My local area experiences extremely cold winters and brutally hot summers.
Over the course of the year, the temperature fluctuates from a low of around twenty degrees below zero to a high of about ninety.
During the chilly weather, with the furnace blasting, the home tends to get especially dry. We have the opposite problem when we switched to cooling. The excess of moisture causes musty smells and mold and mildew growth. Because we switch between heating and air conditioning with little to no break in-between, there’s very rarely an opportunity to open windows and welcome natural ventilation. It’s necessary to keep windows and doors shut tight. I’ve taken extra measures to seal the thermal envelope and minimize energy waste. This helps to reduce the workload of the furnace and air conditioner but also traps allergens inside. Dust, dander, pollen, VOCs, bacteria, viruses and all sorts of nasty pathogens get continually circulated by the heating or cooling system. Any contaminants concealed inside the ductwork can easily become airborne and add to the problem. Poor indoor air quality can be blamed for all sorts of health issues. Everything from sneezing, coughing and respiratory infection to exacerbated symptoms of asthma and psoriasis can be consequences of the hygiene and health of the air. I researched all different types of air quality accessories, debating between air purifiers, UV lights, humidifiers and dehumidifiers. I eventually chose a heat recovery ventilator that operates 24/7, all year round, introducing fresh air and removing stale air. By using the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air, it lessens demands on the furnace. The ventilation system also helps out the air conditioner by reducing issues with humidity.