These days, we're so caught up in sealing our homes for the sake of energy efficiency, it's easy to forget that a house needs to breathe. Without proper ventilation, moisture and pollutants, such as mold and mildew, can build up and eventually cause an assortment of problems.
What is ventilation?
The goal of ventilation is to provide a continuous flow of fresh air into
your home. This influx also helps push stale, contaminated air out of
your living spaces, improving
indoor air quality.
What happens when ventilation is lacking?
When air isn't allowed to move freely in and out of your home, allergens
and other contaminants, such as cooking grease or chemical residue from
household cleaners, become trapped. These can negatively affect the
respiratory health of your family.
The problem becomes even more dangerous during the winter months when heaters and fireplaces are in use. The resulting carbon monoxide can build up quickly in an airtight home, and its consumption can be deadly to household occupants who are overexposed.
Where should ventilation take place?
An exhaust fan in the bathroom and a range hood in the kitchen -- both
vented outdoors, not into the attic -- may be enough to minimize moisture
buildup and prevent mold and mildew in these rooms. But to ensure proper
ventilation throughout the home, you need a
whole-house ventilation system. There are four basic types -- balanced, exhaust, supply, and energy recovery
-- and they all work to improve the air quality in every area of the house.