March 4, 2020

Today’s modern homes are built with energy-efficient qualities that owners expect. Many older homes are retrofitted with energy-saving features as well, and the results are impressive when it comes to quantifying efficient use of heating and cooling systems. However, all this efficiency in air retention comes at a cost: the loss of air movement around the home. The energy-losing and drafty houses we used to inhabit were actually often more healthy for us than our current air-tight and energy-saving homes.

Why You Need Good Ventilation in Your Home

Homes without good air circulation and ventilation are more prone to accumulating moisture from washing, showers, cooking and people breathing. If this moisture is trapped in the home, it can result in a buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria. This moisture can even cause structural deterioration. Mold and mildew in the home can cause serious health issues, and mold removal can be an extensive and expensive process. Gases and other pollutants can also accumulate in the home from appliances, chimneys, gas ranges and wood-burning stoves. Reintroducing ventilation to your home is essential to ensure that the air is healthy and fresh. Our team at Totally Cool is well-versed on the subject of air quality and can help you with all your air quality, heating, and cooling needs.

Heat Recovery Ventilation

A heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) works by using the heat in outbound stale air to warm incoming fresh air. The units will typically have two fans, one to move out existing air in the home and one fan to bring in new air. A heat-exchange core will then transfer heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air as the air streams move through a series of alternating vents. The heat is transferred from the warm air streams to the cold streams, and the streams stay separate. An HRV is good for moisture-prone homes because it replaces the humid outgoing air with dryer incoming air. It is important to have the proper quality of air in your home. Totally Cool in Austin can help you decide on the best type of ventilator and also provide you with any other heating and cooling services.

Energy Recovery Ventilation

An energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system works in a similar manner to an HRV, but allows for a dehumidifying of the more humid air stream, whether it is in the incoming fresh air or the outgoing stale air stream. When the outside climate is excessively humid, an ERV is especially suitable.

If you need better ventilation in your home in the Austin area, or you require any other type of heating and cooling services, call Totally Cool today to schedule an appointment.

company icon