Today’s houses are more energy efficient than ever. While this is ideal for keeping your utility costs down, it’s not so great for introducing ample fresh air inside.
Recently constructed residences are securely sealed, which shows they don’t “breathe” like older residences are able to. Subsequently, your residence may begin to smell stuffy, feel too humid or have issues with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they could experience increasing problems.
Fortunately, it’s not complicated to improve the ventilation in your residence in Long Island. Many of the answers that we’ll talk about shortly are easy and economical.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the fastest way to get fresh air into your residence during moderate temps. But it’s important to note this typically isn’t a year-round option and can lead to 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 greatest, according to Mayo Clinic. You also don’t want to open them during dry, windy conditions, since the weather can worsen allergies.
2. Turn on Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Running these fans draws out stale air, excess moisture, odors and other things you don’t want in your house. They’re also reasonable to operate. 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 advises looking for an ENERGY STAR® ventilation fan that provides nearly silent, constant operation. These fans often are equipped with a sensor that will turn them on automatically when humidity is too elevated, so you won’t have to make a note to turn it on or off.
However, it’s important to note 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 Home’s Humidity Balanced
The best humidity level for your home is between 30–50%, according to Mayo Clinic. While the ideal 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 temp.
If there isn’t enough humidity, you might suffer from dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also influence wood flooring and furnishings in your residence, causing them to split. On the flip side, humidity that’s too great can make air feel stale or stuffy. It can also result in mold and mildew growth and aggravate allergies or asthma.
The smartest approach to keep humidity in check is with a whole-home solution. We sell humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your HVAC system. There’s no need to lug an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you move.
It’s also critical to realize an accurate humidity amount can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient temp, helping you spend less on heating and cooling expenses.
4. Install a Ventilation System
Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the top ways to introduce more fresh air into your residence all year. There are two different kinds—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems continuously eliminate musty indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air.
HRV is good for cool climates, since it holds on to the heat from the indoor air it lets out. ERV is excellent for warm locations, because it pulls out warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both units, so talk with our Airmax Long Island Inc ventilation pros about what’s a good fit for your Long Island house.
If stuffy or ongoing odors are an issue in your house, you can also purchase a whole-house air purification system. These systems provide an extra level of filtration, which can also help with lowering pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your home.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you find the right option for your residence. Contact us at 631-737-5566 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll look at your current equipment and listen to your needs prior to giving our suggestions on the right solutions to boost ventilation in your residence.