Although the summer weather doesn’t last very long, the temperature in my local area can climb into the nineties.
The excess of humidity makes for sticky conditions.
The spring and fall seasons are most often chilly and wet. Our winter weather is downright brutal, with temperatures dipping down to twenty below zero, harsh windchill and nonstop snowfall. While I always look forward to opening the windows and welcoming in some fresh air, it doesn’t happen very often. For the majority of the year, I need to run either the air conditioner or the furnace. The cost of heating and cooling is responsible for about fifty percent of my energy bills. Despite spending extra on a top-of-the-line air conditioner and furnace, I still complain over the drain on my budget. I’ve taken every possible precaution to eliminate energy waste. I’ve replaced the roof, windows and exterior doors and chosen Energy Star rated products. I’ve insulated the attic, walls, ceilings and around all of the pipes. I’ve tightened up the thermal envelope to prevent the heated and cooled air from leaking out. However, I’ve also eliminated any influx of fresh air. This made for a stale indoor environment and concerns with air quality. Contaminants such as dust, dander, pollen, mold spores and unpleasant smells were trapped in the house and continually recirculated by the HVAC system. I finally consulted with an HVAC professional, who suggested that I invest in a heat recovery ventilator. The ventilator brings in a steady supply of fresh air to replace the stale indoor air. It uses the outgoing air to preheat the incoming air, effectively reducing demands on the furnace. In the summer it helps to get rid of excess humidity, lessening strain on the air conditioner. The ventilator has improved the comfort and air quality of the home while trimming my monthly energy bills.