Does Your Home Need an Air Exchanger?

Back in high school, you likely learned about Newton’s third law of physics, which is: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

In a way, this reminds us of the importance of an air exchanger for certain homes. Why? Because one action – making the structure more energy-efficient – can call for a second one – improving the ventilation. That’s why today’s lesson today is on air exchangers (don’t worry, there’s not a test at the end).

What’s an air exchanger and why would it be needed?

Many newer homes (built in the mid-1990s or later) were constructed with high-performance insulation and building wraps. These products are great because they prevent air leakages, which keeps more conditioned air (either heated or cooled) inside the home. Not only does this make your home more comfortable but it also saves you money on energy bills.

That’s the good news. The small downside to this approach is that the home can become, in a way, TOO airtight. This can trap moisture inside, instead of it being naturally vented out like it is in older homes with less insulation. So when you run your furnace or air conditioning, the same air is circulated, which can leave your home feeling stale or musty. That’s when an air exchanger can be very useful.

How an air exchanger works

An air exchanger is equipment that works alongside your existing heating and cooling system. Its main job is to provide safe venting and circulate fresh air inside. At the same time, it pushes stale inside air outside, which further helps freshen up the interior.

Of course, you don’t want to ruin the energy efficiency of your home or the HVAC system. So an air exchanger can also warm up and filter outside air before entering your home. It also helps control the humidity level, which improves comfort and reduces mildew and mold growth. The last part makes an air exchanger a better option than opening the window to let in fresh air (not to mention a rush of cold air coming inside during the winter).

Benefits of adding an air exchanger to your home

If your home feels stuffy or you notice a substantial amount of condensation around your home in the winter when the furnace is on, installing an air exchanger can provide several benefits.

  • Improved air quality
  • Fresher feeling
  • Reduction of indoor odors
  • Added air filtration
  • Appropriate humidity level (between 30-50%)

Professional air exchanger installation

If you’re interested in learning how an air exchanger can keep fresher and healthier, call the experienced team at Robert B. Payne, Inc. We can provide a consultation of your home and provide knowledgeable installation of your new system. Call us today at 540-373-5876.