A well-ventilated
home is a happy and healthy one. Happy because the freshness that good
ventilation provides elevates the moods of the occupants. Healthy because
breathing fresh air is essential for good health. These are generalizations
that everyone is aware of, but how many of us can enumerate the actual reason
why ventilation is so important. Here are 5 of the most important ones:
1. High
levels of ambient humidity lead to moisture condensing inside a home. This
moisture collects on windows, walls, furniture, tiles and so on. Over time the
moisture can start to seep into walls and wooden window frames. From here to
the development of mold, mildew and fungus is a short step. These can be a
major health hazard for the occupants of the home as they are triggers for
asthma and other respiratory diseases.Additionally,
a lack of ventilation can provide a good breeding ground for dust mites which
cause asthma, eczema, itching, sneezing, eye-watering
and runny noses. Proper ventilation can help to prevent these unhealthy
conditions from developing in your home.
2. The
same humidity can cause physical damage to your house. The moisture that
collects all over the indoors can cause
damage to paint, rotting and decay of wood, damage to fabrics and a stale musty
smell that makes living in the house unpleasant.
3. While
the humidity levels may drop in summer, the health risks from inadequate
ventilation remain. Keeping windows open may help to circulate air, if there is a breeze, but that also allows
pollen and allergens to get into the home. This is what causes hay fever and
fits of sneezing.
4. Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs) are toxic gases that cause serious health problems.
There are hundreds of chemicals used in all kinds of products found in most
homes that could cause a toxic reaction
if inhaled long enough. VOCs can come from paint, air fresheners, cosmetics and
all kinds of appliances and products. In fact, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimates that in the worst
case scenario the air inside a home could be 70% more polluted than the air
outside.
5. Many
people are not aware of the dangers of Radon Gas. It is a naturally occurring toxic gas that develops when the
uranium that is present in all rocks decays. Besides inhaling it, particles of
the gas can attach to dust particles, which, if inhaled, could stick to the inner
walls of the lungs. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that up to 14% of
all lung cancer cases are Radon gas related.
The
Solution
A whole house
fan is the best way to fully ventilate a complete house and keep the indoor
air fresh, clean and cool. These fans, which are mounted in the attic, suck out
all the stale air from all parts of the house which is then replaced by fresh
external air. The cooling offered by a whole house fan also makes it an ideal,
energy efficient alternative to air conditioning. To enjoy the maximum benefits
from the use of this type of fan, in terms of air circulation and reliability,buy
one that is made by a reputed manufacturer.With
a whole house fan, you can be sure your home will be well ventilated and a safe, happy place to live in.
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