The letter "V" in HVAC stands for ventilation. In the complex process of providing cool comfort in the home, ventilation is rarely mentioned. The lion's share of attention is given to the "AC" components (air conditioning). It is true that your air conditioner performs the main functions of transferring heat to the outside and blowing cool air into your home. However, proper ventilation is critical to the overall cooling and breathability of your home and is essential when it comes to indoor air quality. If you doubt the importance of ventilation, spend a few minutes in an unventilated room, such as an attic or enclosed garage, where it's unbearably hot and sticky in Phoenix summer temperatures.
What is ventilation and how does it work?
Ventilation is the circulation of fresh air into, through and finally out of your home. Effective ventilation constantly refreshes the air in your home. This removes odors and fumes, reduces humidity, and removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful and are present in many modern products. In Phoenix, the extreme heat of summer leaves homeowners in a confinement situation for months with doors and windows closed. This keeps the heat out and contributes to energy cost savings. However, ventilation in the home can suffer.
Improvements in home insulation
In the last decade, advances in housing and insulation have led to newer homes being tightly sealed. Low-e, double-pane windows, home insulation techniques, and better weatherproofing are all super-tight homes that restrict the free flow of air in your home. Your air conditioner recirculates the air in your home. However, it is important that your home can breathe and needs fresh air from outside. Homeowners must ensure that their HVAC system has adequate return vents and that the ducts are in good condition. Mechanical ventilation is becoming a standard option in newer homes. Here are some of the problems associated with poor ventilation in homes:
Excessive humidity
Moisture can be easily observed in bathrooms without open windows or exhaust fans. Water vapor forms on the mirror, and water droplets appear on the ceiling and walls. Imagine if your entire house had no moisture drainage - you might notice a musty smell or feel dampness on your skin. A sure sign that you need better ventilation is the appearance of black mold in your bathroom or on your walls.
Stagnant smells in the kitchen while cooking
Still have cooking smells long after dinner? The smell of baked cookies filling your home is wonderful. However, the prevailing smells can be unpleasant when frying meat or cooking fish. Healthy home ventilation should eliminate cooking odors in the shortest amount of time possible.
General rejection
Let's face it, summers in Phoenix are tough. If you've lived in your home for months, you may be anxious. Homes with poor ventilation tend to feel stuffy and cramped. If your home just doesn't feel right but you can't name the problem, it could be the ventilation.
Does your home need to take a deep breath?
If stagnant odors, excessive humidity or poor indoor air quality is affecting you and your family, call Chandler Air, Inc. to schedule a home inspection. Our expert service technicians will check to make sure all the airflow in your home is operating at peak efficiency. With summer service, a visit to you and your home can bring a deep breath of relief. Why not give us a call today?
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