Good indoor air quality and energy efficiency are desirable features in a home. With the right design solutions, both of these things can be significantly improved, creating a healthy and comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Using Ventilation Effectively
Ventilation consumes considerably less energy than your heating and cooling system. However, the amount of outdoor air delivered to your home also affects its heating and cooling loads. For instance, if air handlers boost the flow of outdoor air during a hot summer day, the air conditioning system must work harder in order to compensate for the additional heat that has entered the home. The same is true for your furnace or heat pump if ventilation is increased on a cold winter day.
When Indoor Air Quality Is Worse Than Outdoor Air Quality
One of the main culprits behind poor indoor air quality is a lack of airflow inside your home. The best way to remedy this problem is to open your windows and doors to let fresh, cool air flow in and dilute the pollutants and allergens lingering within your home.
When Outdoor Air Quality Is Worse Than Indoor Air Quality
If you have drafty windows and doors, chances are there are cracks around the outside edges. A door, for example, might slightly crook on its hinges, creating gaps around its frame, or the weatherstripping of a window might have worn away over time. All of these issues allow outside air to flow in, reducing the energy efficiency of your home and contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Make sure your windows and doors do not have leaks to prevent outside airborne pollutants from entering your home. If you have old windows and doors that need replacing, contact your trusted contractor and have them replaced as soon as possible.
Homecraft® Inc. has been making Tri-State homes more comfortable and energy-efficient since 1981. If you are looking to replace your old, drafty windows and doors, our skilled team has got you covered. Call (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.