HVAC—do you know what it means? Sure, the H is for heating, the AC is for air conditioning. But that darned V… what’s it stand for again?
Ventilation is a little different than your heating and air conditioning systems, but it plays an integral part in keeping your home comfortable and healthy, especially here in Virginia. If you are thinking of updating any of your HVAC equipment, read on to learn how ventilation can impact the health and comfort of your home!
In a perfect world, your home was constructed without any holes or gaps, making it air tight. But this is a lofty goal, especially as a home settles over time. The majority of homes contain small gaps and cracks that allow unconditioned air to infiltrate living spaces, from the attic to the crawlspace and everywhere in between.
Controlling the air that circulates in your home is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality, and this is primarily done using a mechanical ventilation system. Proper home ventilation replaces the stale air that your heating and cooling system recycles over and over; plus it can filter out any unwanted pollen, pollutants, and other contaminants from entering your home in the first place. It also aids in removing any volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that furnishings release inside your home.
Making sure that your home is properly ventilated begins with air sealing your home and plugging any holes where air is able to freely move back and forth. It is also important to make sure any and all ducts are free of leaks.
Your home likely already has some form of mechanical ventilation—bathroom fans and range hoods are mechanical systems that remove air from your home and put it outdoors. But these smaller systems only slowly replace the stale air on your home.
Installing a whole house ventilation system (usually in the attic) will not only replace the air in your home at a quicker rate but also remove any harmful contaminants using integrated air filters.
Each home is its own unique system. From top to bottom, each area of your home and the equipment inside of it contribute to your home comfort and energy efficiency. When you are looking to upgrade your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or ductless mini split, make sure you go with the local expert that will take your whole home into account.
When it comes to breathing healthier air and staying comfortable in your home this fall and throughout the ensuing winter, look no further than Chesapeake’s own HVAC experts at Russell’s.