A Brief History of Ventilation
Up through the middle of the 20th century, ventilation wasn’t too much of a problem because homes weren’t very well insulated in the first place. Outdoor air exchanged freely with indoor air, reducing heating and cooling efficiency but improving indoor air quality. In effect, those architects inadvertently built in a sort of ventilation system.
All that changed a few decades ago with new advancements in architecture. Modern homes are quite well insulated and are designed to be as airtight as possible. While that makes maintaining a comfortable temperature easier, it makes maintaining good air quality somewhat more challenging.
While opening a window can allow for an easy exchange between indoor and outdoor air, that form of ventilation just isn’t practical. During the cooling season, for example, you can’t open a window without undermining the efficiency of your air conditioner. That means you have to choose between keeping cool and breathing easily.
Thanks to the HVAC industry, though, it’s not necessary to choose between home ventilation and home cooling. Enter the home ventilation system.
Energy Recovery Ventilators
An energy recovery ventilator is designed to work with your air conditioner or heat pump to let fresh air into your home without giving up efficiency. Essentially, the ventilator exchanges outdoor air with indoor air by forcing both through a system that exchanges heat from one to the other. In the cooling season, climate-controlled but stale indoor air absorbs heat from the fresh but warm outdoor air. The result is fresher air in your home with no lost cooling power.
High Quality Systems
Installing a high-quality ventilation system will have multiple benefits for everyone in your home. Letting in fresh air will replenish oxygen and make it easier for everyone to breathe, especially those with allergies or asthma. Improving indoor air quality can also reduce health issues, such as headaches, by removing bacteria and other contaminants from the air. Moreover, because the ventilator is designed to recover energy, you’ll actually notice a positive difference in your utility bills.
Ventilation Services from Air-Pro Mechanical
At Air-Pro Mechanical, we’re dedicated to helping our friends and neighbors in central Virginia stay comfortable at home, and that includes indoor air quality along with climate control. Our NATE-certified technicians know how to install, repair and maintain a wide range of ventilators, and we’re always willing to help homeowners choose the right ventilation systems for their homes. Give us a call to learn more about ways to breathe easier and live better at home.
For more information about high-quality ventilation systems for your home, please contact Air-Pro Mechanical at 804-355-7767.
