As important as it is for our homes to be tightly sealed and temperature controlled, it’s equally important for them to have a proper ventilation system. An equal balance of fresh air intake and dirty air output keeps pollutants and moisture levels under control and the HVAC system working properly. Learn more about the importance of proper home ventilation and how to fix it if you spot signs of trouble.
Reasons Why Proper Home Ventilation Is So Important
According to the EPA, pollutants may be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. To many, this can seem surprising when we forget how many day-to-day indoor pollutants affect our health, such as dust, bacteria, personal care products, pet dander, household cleaners, new furniture, caulks and sealants, air fresheners, pollen, paint, and more. Proper home ventilation allows these pollutants to be safely filtered out of our homes and replaced with clean air. Additionally, proper home ventilation helps:
- Protect respiratory health.
- Reduce the concentration of harmful gases.
- Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and allergens.
- Support HVAC efficiency.
- Reduce excess humidity and condensation.
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Effects of Poor Ventilation in the Home
Poor Indoor Air Quality
When pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture can’t properly escape the home, your indoor air quality decreases in overall comfort. Uneven temperatures, high humidity, congestion, and increased allergens can make living conditions less than ideal and eventually even cause health concerns.
Health Concerns
A home congested with various pollutants, hazardous gases, excess moisture, and lack of fresh air will begin to take a toll on your health. This includes respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, poor sleep quality, and decreased energy. Over time, this can contribute to more extreme health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Water Damage
Excess moisture can do a lot of damage. Peeling paint, electronic damage, wood decay, rotting furniture, pest invasion, and more are all likely consequences of increased moisture inside the home.
HVAC Issues
Aside from providing temperature control, your HVAC system also maintains the humidity and air quality inside your home. If your HVAC system cannot properly filter out harmful pollutants or excess moisture, it will likely end up working twice as hard in unfavorable conditions. This means that your system will probably need repairs or replacement sooner.
Increased Energy Bills
An overworked HVAC system will spike your energy bills. But compensating for poor indoor air quality through overworked dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and more will also add to those increased costs.
Can Poor Ventilation Cause Mold?
100%, yes. Dark, damp, and warm spaces are the perfect environment for mold to grow. That’s why you often find mold in basements, attics, and poorly ventilated bathrooms. But most importantly, mold needs moisture. So, if your entire home is like a hot spring due to poor ventilation, it’s very likely you’ll soon spot mold or mildew beginning to form.
What Are the Signs of Poor Ventilation in a House?
Some common signs of poor ventilation inside your home include:
- Stuffy-feeling air
- Significant dust buildup
- Increased headaches or fatigue
- Condensation buildup on windows and glass
- Skin or throat irritation
- Rusty pipes or plumbing systems
- Visible signs of mold growth
- Lingering odors
How to Fix Poor Ventilation in a House
Several issues inside your home could be contributing to poor ventilation. Before you immediately start opening windows and installing fans, follow these steps for addressing and fixing poor indoor ventilation:
- Identify the causes. The first step is identifying the root of the problem. Do you just need to open a few windows? Is your bathroom or kitchen in need of better ventilation? What about your entire home?
- Get air circulating. Whether you need a better ventilation support system or not, you should be using all supplemental air circulation solutions in your home. That means opening windows, using ceiling fans, and even closing doors to unused spaces.
- Install ventilation fans. If you find excess moisture always lingering inside your bathrooms, kitchen, attic, or basement, you will likely need to upgrade to better exhaust fans.
- Install a quality ventilation system. A new ventilation system is probably the best solution if your entire home is congested. Our experts at United States Heating & Air Conditioningcan help you decide before beginning installation.
- Get your air ducts cleaned. Depending on how long it’s been since you last had them cleaned, dirty air ducts can be a primary culprit in these signs and symptoms of poor ventilation.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance. While you should always be keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance, it’s possible that filtration or system repair issues can arise and cause poor ventilation.
Get Expert Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Orlando, FL
In need of better ventilation solutions in your home? Let our expert technicians at United States Heating & Air Conditioning help. We’ll inspect your home for causes of poor ventilation or indoor air quality before providing you with the best solutions. Whether you need a ventilation system installation, air duct cleaning, or an air purifying system, we can help! Call (407) 337-7925, or contact us online.