Modern residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is fantastic for keeping your heating and cooling bills down, it’s bad for getting adequate fresh air inside.
Recently built houses are tightly sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older residences can. Subsequently, your house can appear to smell stuffy, feel too humid or experience problems with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home, they may report growing problems.
Thankfully, it’s not hard to improve the ventilation in your house in Norco and St. Charles Parish. Many of the options that we’ll talk about soon are uncomplicated and inexpensive.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the fastest way to get fresh air into your house during moderate temps. But it’s crucial to note this frequently isn’t a year-round option and can create 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 highest, according to Mayo Clinic. You also shouldn’t open them during dry, windy days, as the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Use Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Using these fans draws out stale air, extra moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They’re also inexpensive to run. 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 interested in doing this, the CEE suggests looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that offers quiet, uninterrupted operation. These fans typically include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when there’s too much humidity, so you won’t have to remember to turn it on or off.
However, it’s important to know that an exhaust fan can negatively influence your house’s temperature, since it’s getting rid of air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your House’s Humidity Balanced
The ideal humidity level for your house is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the correct amount of humidity won’t enhance ventilation, it can boost your residence’s indoor air quality and keep your home pleasant at a more energy-efficient setting.
If there isn’t enough humidity, you could experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to splinter. In contrast, humidity that’s too great can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and irritate allergies or asthma.
The wisest approach to keep humidity in check is with a whole-home solution. We have humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your HVAC system. You won’t have to carry an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also important to realize an accurate humidity concentration can also make air more comfortable at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you pay less on utility expenses.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Getting a mechanical ventilation system is one of the best approaches to bring in additional fresh air into your home all year. There are two different kinds—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continually eliminate stuffy 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 exhausts. ERV is great for warm climates, because it pulls out warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both units, so talk with our Mayeuxs AC & Heating ventilation professionals about what’s a good fit for your Norco and St. Charles Parish residence.
If stuffy or ongoing odors are trouble in your house, you can also install a whole-house air purification system. These systems give an added level of filtration, which can also assist with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your house.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you choose the ideal option for your house. Contact us at (985) 764-2426 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll visually inspect your current equipment and learn about your needs in advance of giving our suggestions on the best options to boost ventilation in your home.