Whole House Comfort. It’s All About Humidity.
The key to ensuring whole house comfort is as simple as making sure the humidity in your home is controlled. Controlling the humidity levels in your home not only increases comfort and the quality of indoor air, it also saves energy and lowers your utility bill. Achieving this task, however, involves several components in the construction process that need to work together properly to achieve “whole house” comfort. Here’s what you need to know.
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. During the summer months, humidity rises, and the air can feel uncomfortably sticky, stifling, and damp. Aside from making interiors uncomfortable, high humidity can cause moisture to collect in areas of the home, potentially causing mold and bacteria. In contrast, during the winter, humidity is low and leads to dry air that can cause health issues like dry or cracked skin, nasal congestion, and scratchy throats. In your home, low humidity can also cause your wooden floors and furniture to lose moisture and crack or separate.
So what is the solution and how can you guarantee your home will be comfortable? The best solution is not to take anyone’s word that your home will be comfortable. Look for a BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home. Homes that receive the BUILT TO SAVE™ certification have been inspected and tested by a licensed third-party home energy rater who guarantees—in writing—that the builder has met all of the requirements of the program designed to make a home more energy efficient and more comfortable, compared to a similar home built to minimum code.
A BUILT TO SAVE™ Certified Home Provides:
- Right-sized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems resulting in a more efficient unit that saves energy and minimizes humidity problems
- Thermal inspection before drywall to avoid insulation gaps and compressions, as well as missing air barriers
- Tighter construction to control unwanted airflow and moisture problems
- Room-to-room pressure balancing and proper returns, transfer grilles, or jump ducts to ensure even temperatures throughout the home
- Final testing of ductwork and the home envelope to ensure acceptable air infiltration
Benefits to Owners of a BUILT TO SAVE™ Certified Home:
- Reduced utility bills with a more efficient HVAC system that will last longer
- Even, comfortable temperatures throughout the home
- Improved indoor air with less dust and other indoor pollutants
- A BUILT TO SAVE™ certificate signed by the home energy rater, good especially for future resale
- An Energy Efficiency Label for the electrical panel box required by law
- Enhanced value for home reselling purposes
Visit www.BuiltToSave.org to find a BUILT TO SAVE™ builder.
