Signs Of A Badly Ventilated Home

Everyone wants their house to be well-ventilated and fresh. Keeping windows open (weather permitting) and allowing the breeze to blow through the house is a good start. However, that is often not enough to ensure proper ventilation which is so vital to both a fresh home and a healthy one. Here are some signs that could tell you that you need to do more to ventilate your home.

Mold

Mold, mildew and other types of fungus are major health hazards and if they are allowed to grow in the house, the health of the whole family is at risk. Fungus could also affect the structural integrity of the house itself. Mold can develop anywhere in the house, but the kitchen, bathrooms basement and attic are places that are most susceptible to mold growth. Keeping the home well-ventilated will control the humidity levels and help to keep mold at bay.

Dust

Dust, allergens and other pollutants are present in the air. While dust is unsightly, it also may indicate the presence of bacteria that could cause illness. Leaving windows open will enable fresh air to enter, but along with it comes dust and pollutants. Keeping only a few windows open and using a whole house ventilation system to control the airflow through the home will limit the amount of dust and other airborne particles that enter the home.

Surface Moisture

Moisture that collects on surfaces and does not dry quickly is usually from either heavily humid still air or condensation from cold glasses. The longer the moisture remains, the more humid and unhealthy the air in the house becomes. If the moisture does not try quickly, it is a sign that the house may need better ventilation and increased airflow.

Musty Or Stale Odors

If you sense a stale, damp or musty odor when you enter a room, it is a sign that the area is not well-ventilated. While this is most often noticed in basements and attics, it can happen anywhere in the house. Keeping the windows open to allow fresh air to enter may help to get rid of the smell. If not using a ventilation fan to circulate fresh air in the room will solve the problem.

Hot Or Cold Spots

Any part of the house that feels significantly warmer or cooler than the rest of the home may be an area with inadequate airflow. If there is not enough air circulation, the heat or cold may become trapped in the space, creating an unhealthy temperature differential.

Frequent Illnesses

Stale air in the house leads to increased levels of pathogens and allergens. If any family members suffer from recurring or seasonal allergies, respiratory problems or other illnesses, the lack of ventilation could be the reason.

Ensuring that a home is well-ventilated is fundamental to protecting the health and comfort of all who live in it.

The Right Way To Keep A Home Fresh And Healthy

If you want to be sure that your home is really well-ventilated, summer, winter, spring and fall, then the ideal solution is to install a whole house fan. These fans are mounted in the attic so they are not visible inside the home and run silently in the background, blowing out the stale air from all the floors and drawing in fresh clean air through an open window. In summer, the hot air that is blown out will reduce the air conditioning load and so reduce your electricity bill. In winter the fresh air that comes indoors will keep the family healthy and using a whole house fan will not increase your heating costs. When it comes to whole house fans, Solatube is the brand leader with a range of fans to suit all types and sizes of houses. All the fans are manufactured to Solatube’s impeccable standards which others only try to follow. To learn more about Solatube whole house fans and get a free consultation where all your questions will be answered, contact Sunlight Concepts, the Premier Solatube Dealer for the San Francisco Bay Area.