Modern homes are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your energy expenses small, it’s bad for getting ample fresh air inside.
Recently constructed homes are tightly sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older homes do. Subsequently, your home might begin to smell stuffy, feel too humid or experience issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they might experience increasing symptoms.
Luckily, it’s not hard to increase the ventilation in your home in Front Royal. Many of the answers that we’ll talk about shortly are simple and economical.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the simplest approach to get fresh air into your house during mild temperatures. But it’s crucial to note this frequently isn’t a year-round possibility and can create problems if someone in your home has seasonal allergies. If so, you’ll want to avoid opening windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the greatest, according to Mayo Clinic. You’ll also want to avoid opening them during dry, windy days, since the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Run Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Operating these fans eliminates stale air, excess moisture, odors and other indoor contaminants. They’re also reasonable to use. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 annually in electricity if you were to operate it 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you’re looking into this, the CEE advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that offers quiet, uninterrupted operation. These fans frequently include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when humidity is too high, so you won’t have to make a note to turn it on or off.
However, it’s crucial to note that an exhaust fan can undesirably influence your home’s temperature, since it’s getting rid of air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Home’s Humidity Regulated
The best humidity level for your house is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the ideal amount of humidity won’t improve ventilation, it can boost your residence’s indoor air quality and keep your residence pleasant at a more energy-efficient temp.
If humidity isn’t high enough, you may experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also affect wood flooring and furnishings in your house, causing them to splinter. On the other hand, humidity that’s too high can make air appear stale or stuffy. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth and aggravate allergies or asthma.
The best approach to keep humidity regulated is with a whole-home solution. We have humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. You won’t have to carry an inefficient portable system around your home, spilling water as you go.
It’s also critical to know the right humidity concentration can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient setting, helping you pay less on heating and cooling expenses.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the wisest methods to get additional fresh air into your house year-round. There are two different styles—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continually eliminate musty indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is ideal for cool climates, since it retains the heat from the indoor air it lets out. ERV is great for hot locations, since it removes warmth and moisture from your air. Some climates can benefit from both units, so ask our Dave's Diversified Services ventilation experts about what’s ideal for your Front Royal home.
If musty or lingering odors are trouble in your house, you can also install a whole-house air purification system. These systems deliver an extra level of filtration, which can also assist with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your home.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you select the right option for your residence. Contact us at 540-636-3396 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll visually inspect your existing equipment and listen to your needs in advance of offering our advice on the best solutions to boost ventilation in your home.