Energy Efficiency vs. Indoor Air Quality: How the Two Can Work Together in Your Home

As a homeowner, you want great indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Unfortunately,  energy-efficient appliances can have negative effects on indoor air quality. But don’t despair! There are ways to achieve a balance between air quality and efficiency that don’t hinder overall performance.

How Does Energy Efficiency Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Energy efficiency and indoor air quality are both extremely important. After all, energy-efficient appliances help save you money and reduce energy waste, while good indoor air quality preserves your health. However, a conflict between the two can occur for the following reasons:

1. Increased insulation (good for energy efficiency) reduces ventilation (good for indoor air quality).

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy and lower heating and cooling costs. However, insulation reduces airflow from outdoors meaning that your ventilation has to be more efficient as it becomes the main access point for improving indoor air quality.

2. Humidity levels may become a little more difficult to control with increased energy efficiency.

Because of this increase in energy efficiency, there will be a rise in humidity. Indoor energy-efficient appliances will release particles into the air that can greatly diminish the overall comfort of your home.

How to Keep the Balance Between Energy Efficiency and Air Quality

1. Hire a professional to determine how much ventilation your home needs.

Determining how much ventilation your home needs can be difficult especially if you’ve never done it before. Hiring a professional to help you determine what is right for you will help make that process all the easier and your air quality all the nicer!

2. Invest in an HVAC system that provides the proper amount of ventilation without wasting anything extra.

Install an HVAC system that has been properly sized. This will save you money and ensure that you get the proper amount of ventilation.

3. Purchase a humidifier or dehumidifier to balance your home’s moisture levels.

If your home’s indoor air quality is feeling too dry or too humid then invest in a humidifier! This is a relatively inexpensive and quick way to take care of your home and make it that place of comfort you want.

4. Invest in an air purifier if needed.

If a humidifier is failing to do the trick then try an air purifier! Air purifiers essentially work to sanitize the air of any toxins or pollutants. Unlike a filter which only removes particles an air purifier instead, as the name suggests, purifies it.

5. Ventilate your home when your heating or cooling is off.

Finally, whenever your heating or cooling system is turned off, make sure you ventilate your home. Opening a window might be the only trick necessary in order to get your indoor air quality air fresh and breathable again.

Looking for a Heating and Cooling Professional?

ABE Heating and Cooling offer great products with iron-clad warranties and superior installation services, all at manageable prices suitable for any budget. We are located in Brighton, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area, and if you would like to learn more about high-efficiency furnaces please contact us today to discuss the possibilities.