humidity regulated is with a whole-home solution. We sell humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. There’s no need to lug an inefficient portable system around your home, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also essential to realize the correct humidity concentration can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient setting, helping you save more on energy bills.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the top methods to introduce added fresh air into your residence all year. There are two different styles—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continually get rid of musty indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is great for cool climates, since it keeps the heat from the indoor air it emits. ERV is good for humid locations, as it pulls out warmth and moisture from your air. Some areas can benefit from both pieces of equipment, so talk with our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating ventilation pros about what’s ideal for your Pella residence.
If stuffy or lingering odors are a problem in your home, you can also purchase a whole-house air purification system. These systems offer an additional level of filtration, which can also assist with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your residence.
Our ventilation pros are here to help you choose the right product for your residence. Contact us at 641-628-3621 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your present equipment and learn about your needs before giving our advice on the right options to increase ventilation in your residence.