Energy efficiency is the battle cry of the modern homeowner. In fact, most of today’s homes are built to be airtight. Without a doubt, such homes provide better control over indoor temperature. However, airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander are often overlooked.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in New Brighton MN. In this article, we will take a look at the most common home ventilation problems and how to address them.
Indoor Air Contaminants
The United States Environmental Protection Agency declared that poor indoor air quality is one of the top five health risks that affect today’s residents. One of the reasons this is so is that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used every day in homes. These are particulates that are continuously released by common household items such as plastics, paint, shampoo, and detergent. Well, these chemicals are harmless in small amounts, but they can cause serious respiratory problems if a home is poorly ventilated.
To solve this issue, you need the right combination of best practices and proper HVAC setup. Simple things like opening your windows for at least 15 minutes a day can expel indoor air pollutants, as well as relieve negative pressure. For best results, make sure that two windows are opened: one serves as the exhaust vent, and the other as the intake vent.
You can also invest in a mechanical ventilation system that can be integrated with your air-conditioning and heating system. Your preferred HVAC professional should be able to provide you with professional advice and determine the ventilation system that will work best with your existing HVAC system.
Excess Moisture
Humidity is an important aspect of your home comfort. According to experts, the ideal humidity level in your home is anywhere between 35 and 60%—anything beyond that makes sure the home is a favorite breeding ground of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. When you stay in such a place for long hours, you’re exposing yourself to potential health risks.
If security is not a problem in your neighborhood, try to leave your windows slightly open overnight, which can improve your indoor air quality while also reducing excess moisture and the risk of mold spread. This method is particularly useful in summer as it promotes better sleep. However, it may not be as wise to do it in the winter, so be careful about ventilating because doing so can allow too much heat to escape from your home.
Musty Smell
A musty or stale odor in your home indicates that it does not have enough sunlight or ventilation. This issue usually happens in the attic and basement, especially if you live in an older home with fewer windows. Also, a musty smell can be the result of mildew growth.
To effectively deal with this problem, consider using a heat recovery ventilator.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a ventilation system that minimizes the home’s heating and cooling needs. The design makes this possible by recovering any unused heat left in your HVAC system’s exhaust and using it to warm the fresh air being brought into the home from the outside. An HRV can save you a significant amount in energy costs as your heating system no longer needs to heat the fresh air. The same thing happens when your cooling system runs; only it does the process backward as it cools down the fresh incoming air before cycling through the HVAC system.
A heat recovery ventilator functions
by continuously removing stagnant, moist air from a home’s wet areas. These
spaces include bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms in houses. While this
occurs, filtered, fresh air is sent to occupied rooms, such as living rooms,
bedrooms, and dining rooms.
Heat recovery ventilators are environment-friendly systems as they lower carbon dioxide levels, perfect for families with kids, the elderly, or those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Ask the Air Quality Experts
If you want to find out more about dealing with ventilation problems in your home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our indoor air quality professionals would love to answer any questions you may have and provide you with scientific and accurate solutions to your ventilation problems. We are your leading Roseville heating and air conditioning company.