Without proper ventilation, the air inside your home can accumulate indoor air pollutants ranging from dust to harmful chemicals, leading to health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems.
Efficient home ventilation replaces stale and warm air with fresh, filtered air from outside, reducing pollutants and regulating humidity levels to prevent mould growth.
With indoor pollutant levels being two to five times higher than outdoor levels, understanding how to improve the ventilation in your home is essential to ensure a healthy living environment.
Different Types of Ventilation
When learning how to improve house ventilation, it’s important to consider the options available. There are two types of ventilation: natural and mechanical. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right system or method for your home.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation relies on fresh air to circulate through open windows, doors, and vents. It’s a cost-effective and energy-efficient ventilation method. However, its effectiveness depends on external factors such as weather and outside air quality, which may not be beneficial in areas with extreme temperatures or pollution.
Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Mechanical extract ventilation uses fans and ductwork to filter indoor air. Mechanical systems range from basic exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to whole-house ventilation systems. They ensure consistent airflow, making it more effective than natural ventilation, especially in harsh climates or tightly sealed buildings.
There are several different types of mechanical ventilation systems, including:
- Exhaust Ventilation Systems: These systems remove indoor air, creating a negative pressure that draws fresh air in through vents or openings.
- Supply Ventilation Systems: These systems draw in fresh air, pressurise the space, and push out any stale air.
- Balanced Ventilation Systems: These systems maintain proportional air pressure while exchanging indoor and outdoor air.
- Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): These advanced systems exchange heat (HRVs) or heat and moisture (ERVs) between incoming and outgoing air streams for improved energy efficiency.
As a provider of ventilation installation services, we’re experts in all ventilation systems, and we’re happy to guide you on the best system for your needs to ensure your home benefits from the best air quality.
Signs of Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation can lead to noticeable issues within your home, ranging from health concerns to expensive utility bills. It’s important to recognise some of the common signs of poor ventilation when learning how to improve the air quality in your home.
Condensation and Mould
One of the most visible signs of poor ventilation is condensation, typically found on windows and walls. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces (like windows), forming water droplets.
Mould thrives in damp environments, and persistent condensation can lead to mould growth, causing damage to your home and potentially leading to health problems such as allergic reactions or respiratory issues. An efficient home ventilation system helps maintain humidity levels, preventing mould growth.
Dust Accumulation and Health Issues
Excessive dust accumulation can also point to issues with your home’s ventilation, as dust tends to settle quickly and accumulate on surfaces without a continuous flow of fresh air. Dust buildup in your home means a buildup of pollutants and allergens, which can lead to increased allergy symptoms or respiratory issues such as asthma.
High Energy Bills
Poor ventilation can lead to uneven heating or cooling in your home, making some rooms feel stuffy while others are too cold or hot, indicating that the air isn’t circulating correctly. This will make your heating and cooling systems work harder, increasing energy bills.
Tips to Improve Ventilation in Your Home
A well-maintained ventilation system keeps the air in your home fresh and clean and helps prevent all the issues we’ve mentioned.
Here are some of our expert tips for maintaining good ventilation in your home:
Regular Cleaning
Over time, dust and other contaminants can accumulate on vents, ducts and filters, causing an obstructed airflow. Regular cleaning ensures the airflow in your home is clear, helping to maintain optimal air quality and system efficiency. Certain parts of your ventilation system, such as filters, should be replaced or cleaned typically every three to six months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If this isn’t something you feel confident doing yourself, we offer a thorough ductwork and ventilation system cleaning service for homes and commercial buildings from one of our specialist engineers to help improve and maintain air quality.
Monitor and Adjust Humidity Levels
Too much humidity encourages mould growth and dust mites, while too little can lead to dry skin and respiratory issues. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your home, aiming to maintain them between 30% and 50%. If your home’s humidity is consistently too high or too low, using dehumidifiers or humidifiers can help to balance it out but will add to your electricity bills, so you’re best off investing in a good home ventilation system to resolve the issue.
Incorporate Plants for Better Air Quality
There are certain plants known for their air-purifying qualities; some of these include:
- Aloe vera plants
- English ivy plants
- Snake plants
- Chrysanthemum plants
These plants help to reduce pollutants and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, naturally enhancing the air quality in your home. While they shouldn’t replace a ventilation system, plants can complement improving your home’s indoor air quality, adding aesthetic and health benefits.
Address Repairs Promptly
If you notice any issues in your home that could be linked to your ventilation, such as unusual noises or a decrease in air quality, contact a professional to inspect what could be the issue. We recommend regular checks of your ventilation system, especially before heavy use periods like summer and winter, so potential issues can be identified and solved before causing major problems.
At GLP, our ventilation experts check for leaks, damage, or wear and tear that could impact your ventilation during our ventilation system servicing.
Improve Air Quality in Your Home with GLP
At GLP, we offer solutions for all your ventilation needs. From installation and servicing to repair services and ductwork cleaning. Our expertise ensures that your home’s ventilation system operates efficiently, providing you and your family with a comfortable, healthy home.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help improve the ventilation in your home, ensuring a fresher, safer, and more comfortable living space.