Imagine stepping into your home on a chilly winter day. You’re welcomed with heated air sealed by insulated walls and doors. This is an ideal set of modern home designs, known as R2000 homes. These are energy efficient, which packs the heat to stay inside, and the cold stays outdoors. These homes were designed in 1997 and are equipped with added insulation and a thermal poly wrap to block out the cold.
Meanwhile, this tightly sealed environment can trap stale and polluted air, which increases indoor pollution. Even sources like cooking, cleaning, and artificial scents add to the concentration of pollutants. As the air inside becomes higher in contaminants, the very air we breathe can become a hidden health hazard, a serious issue particularly notable when the air reaches unhealthy levels.
What is an Air Exchanger?
Air exchangers are a necessity in well-sealed homes. They pull fresh outdoor air into the system and dehumidify the existing indoor air. This ensures your home remains free from mold growth. These systems are adept at cleaning stagnant air and allowing air to move freely within your space.
How Does an Air Exchanger Work?
An air exchanger works quite simply despite its complex design. It uses a fan and vent system which circulates the air: one blows the used air outside, while another sucks in the new, especially during those chilly winter months when a cold rush of air can feel quite unpleasant. This system keeps the air quality high without needing to open a window.
How Poor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health?
Poorly regulated humidity levels can significantly impact your health in the following ways:
- Increased risk of respiratory issues
- Skin problems:
- Low humidity causes dry skin and itching.
- Low humidity makes dust and irritants more airborne.
- Low humidity dries mucous membranes, increasing infection risk.
- Discomfort and sleep disturbances:
- High humidity makes the environment feel warmer.
- Low humidity causes throat and nasal dryness.
- Dehydration:
- Low humidity increases water loss through skin and breathing.
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions:
- Poor humidity control worsens allergies and asthma.
4 Benefits of Air Exchangers
These are some of the pros of installing an exchanger:
1. Humidity Control
I’ve noticed that my homes lack proper ventilation. Humidity can build up, making everything feel damp and uncomfortable. Air exchangers address this by cycling moist air out and bringing in cool, fresh air from outside. This helps maintain an equilibrium in humidity levels, mainly in summer or particularly humid climates.
Further, it maintains humidity levels up to the desired range of 30% to 50%. It eliminates excess moisture, protects against damage to wood and metal, and makes your space a less likely habitat for mold.
So your air feels better, and your house structures and fixtures are safer, too.
2. Fresher Air
There’s nothing there’s a home filled with stale air; it can make you feel sluggish and even impact your health. Air exchangers push out pollutants like smoke and odors whenever you cook, clean, or breathe. By continuously replacing dirty indoor air you breathe live air having no contaminants even from the pets.
3. Cleaner Air
According to EPA guidelines, indoor air pollution is worse than that you’d face in big cities. Air exchangers allow you to filter out pollutants before they can compromise your living space. This includes trapping dander, pollen, and mold that might sneak in with the outside air. Just remember to switch out the filters regularly to keep everything running smoothly.
4. Prevent Allergies
For those dealing with asthma or other respiratory conditions, allergens can be a nightmare. One of our clients shared his sister’s experience of always struggling during the pollen season. Now, their house is a refuge from dust, pollen, and other allergens. These systems work by venting out allergen-laden air and replacing it with clean and filtered air with no chances of allergic reactions at home.
Which Air Exchanger You Need?
Choosing the right air exchanger for your home depends on several factors, including your specific needs and the square footage of your living space.
Here are two variants to consider:
The most common types are heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). HRVs filter and remove colder air, warming it up as it comes in and helping to reduce the strain on your furnace. ERVs go a step further by managing moisture levels, which can help prevent mold and mildew growth.
HRV5.1:
- Ideal for homes up to 2,700 sq. ft.
- Features a heat recovery core that warms the air as it enters, maintaining an optimal indoor climate and enhancing comfort
- Designed for easy installation, it is available at hardware stores.
- Includes a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of allergens and microscopic airborne particles, ensuring optimal air quality
- Perfect for those with respiratory issues
HRV 7.1:
- Suitable for homes up to 3,000 sq. ft.
- It is also equipped with a heat recovery core to recover heat and maintain a comfortable indoor climate
- Easy to find in hardware stores and easy to install
- Features a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of allergens and microscopic airborne particles for optimal air quality
- Ideal for individuals with allergies and asthma.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’re clear on what an air exchanger is and how it works. If you need clarification about the air purifier and exchanger, both serve the same purpose of removing airborne contaminants but work differently. You must care for a cleaner separately, while an exchanger is a one-time investment. If you think you can install it yourself, then some air exchangers are designed for easy installation and can be installed by a knowledgeable DIY enthusiast. Thus, it is generally recommended to hire a professional company. At Ventiluxes, we ensure proper installation as per the safety standards.
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