Good ventilation should be a priority for any homeowner. It ensures the health of the people inside and can help limit the spread of pathogens. They are also great to clear the air of pollutants, as the air inside homes is often much more polluted than outside. Good ventilation can also help preserve your home better by controlling humidity levels. Before installing a home ventilation system, however, you need to know that they can have some disadvantages as well. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of a home ventilation system.
Pro – Regular Air Flow
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Air replacement should be a priority for anyone right now, especially if you’re living in an urban setting. Not only do you have to deal with all the fumes coming from outside, but you may have tons of pollutants inside your house as well. One type you should worry about are volatile organic compounds. These are chemicals that are released into the air that usually come from cleaning agents or other things like varnishes. They can also come from furniture and other household items like mattresses, for instance.
They can cause irreparable damages to your health, especially if you have small children inside the house. Children are especially vulnerable to volatile organic compounds because of their growing organs. They cannot process pollutants like an adult body can, which leads to higher concentrations in the system.
Children also have a different relationship with their environment, which increases their exposure. One study found that children who lived in houses with high levels of VOCs were more likely to develop issues such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. In addition to these, they can also cause things such as nausea, headaches, liver and kidney issues, and even loss of coordination.
A good home ventilation system is all that you need to significantly lower your house’s VOC levels. This is an investment in your health and your family’s, not to mention that the air will feel much fresher and comfortable. For more information about clean air suppliers check www.bpcventilation.com.
Con – They Can Get Costly
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You should know that home ventilation systems, even the most modest ones, will usually cost you anywhere from £1,000 to £4,000 or more depending on the features. You get what you pay for with ventilation systems as well. If you get a cheap system and have it installed by the wrong team, you might have to deal with issues later on.
One thing you have to know, however, is that people will gladly pay a premium for a home that has a top-of-the-line ventilation system. Installing something like an MVHR system could also allow you to save a lot of money on heating and air conditioning, so you can expect to get your money back through savings.
Pro – Isolation from Outside
If you live near a busy road, you know how annoying it can get. Not only do you have to deal with outside noise and dirt getting in, but also prying eyes and intruders. Having a good ventilation system means that you can keep your windows closed at all times. You won’t have to worry about people coming in through an open window, and you won’t have to deal with dirt, bugs, and other critters getting inside.
Con – Bulky and Unattractive
Depending on the system you pick and your house’s configuration, you might have to deal with unsightly ducting and bulky components. These can take up much more space than you imagined, and significantly change the look of your home, so that’s something you’ll need to prepare for before installing a system.
These systems can affect your home’s design in many ways. Many older homes were not created with advanced ventilation in mind, and you might have to create openings on the outside. These can disrupt the design, and you will need to work with a good team to find a system that will have as little an impact on your house’s overall look as possible.
Pro – Protects Against Mould and Excess Humidity
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Humidity is one of the worst things inside a home. Microorganisms love water, and humidity creates a perfect environment for mould and bacteria to grow. Humidity does not only come from outside air but human activity as well. Humans release a lot of moisture into the air through activity, and it’s even worse if you have pets or plants in the house. This used to be less of an issue with older home because they weren’t as airtight as current ones which helped regulate moisture. That’s why good ventilation is essential for a modern home.
Con – Not All Systems Are Equal
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Some systems are not as efficient at doing all the things we said earlier. Some systems will draw air from the roof, for instance. These can make matters worse as the roof area often has the worst air quality. Attics are full of particles from parasites, insulation, and dust. These can then be redistributed through your house if you have inadequate filters or don’t change them often enough.
You should also know that you won’t be able to install certain ventilation systems inside your house. Before you assume that you can install one, make sure that you speak with an expert. Some systems will require that you meet a certain air permeability threshold. This means that an inspector may have to check if you meet the requirements before having the system installed.
This is something you will need to pay special attention to if you have an older home. Some will not only have airtightness issues, but the construction may make it difficult or even impossible to install certain systems. So, do your research on any system you were thinking of installing, and know what will need to be done for them to fit your home.
If you were thinking of installing a home ventilation system, consider these factors first. They can be a great addition to your home, but you also have to understand their limitations if you don’t want to make a bad decision.
