I live in an area that experiences four different seasons and every type of weather extreme.
We are not surprised by blizzards, sleet, torrential downpours, hail, high winds, heat or humidity.
The winter weather lasts for more than half the year and brings temperatures well into the negatives. The snow accumulates in feet and the windchill is downright dangerous. The summers aren’t as long, but are typically hot and humid. The conditions force the use of either the heating or cooling system just about all year round. For the sake of comfort, energy efficiency and costs, it’s necessary to tighten up the house as much as possible. I am continually looking for new and better ways to reduce energy waste. I’ve invested into Energy Star rated windows and exterior doors. I’ve added insulation to the attic and I’m constantly caulking and weatherstripping. I’ve purchased thermal lined curtains, upgraded to a smart thermostat and installed ceiling fans. While I’ve reduced the cost of my monthly utility bills, I’ve also eliminated ventilation. Bringing outdoor air into the house is necessary for healthy indoor air quality. Otherwise, the same stale air is trapped inside and circulated by the duct system over and over again. Dust, pollen, bacteria, dander, spores, viruses and all sorts of harmful contaminants are spread throughout the living space with no easy way to get rid of them. One solution is a whole-house ventilation system. I chose a ventilation system that includes heat recovery. The system pulls the stale air out of the house and replaces it with fresh, clean air. In the winter, it uses the outgoing air to warm up the incoming air and lessen demands on the furnace. During the summer, the ventilator helps to extract excess humidity and reduce strain on the air conditioner. Not only does the ventilation system improve the cleanliness and health of the home but it saves my money.