Today’s residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your heating and cooling bills small, it’s not so good for introducing enough fresh air inside.
Recently built houses are firmly sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older houses do. As a result, your residence can start to smell stale, feel too humid or run into issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they might complain of worsening symptoms.
Thankfully, it’s not difficult to improve the ventilation in your residence in Hasbrouck Heights. Most of the answers that we’ll talk about soon are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the simplest method to get fresh air into your home during moderate temps. But it’s essential to know this typically isn’t a year-round option and can create problems if someone in your home 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 also don’t want to open them during dry, windy conditions, since the weather can aggravate 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 reasonable to operate. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 each year in electricity if you were to run 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 provides quiet, constant operation. These fans often are equipped with a sensor that will turn them on automatically when humidity is too high, so you won’t have to remember to turn it on or off.
However, it’s essential to note that an exhaust fan can undesirably impact your house’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your House’s Humidity in Check
The ideal humidity level for your home is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the right amount 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 temperature.
If the humidity is too low, you could have dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your residence, causing them to splinter. In contrast, humidity that’s too great 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 under control is with a whole-home solution. We offer humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your heating and cooling system. You won’t have to carry an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also essential to be aware the correct humidity concentration can also make air more comfy at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you spend less on utility costs.
4. Purchase a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the best ways to bring in more 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 chilly climates, since it retains the heat from the indoor air it lets out. ERV is excellent for humid climates, because it removes warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both systems, so ask our ACE Solutions ventilation professionals about what’s a good match for your Hasbrouck Heights residence.
If musty or persistent odors are trouble in your home, you can also buy a whole-house air purification system. These systems give an added level of filtration, which can also help with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your home.
Our ventilation pros are here to help you select the best product for your residence. Contact us at 201-579-2562 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll look at your present equipment and listen to your needs before giving our recommendations on the best options to improve ventilation in your home.