Modern homes are more energy efficient than ever. While this is fantastic for keeping your utility costs low, it’s not so great for introducing ample fresh air inside.
Newer residences are securely sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older homes do. Consequently, your residence may start to smell musty, feel too humid or run into issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they could report increasing symptoms.
Thankfully, it’s not hard to increase the ventilation in your house in Boynton Beach. The majority of of the answers that we’ll review shortly are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the fastest method to get fresh air into your home during mild weather. But it’s important to know this usually isn’t a year-round option and can cause problems if someone in your household has seasonal allergies. If so, you don’t want to open 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, because the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Operate Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Operating these fans draws out stale air, excess moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They’re also reasonable 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 want to do this, the CEE advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that delivers nearly silent, uninterrupted operation. These fans usually come with 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 crucial to know that an exhaust fan can negatively affect your home’s temperature, since it’s getting rid of air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity Balanced
The best humidity level for your home is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the ideal percentage 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 temperature.
If the humidity is too low, you may have 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 elevated can make air appear stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and worsen allergies or asthma.
The best approach to keep humidity regulated is with a whole-home solution. We sell humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your furnace and air conditioning system. You won’t have to lug an inefficient portable system from room to room, spilling water as you move.
It’s also critical to realize the correct humidity concentration can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you spend less on energy bills.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the smartest ways to get more fresh air into your residence year-round. There are two different types—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems constantly remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is ideal for cold climates, since it holds on to the heat from the indoor air it emits. ERV is great for humid locations, because it removes warmth and moisture from your air. Some climates can benefit from both units, so check with our A2Z Air Inc ventilation professionals about what’s a good fit for your Boynton Beach residence.
If stuffy or ongoing odors are trouble in your home, you can also purchase a whole-house air purification system. These systems deliver an additional level of filtration, which can also provide support with reducing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your residence.
Our ventilation pros are here to help you select the right option for your residence. Contact us at 561-270-6228 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your existing equipment and learn about your needs in advance of providing our suggestions on the ideal solutions to enhance ventilation in your residence.