Modern homes are more energy efficient than ever. While this is excellent for keeping your energy bills down, it’s bad for introducing adequate fresh air inside.
Newer residences are securely sealed, which indicates they don’t “breathe” like older homes do. Consequently, your home might start to smell stale, feel too humid or have troubles with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they may experience worsening symptoms.
Luckily, it’s not complicated to increase the ventilation in your house in Arlington. Most of the answers that we’ll talk about shortly are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the easiest method to get fresh air into your residence during mild weather. But it’s crucial to note this usually isn’t a year-round possibility and can cause problems if you have a family member with seasonal allergies. If so, you’ll want to avoid opening 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 weather, because the weather can worsen allergies.
2. Operate Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Operating these fans eliminates stale air, excessive moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They’re also inexpensive to run. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 each year in electricity if you were to operate it 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you’re interested in doing this, the CEE advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that delivers quiet, uninterrupted operation. These fans typically are equipped with a sensor that will switch them on automatically when humidity is too elevated, so you won’t have to remember to turn it on or off.
However, it’s important to note that an exhaust fan can adversely impact your residence’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity Regulated
The best humidity level for your residence is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the ideal amount of humidity won’t increase ventilation, it can enhance your residence’s indoor air quality and keep your home pleasant at a more energy-efficient temp.
If humidity isn’t high enough, you could have dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your residence, causing them to split. On the flip side, humidity that’s too elevated can make air seem stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and worsen allergies or asthma.
The wisest way to keep humidity in check is with a whole-home solution. We have humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your HVAC system. You won’t have to transport an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also important to note the correct humidity level can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you spend less on energy costs.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the top ways to bring in more fresh air into your home all year. There are two different kinds—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continuously get rid of musty indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is good for cold climates, since it retains the heat from the indoor air it emits. ERV is fantastic for warm locations, as it pulls out warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both units, so ask our Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning ventilation experts about what’s ideal for your Arlington house.
If stale or lingering odors are a problem in your residence, you can also buy a whole-house air purification system. These systems deliver an additional level of filtration, which can also assist with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your residence.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you choose the ideal option for your residence. Contact us at 360-255-5857 today for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll look at your current equipment and find out about your needs before giving our recommendations on the best possibilities to improve ventilation in your house.