Modern residences are more energy efficient than ever. While this is fantastic for keeping your energy expenses small, it’s bad for introducing ample fresh air inside.
Recently built residences are securely sealed, which indicates they don’t “breathe” like older houses do. Because of this, your house may appear to smell stuffy, feel too humid or have problems with condensation. If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your family, they might report growing issues.
Fortunately, it’s not hard to enhance the ventilation in your home in Rapid City. Many of the solutions that we’ll discuss shortly are simple and reasonably priced.
1. Open Windows and Screened Doors
This is the easiest approach to get fresh air into your house during pleasant temperatures. But it’s crucial to note this typically isn’t a year-round option and can cause problems if you have a family member with seasonal allergies. If this applies to you, you shouldn’t open windows during the early morning. That’s when the pollen counts are the worst, according to Mayo Clinic. You also shouldn’t open them during dry, windy conditions, as the weather can aggravate allergies.
2. Operate Exhaust Fans in Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Using 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 offers nearly silent, continuous operation. These fans typically include a sensor that will switch them on automatically when there’s too much humidity, so you won’t have to remember to turn it on or off.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that an exhaust fan can adversely affect your home’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 correct percentage of humidity won’t enhance ventilation, it can boost your house’s indoor air quality and keep your home comfy at a more energy-efficient temp.
If the humidity is too low, you could suffer from dry skin, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes. Dry air can also impact wood flooring and furnishings in your home, causing them to fracture. On the other hand, humidity that’s too great can make air seem stale or stuffy. It can also result in mold and mildew growth and irritate allergies or asthma.
The smartest way to keep humidity under control is with a whole-home solution. We sell humidifiers and dehumidifiers that work with your HVAC system. There’s no need to carry an inefficient portable system across your house, spilling water as you move.
It’s also critical to note an accurate humidity amount can also make air more pleasant at an energy-efficient setting, helping you pay less on heating and cooling costs.
4. Purchase a Ventilation System
Adding a mechanical ventilation system is one of the top methods to bring in more fresh air into your home all year. There are two different styles—heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). These systems constantly remove stuffy 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 great for humid locations, as it draws out warmth and moisture from your air. Some locations can benefit from both systems, so check with our Street Heating and Cooling ventilation professionals about what’s a good fit for your Rapid City home.
If stale or ongoing odors are trouble in your residence, you can also get a whole-house air purification system. These systems give an extra level of filtration, which can also help with decreasing pet dander, allergens and bacteria in your house.
Our ventilation professionals are here to help you select the right solution for your house. Contact us at 605-206-3915 right away for a free, no-obligation home comfort assessment. We’ll view your existing equipment and find out about your needs prior to giving our advice on the right options to improve ventilation in your residence.