Today’s houses are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your energy costs low, it’s not so great for getting ample fresh air inside.
Newer residences are firmly sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older homes do. Because of this, your home could start to smell musty, feel too humid or run into problems with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home, they could experience growing problems.
Luckily, it’s not complicated to improve the ventilation in your home in East Bernard. Many of the answers that we’ll go over soon are uncomplicated and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the fastest way to get fresh air into your home during mild temps. But it’s essential to be aware this usually isn’t a year-round solution and can cause problems if you have a family member with seasonal allergies. If so, you shouldn’t open windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the worst, according to Mayo Clinic. You also shouldn’t open them during dry, windy conditions, because the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Run 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 operate. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 each year in electricity if you were to keep it on 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you’re looking into this, the CEE suggests looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that offers nearly noiseless, continuous operation. These fans often include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when humidity is too high, so you won’t have to think about turning it on or off.
However, it’s essential to be aware that an exhaust fan can undesirably impact your residence’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity in Check
The right humidity level for your residence is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the correct amount of humidity won’t increase ventilation, it can enhance your house’s indoor air quality and keep your household comfortable at a more energy-efficient temperature.
If there isn’t enough humidity, you might suffer from dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your house, causing them to splinter. On the flip side, humidity that’s too high can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also result in mold and mildew growth and worsen allergies or asthma.
The wisest way to keep humidity in check is with a whole-home solution. We offer humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your furnace and air conditioning system. You won’t have to carry an inefficient portable system around your home, spilling water as you move.
It’s also important to note the right humidity concentration can also make air more comfy at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you save more on utility expenses.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the best ways to get more fresh air into your home throughout the year. There are two different styles—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continuously remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is ideal for chilly climates, since it keeps the heat from the indoor air it emits. ERV is excellent for hot locations, because it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some climates can benefit from both units, so talk with our E.B. Air, LLC ventilation experts about what’s a good match for your East Bernard home.
If musty or persistent odors are an issue in your residence, you can also install a whole-house air purification system. These systems offer an extra level of filtration, which can also provide support with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your house.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you find the ideal product for your home. Contact us at 979-335-4262 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your present equipment and find out about your needs prior to offering our recommendations on the right options to enhance ventilation in your residence.