Staying on top of a home’s upkeep can often feel like a full-time job. With every project checked off the list, oftentimes homeowners end up adding two more in a never-ending quest for home improvement. While some home maintenance and home upgrade projects can seem to add a lot to a homeowner’s plate, improving a home’s ventilation systems tends to eliminate many pesky household issues.
What is Home Ventilation?
Ventilation refers to the systems a home uses to cycle out pollutants and carry in fresh air, while also regulating a comfortable indoor environment. Older homes were able to get by with natural ventilation through windows, doors, and natural air leaks in walls and ceilings, but current systems are more sophisticated.
The modern home has become much more air-tight than in the past in an attempt to improve energy efficiency. The side effects of these building philosophies have led to many new maintenance issues and even health problems for families. Homeowners who are unaware of the state of their house’s ventilation systems will benefit from a regular home systems inspection.
Why is Ventilation Important?
Poor ventilation leads to problems throughout the home. A home has two key contributors to pollutants and condensation: the bathroom and the kitchen. Due to baking, washing, and showering, these rooms experience much more temperature variance and moisture accumulation than other rooms.
When properly ventilated, these issues can be rebuffed. Otherwise, unregulated moisture build-up can lead to mold, respiratory issues, asthma aggravation, and even heart disease. On top of this, inefficient ventilation can cause cooling and heating systems to work much harder than they need to, and homes can hold onto old, musty smells. For a healthy home, ventilation is paramount.
What are the Signs of Poor Ventilation?
Many maintenance issues can build up overtime, unnoticed by homeowners. However, there are a few signs that point towards a home with poor ventilation:
How Do You Improve Your Home’s Ventilation?
A home inspection can point homeowners towards any maintenance issues in their new home. If you suspect your home may have ineffective ventilation systems, schedule a home maintenance inspection! With mold inspections and indoor air testing, many certified inspectors can key in on specific concerns.
Most new homes rely on either Spot Ventilation systems in key rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, or on Whole-House Ventilation systems. Many older homes need their ventilation systems upgraded based on modern understanding, and newer homes often need to find a better balance between their insulation and ventilation.
To better prepare for unexpected build-up of toxins in the air, homeowners should always make sure they have a Carbon Monoxide detector installed and working properly! While ventilation improvements will make your home look and smell better, your health should always come first.
National Property Inspections is the top name in home and commercial property inspections, with franchises nation-wide! Learn more about how NPI professionals are at the forefront of the industry with the latest techniques and technologies.
