Today’s homes are more energy efficient than ever. While this is fantastic for keeping your heating and cooling bills low, it’s bad for bringing adequate fresh air inside.
Recently built homes are firmly sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older residences do. Because of this, your residence could begin to smell stuffy, feel too humid or run into troubles with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they may report worsening symptoms.
Luckily, it’s not difficult to improve the ventilation in your house in Auburn. Many of the solutions that we’ll go over in a minute are easy and inexpensive.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the simplest way to get fresh air into your residence during moderate temps. But it’s essential to know this frequently isn’t a year-round option and can cause problems if someone in your household has seasonal allergies. If this is the case, 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 shouldn’t open them during dry, windy weather, since the weather can aggravate allergies.
2. Turn on Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Using these fans gets rid of stale air, extra moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They’re also reasonable to run. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 annually 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 delivers nearly noiseless, constant operation. These fans frequently come with a sensor that will trigger then to run automatically when humidity is too high, so you won’t have to make a note to turn it on or off.
However, it’s important to note that an exhaust fan can undesirably impact your residence’s temperature, since it’s getting rid of air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your House’s Humidity Regulated
The right humidity level for your home is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the right amount of humidity won’t enhance ventilation, it can boost your home’s indoor air quality and keep your residence comfy at a more energy-efficient temperature.
If there isn’t enough humidity, you may have dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to crack. On the other hand, humidity that’s too great can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and aggravate allergies or asthma.
The best method to keep humidity under control is with a whole-home solution. We have humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your furnace and air conditioning system. You won’t have to transport an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also critical to note the correct humidity amount can also make air more comfy at an energy-efficient setting, helping you spend less on heating and cooling expenses.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the smartest methods to get additional fresh air into your home all year. There are two different kinds—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continuously eliminate musty indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is great for cold climates, since it keeps the heat from the indoor air it lets out. ERV is excellent for warm climates, because it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some areas can benefit from both systems, so ask our Forster Heating ventilation experts about what’s a good match for your Auburn home.
If stuffy or persistent odors are trouble in your residence, you can also install a whole-house air purification system. These systems offer an additional level of filtration, which can also provide support with lowering pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your home.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you choose the ideal solution for your residence. Contact us at 530-885-8081 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll visually inspect your current equipment and learn about your needs prior to delivering our suggestions on the best options to increase ventilation in your house.