In the area where I live, air quality can be a big problem.
The weather is rather extreme, and there’s rarely an opportunity to open the windows and bring in fresh air.
Because I am forced to rely on either the heating or cooling system for the majority of the year, energy costs are a priority. I’ve taken every precaution to tighten up the home and prevent waste. By adding insulation into the walls and ceilings, replacing windows, caulking, weatherstripping and installing ceiling fans, I have attempted to lessen the workload on the furnace and air conditioner. I’ve also eliminated essential ventilation. Contaminants then become trapped inside. Dust, dander, bacteria, viruses, mold spores and all sorts of allergens get circulated by the heating/cooling equipment and breathed by my family. Polluted indoor air quality has been linked to a long list of health issues, including respiratory infection, asthma, allergies, migraines and flu-like symptoms. To ensure a clean and healthy home, I’ve taken proactive strategies. After consulting with a local HVAC contractor and discussing various options, I invested into a heat recovery ventilator. This type of air quality accessory works very much like opening a window without the energy losses. The ventilator brings in fresh, outside air and pulls out the stuffy indoor air. Plus, it uses the heat from the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air, reducing demands on the furnace. During the summer, the ventilator helps to lower humidity levels, helping out the air conditioner. Because of the ventilator, I spend less on monthly utility bills and my house is much cleaner, smells better and feels fresher.