Ventilation

Ventilation in the home: a vital step towards healthy living

Installing a ventilation system is often overlooked when homeowners think about building or renovating their homes. Because the effects of having a lack of indoor ventilation are not immediately noticeable, many homeowners don’t see them as a necessity. However, ventilation systems can go a long way towards making your home the perfect living environment.

Some of the most important reasons why ventilation systems in the home are needed include:

The removal of condensation from the home

Condensation is a common phenomenon in winter due to extreme differences in temperature between the inside and outside of the home. Condensation causes dampness in the air to form water droplets on surfaces in the home, such as on the walls and furniture. If condensation is not controlled with ventilation systems, the dampness that condensation causes can result in mold, water damage to fabric, the swelling of wooden furniture or the peeling of wallpaper. Condensation also has the unpleasant side-effect of inducing musty smells in the house which can cause the atmosphere of your home to become stagnant and stifling.

The creation of a healthier living environment

Dampness and mold in the home can trigger asthma or worsen the condition for those who are already sufferers. Ventilation systems are one of the best ways to fight this and, therefore, make all the difference for family members who suffer from this condition.

Dust mites are another consequence in homes without adequate ventilation, especially when a lack of ventilation is paired with high levels of humidity. Dust mites and their airborne waste can cause allergic reactions in those exposed to them. These reactions can manifest in extremely unpleasant symptoms like coughing spells, itching, eczema, watering eyes, a runny nose or continuous sneezing. A ventilation system is certainly worthwhile if family members in the home are prone to allergic reactions from dust mites.

The alleviation of hayfever symptoms 

Hayfever symptoms are a common experience for sensitive family members who live in homes without ventilation systems. Ventilation systems can filter large, allergy-inducing particles such as pollen and prevent them from entering the home.

The reduction of the impact of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Finally, VOCs are a serious concern for homeowners and can be prevented from causing damage with an adequate ventilation system. VOCs are invisible gasses that can trigger many health problems in the home. They can come from a variety of sources, such as air fresheners, perfume, cosmetics and even permanent markers. VOCs are dangerous because they increase the concentration of chemicals that can be metabolized by the human body beyond healthy levels. Ventilation systems that provide a constant supply of fresh air are vital because they dilute the presence of VOCs in the home and thereby lead to greater overall health for the family.