Until a little over a year ago, I paid no attention to the ventilation of my home. My main focus was eliminating energy waste. I am never happy with the amount of my utility bills. I’m always looking for ways to reduce the workload of the furnace and air conditioner. I’ve upgraded to Energy Star rated, thermal pane windows and meticulously caulked around them. I spent a very unpleasant weekend replacing the insulation in the attic. Along with adding weatherstripping and new exterior doors, I’ve installed ceiling fans and a smart thermostat. While my efforts have tightened up the house and helped to reduce energy losses, I’ve also eliminated natural ventilation. Because the outdoor temperature fluctuates between the mid eighties and negative digits, there’s rarely an opportunity to open the windows. We switch from running the furnace to relying on the air conditioner. The tightly sealed house traps all sorts of contaminants inside. Cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene products, pesticides, pets and all sorts of things negatively impact indoor air quality. The heating and cooling system can add to concerns and continually circulate allergens throughout the house. Breathing in these pollutants can lead to all sorts of health issues for my family. When I expressed my concerns to an HVAC contractor, he suggested the installation of a ventilation system. I chose a heat recovery ventilation system that brings in a steady influx of fresh air to improve the cleanliness, health and comfort of my home. During the winter, it uses the outgoing air to warm up the indoor air, lessening the demands on the furnace. In the summer, the ventilator helps to get rid of excess humidity and minimize strain on the air conditioner.