New houses are more energy efficient than ever. While this is excellent for keeping your energy costs small, it’s bad for bringing ample fresh air inside.
Recently constructed houses are firmly sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older homes do. Consequently, your house might appear to smell stuffy, feel too humid or experience troubles with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, they could report growing issues.
Luckily, it’s not complicated to increase the ventilation in your residence in Des Moines. Most of the options that we’ll talk about in a minute are simple and economical.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the fastest approach to get fresh air into your home during pleasant temperatures. But it’s essential to be aware this usually isn’t a year-round solution and can create problems if someone in your household has seasonal allergies. If this applies to you, you’ll want to avoid opening windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the highest, according to Mayo Clinic. You’ll also want to avoid opening them during dry, windy conditions, because the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Turn on Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Running these fans draws out stale air, excessive moisture, odors and other indoor contaminants. They’re also reasonable to operate. An exhaust fan costs about $7-$15 each year in electricity if you were to operate it 24/7, according to the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).
If you want to do this, the CEE advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that provides nearly noiseless, uninterrupted operation. These fans often are equipped with a sensor that will trigger then to run automatically when humidity is too elevated, 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 home’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Residence’s Humidity Even
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 household pleasant at a more energy-efficient temp.
If there isn’t enough humidity, you could have dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your house, causing them to crack. On the other hand, humidity that’s too elevated can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and aggravate allergies or asthma.
The best way to keep humidity in check 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 across your house, spilling water as you walk.
It’s also essential to note the correct humidity level can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temperature, helping you spend less on heating and cooling costs.
4. Get a Ventilation System
Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the best methods to get additional fresh air into your house throughout the year. There are two different styles—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems constantly get rid of stale indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is good for chilly climates, since it keeps the heat from the indoor air it exhausts. ERV is excellent for hot climates, because it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some areas can benefit from both units, so ask our Heartland Heating & Cooling ventilation professionals about what’s a good fit for your Des Moines residence.
If musty or lingering odors are trouble in your residence, you can also install a whole-house air purification system. These systems give an extra level of filtration, which can also provide support with lowering pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your house.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you choose the right product for your home. Contact us at 515-344-3579 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your current equipment and find out about your needs prior to giving our advice on the best options to enhance ventilation in your house.