Modern residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is fantastic for keeping your utility bills low, it’s not so great for introducing adequate fresh air inside.
Newer residences are tightly sealed, which indicates they don’t “breathe” like older homes are able to. Subsequently, your residence could start to smell stale, feel too humid or run into problems with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they could report growing problems.
Thankfully, it’s not difficult to increase the ventilation in your house in Carson City. Most of the options that we’ll talk about soon are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the easiest approach to get fresh air into your house during moderate temps. But it’s essential to be aware this frequently isn’t a year-round option and can create problems if someone in your household has seasonal allergies. If this is the case, 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’ll also want to avoid opening them during dry, windy weather, as the weather can aggravate allergies.
2. Run Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Using these fans eliminates stale air, extra moisture, odors and other indoor contaminants. They’re also economical to use. 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 silent, constant 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 think about turning it on or off.
However, it’s essential to be aware that an exhaust fan can adversely affect your house’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity in Check
The best humidity level for your house is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the correct percentage of humidity won’t improve ventilation, it can enhance your residence’s indoor air quality and keep your loved ones comfortable at a more energy-efficient temperature.
If the humidity is too low, you may experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your house, causing them to fracture. On the other hand, humidity that’s too elevated can make air appear stale or stuffy. It can also result in mold and mildew growth and aggravate allergies or asthma.
The best approach to keep humidity regulated is with a whole-home solution. We offer humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. You don’t need to lug an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also crucial to be aware an accurate humidity level can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temp, helping you pay less on energy bills.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the best ways to get added fresh air into your home all year. There are two different kinds—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continually get rid of 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 exhausts. ERV is great for humid locations, because it removes warmth and moisture from your air. Some climates can benefit from both systems, so ask our Anderson Heating & A/C ventilation pros about what’s a good fit for your Carson City home.
If stuffy or ongoing odors are a problem in your house, you can also get 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 experts are here to help you choose the best solution for your residence. Contact us at 775-230-7628 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your present equipment and listen to your needs prior to providing our advice on the best solutions to increase ventilation in your home.