Today’s houses are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your energy costs small, it’s not so good for getting adequate fresh air inside.
Newer homes are securely sealed, which means they don’t “breathe” like older houses can. Because of this, your residence could begin to smell stuffy, feel too humid or have problems with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they could complain of growing issues.
Thankfully, it’s not complicated to improve the ventilation in your home in Muskogee. 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 easiest approach to get fresh air into your residence during moderate temperatures. But it’s crucial to be aware this usually isn’t a year-round solution and can cause problems if someone in your home has seasonal allergies. If so, you shouldn’t open windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the greatest, according to Mayo Clinic. You also shouldn’t open them during dry, windy conditions, as the weather can irritate allergies.
2. Use Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Running these fans gets rid of stale air, excessive moisture, odors and other things you don’t want in your house. They’re also inexpensive 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 want to do this, the CEE recommends looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that delivers quiet, continuous operation. These fans often include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when there’s too much humidity, so you won’t have to make a note to turn it on or off.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that an exhaust fan can negatively influence your house’s temperature, since it’s exhausting air that you’ve already heated or cooled.
3. Keep Your Home’s Humidity Balanced
The right humidity level for your home is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the right concentration of humidity won’t enhance ventilation, it can boost your house’s indoor air quality and keep your residence comfy at a more energy-efficient temperature.
If the humidity is too low, you can experience dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to fracture. On the other hand, humidity that’s too high can make air seem stale or stuffy. It can also contribute to mold and mildew growth and irritate allergies or asthma.
The smartest 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 from room to room, spilling water as you move.
It’s also critical to be aware the correct humidity level can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temp, helping you pay less on energy expenses.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Installing a mechanical ventilation system is one of the smartest approaches to get additional fresh air into your house all year. There are two different kinds—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 keeps the heat from the indoor air it exhausts. ERV is excellent for hot locations, since it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both units, so talk with our Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. ventilation professionals about what’s a good fit for your Muskogee residence.
If stale or lingering odors are a problem in your home, you can also buy a whole-house air purification system. These systems provide 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 home. Contact us at 918-682-8238 now for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll look at your present equipment and listen to your needs before delivering our recommendations on the best solutions to boost ventilation in your house.