Common Pitfalls of Ineffective Ventilation

A big part of a positive home-owning experience is knowing that every component of your home is functional, efficient, and healthy. The latter includes the indoor environment and how it impacts the health of everyone in the house. However, poor ventilation may present differently between the various rooms of the house, along with the hazards that can develop due to it.

Determining how poor ventilation presents itself in each room can help you diagnose the problem as well as craft solutions that take it into consideration. Whether you moved into a new home or bought an existing one, here are the things you need to look out for if your home environment is muggier than you would like it to be.

Kitchen

If your kitchen is poorly ventilated, it can typically result in problems such as:

• Greasy feel to kitchen surfaces after running a finger across it
• Moisture and grease stains on the ceiling
• Carbon monoxide buildup

That latter point is most crucial, as carbon monoxide does not have any discernible odor or color. If you have gas appliances, it is strongly recommended that you install carbon monoxide detectors.

Solution: Check your range hood and filter for blockage or broken parts. If an internal component within the exhaust hood is broken, contact the manufacturer or a repairman.

Bathroom

Bathroom exhaust fans not only remove unpleasant odors, but they also remove moisture from what is perhaps the most humid room in your house. Long, hot showers and steamy baths can wreak havoc on not only your drywall, but the studs underneath. 

Mold and mildew are common problems, and both carry a distinct odor. However, if you smell mold or mildew and it is not readily apparent, it may already be too late, as it likely has built up within the wall.

Solution: Ensure that your bathroom fan is working properly, placed in an enclosed corner to ensure maximum exhaust, and is free of external lint and/or dust. Replace immediately if malfunctioning.

Attic and Basement

Poor ventilation in either the attic or basement can encourage mold and mildew growth and can also cause water damage. Attics can trap heat during the winter months, which can melt ice and allow it to pool up under shingles, which ultimately result in ice dams and structural damage. Basements can house laundry appliances which can trap moist, warm air and facilitate mold and mildew growth as well.

Solution: Ensure that both your attic and basement have adequate ventilation, such as foundation, soffit, and gable vents.

How FAMCO Can Help

FAMCO is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC parts and accessories. We have a wide range of top-quality HVAC products that can ensure that your home stays healthy and functional. We even have a calculator that can help you determine how much ventilation is required for your attic.

If you’re curious about how else FAMCO can help keep your indoor air quality at its best, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email. We would be more than happy to help.