How important is good indoor air quality?

When we talk about poor air quality in the home we refer to smoke, bacteria, mold and carbon monoxide and all this is due to the lack of ventilation in homes.

As houses have become more insulated over the years, this has led to a buildup of toxic gases inside our homes. Problems like condensation and mold can become significant and cause health problems like asthma.

The most obvious way to ventilate your home is to open a window. That’s great if it’s a beautiful July day, however what do we do the rest of the year? Especially in winter: opening a window could mean an inch of snow on your house. Unfortunately, this method lets out a great deal of heat not to mention creating a perfect entrance for would-be thieves.

A heat recovery system basically brings the outside air inside and recovers the heat. This results in your home being fully ventilated year round with fresh air without having to constantly reheat the home due to heat loss. Also, it is worth mentioning that the air is filtered ensuring that it is free of pollen, insects and pollutants.

Moisture and mold can be problematic in a poorly ventilated property. Dealing with moisture and mold can be expensive, but by acting early and installing a ventilation system, you’ll prevent moisture buildup and greatly improve indoor air quality. This in turn will not only improve the health of your family, but will have a positive impact on the structure of your home.

There are certainly other ways to improve the air quality in your home, such as adding plants that actively clean the air, not using sprays, and certainly not smoking indoors. However, neither will have the effect of installing a ventilation system.

Ventilation systems vary widely and can suit all budgets and most properties; without a doubt, it is important to obtain professional advice when considering a system. Most reputable companies will offer an advisory service and ensure that you receive the best system to suit your property. Systems can be quiet and specific to meet your needs so you can have the perfect system for your property.

Retrofitting is becoming more popular and most companies will go to great lengths to find the best way to design a system to fit your home. Also, any reputable company will make sure that your project complies with the Sustainable Housing Code and all building regulations.