Most people in Easley, SC, know that HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. What most people don’t know is just how important the V in HVAC really is for comfort. Ventilation is the process that removes the stale air from your home and lets in fresh air from outside. As a result, you enjoy better indoor air quality. Read on to learn more.
Why Ventilation is Necessary
Builders seal homes today very tightly during construction, not letting air pass in or air. Without intentional ventilation, particulates build up in your air over time. Volatile organic compounds, dust and even formaldehyde are just some of the particulates in our homes that impact indoor air quality. Because Americans spend so much of their time indoors, it’s vital to ensure our homes have the proper amount of ventilation without wasting too much energy.
Natural Ventilation
If you reside in an area with a mild climate, you may be able to ventilate your home by opening your windows. This is a great option if you’re happy with the temperature and the humidity outside and you’d like the same inside. This can also work in climates that are hotter in the day but cool down at night by opening your windows at nighttime and closing them in the morning.
Mechanical Ventilation
Exhaust fans are a kind of mechanical ventilation used in high-humidity places like bathrooms and kitchens. These fans pull air and humidity out to decrease air pressure, which sucks outside air into the house through openings like gaps under doors.
A whole-house ventilation option is a heat recovery or energy recovery ventilator. These systems work to bring in fresh air without sacrificing energy that’s already spent to heat or cool the home. Heat recovery ventilators don’t regulate humidity, though, so the’re better for less humid climates.
If you’re not sure if you’re ventilating your home adequately, call an HVAC professional to take a look. Contact Authorized Heating & Air Conditioning for more information about the best ventilation for your home. We’re here to help.
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