Because of the dire weather in my local area, the cost of heating and cooling is responsible for approximately 73% of our household energy consumption.
Temperature control is a immense strain on the budget. There’s rarely an opportunity to shut down the furnace and cooling system and simply appreciate the fresh air. The conditions outside are either sizzling and humid or sub zero and heating and cooling are necessary. I’ve taken measures to tighten up the home and prevent the heated and cooled from escaping. I’ve insulated, weatherstripped and caulked and minimized energy losses. At the same time, I’ve eliminated vital ventilation. With no fresh air coming in, the same stale air is contained in the apartment for weeks at a time. Dust, dander, spores, bacteria, unpleasant odors and all sorts of allergens get continually circulated by the furnace and cooling system, creating a health threat. I needed to find a way to improve indoor air conditions separate from sacrificing heating and cooling efficiency. After looking into the odd air quality products on the market, I settled on a heat reusey ventilator. HRVs are seriously beneficial because they introduce a steady supply of fresh outside air while also helping out the cooling system and furnace. In the summer, the HRV gets rid of excess humidity. In the winter, it uses the outgoing air to preheat the fresh air, lessening demands on the gas furnace. The ventilator is tucked out of sight, operates silently and requires only yearly maintenance. Since its installation, I’ve noticed that my apartment stays cleaner, stinks better and feels fresher and more comfortable. I’ve also benefited from lower energy bills.