Before I decided on the right indoor air quality accessory for my home, I did some research.
- I wanted to maximize the benefit of my investment.
I was worried about the health of my family’s living environment. Because of severe weather just about year round, we rely heavily on the furnace and the air conditioner. We switch from heating to cooling without much of a break in-between. It’s necessary to insulate, caulk and weatherstrip to eliminate energy waste. This creates a tighter thermal envelope, prevents drafts and keeps our utility costs as low as possible. However, contaminants become trapped inside. Cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene products, pesticides, pets and all sorts of things add to the problem. Dust, dander, unpleasant odors, VOCs, mold spores, bacteria and viruses cause health issues. Headaches, sore throat, difficulty sleeping, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and respiratory infections can often be blamed on the indoor air quality. We also have problems with insufficient humidity in the winter and excessive moisture in the summer. I considered air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, germicidal UV lights and ventilators. I read up on the benefits of each kind and chose a ventilator that brings fresh air into the home to replace the stale air. It makes for a cleaner, more enjoyable and comfortable living space. I opted for a heat recovery ventilator that uses the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air. It lessens the workload of the furnace, trimming costs while increasing reliability and equipment longevity. In the summer, it works to reduce humidity and help out the air conditioner.