Because of the weather extremes in my local area, a tight thermal envelope is essential.
I’ve gone to great lengths to tighten up the house and reduce energy waste.
I’ve caulked and weather stripped to prevent the heated or cooled air from escaping. I’ve insulated to stop the outdoor air from coming inside. I’ve added ceiling fans to lessen demands on the furnace and air conditioner. While I’ve managed to maximize efficiency, I’ve also eliminated natural ventilation. With no fresh air coming in, the living environment becomes stale, stuffy and polluted. Dust, dander, mold spores, bacteria and all sorts of contaminants become trapped indoors and get continually circulated by the heating or cooling system. There are lots of sources of harmful toxins in the house, including hygiene products, pesticides, carpets and pets. Even cooking, cleaning, showering and running the clothes dryer contributes to concerns. With winter temperatures in the negative digits, summer temperatures in the high eighties and the chilly, wet conditions of spring and fall, there is seldom an opportunity to open the windows. I’ve finally solved this problem by having a ventilation system installed. I chose a heat recovery ventilator that uses the outgoing stale air to preheat the fresh incoming air during the winter. It helps out the furnace and trims my utility bills. In the summer, it works to combat excess humidity. With the ventilator bringing in fresh air 24/7, the living environment stays cleaner, fresher, healthier and far more comfortable. I’ve found that I sleep better at night, wake up more refreshed and have fewer concerns with headaches, coughing and sneezing.