Modern residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is excellent for keeping your heating and cooling costs down, it’s not so good for bringing enough fresh air inside.
Newer residences are firmly sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older houses do. As a result, your house can appear to smell musty, feel too humid or have issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they may complain of growing issues.
Luckily, it’s not difficult to increase the ventilation in your residence in York. Most of the answers that we’ll talk about soon are uncomplicated and economical.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the simplest way to get fresh air into your house during pleasant temps. But it’s crucial to note this typically isn’t a year-round solution and can cause problems if someone in your household has seasonal allergies. If so, you shouldn’t 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 weather, as the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Run Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Operating these fans draws out stale air, excessive moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They’re also economical 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 offers nearly silent, constant operation. These fans typically come with a sensor that will switch them on automatically when there’s too much humidity, so you won’t have to think about turning it on or off.
However, it’s essential to note that an exhaust fan can adversely influence your house’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 house is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the correct concentration of humidity won’t increase ventilation, it can improve your house’s indoor air quality and keep your residence pleasant at a more energy-efficient temperature.
If humidity isn’t high enough, you can have dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also affect wood flooring and furnishings in your house, causing them to split. On the other hand, humidity that’s too high can make air seem stale or stuffy. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth and worsen allergies or asthma.
The smartest method to keep humidity regulated is with a whole-home solution. We sell humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. You won’t have to lug an inefficient portable system around your home, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also critical to note an accurate humidity concentration can also make air more comfy at an energy-efficient setting, helping you spend less on heating and cooling costs.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Getting a mechanical ventilation system is one of the smartest ways to get more fresh air into your residence throughout the year. There are two different types—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems constantly get rid of stuffy indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is good for chilly climates, since it retains the heat from the indoor air it lets out. ERV is good for hot locations, because it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some areas can benefit from both units, so ask our Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning ventilation professionals about what’s ideal for your York residence.
If stale or lingering odors are trouble in your residence, you can also buy a whole-house air purification system. These systems provide an extra level of filtration, which can also provide support with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your residence.
Our ventilation experts are here to help you select the right option for your house. Contact us at 717-383-4479 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll look at your present equipment and learn about your needs before providing our recommendations on the ideal options to boost ventilation in your home.