New homes are more energy efficient than ever. While this is excellent for keeping your energy expenses down, it’s not so great for introducing enough fresh air inside.
Recently built houses are tightly sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older houses do. Because of this, your home might begin to smell stuffy, feel too humid or experience issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they could experience increasing issues.
Thankfully, it’s not difficult to improve the ventilation in your home in Savage. The majority of of the options that we’ll discuss in a minute are easy and economical.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the easiest method to get fresh air into your home during mild temps. But it’s essential to be aware this frequently isn’t a year-round solution and can lead to problems if someone in your home has seasonal allergies. If so, you’ll want to avoid opening 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, as the weather can worsen allergies.
2. Use Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Operating these fans eliminates stale air, extra 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 operate it 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you’re interested in doing this, the CEE recommends looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that delivers nearly noiseless, constant operation. These fans typically come with a sensor that will trigger then to run automatically when there’s too much humidity, so you won’t have to remember to turn it on or off.
However, it’s essential to be aware that an exhaust fan can negatively impact your house’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity Even
The best humidity level for your house is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the ideal concentration of humidity won’t increase ventilation, it can improve your residence’s indoor air quality and keep your family pleasant at a more energy-efficient setting.
If the humidity is too low, you might experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to crack. On the other hand, humidity that’s too great can make air seem stale or stuffy. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth and irritate allergies or asthma.
The best way to keep humidity under control is with a whole-home solution. We have humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. There’s no need to carry an inefficient portable system from room to room, spilling water as you move.
It’s also critical to know an accurate humidity level can also make air more comfy at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you save more on energy bills.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the wisest ways to get added fresh air into your house all year. There are two different types—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continually get rid of stuffy indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is ideal for chilly climates, since it holds on to the heat from the indoor air it emits. ERV is fantastic for hot areas, as it removes warmth and moisture from your air. Some climates can benefit from both units, so ask our Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning ventilation professionals about what’s best for your Savage house.
If stuffy or persistent odors are trouble in your house, you can also purchase a whole-house air purification system. These systems give an extra level of filtration, which can also provide support with reducing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your home.
Our ventilation pros are here to help you find the best solution for your home. Contact us at 952-373-0377 today for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your existing equipment and find out about your needs in advance of delivering our advice on the ideal options to improve ventilation in your home.