As you prepare to leave for a well-deserved holiday, you might find yourself looking around the house, deciding what appliances to switch off to save energy and costs. Naturally, the question arises: Should I turn off my ventilation system while I’m away? The short answer is usually No—and for good reason. Your ventilation system plays a vital role in maintaining air quality and protecting your home from potential damage, even when you’re not there.
In this blog, we’ll dive into why it’s generally best to keep your ventilation system running, how it benefits your home’s indoor environment, and how to adjust the system for an energy-efficient, worry-free holiday.
Why Your Ventilation System Matters
Mechanical ventilation systems, such as MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), are designed to keep fresh air circulating through your home. Unlike traditional ventilation, MVHR systems don’t just bring in fresh air; they also recover heat from the outgoing stale air, making them both efficient and effective. Here’s why maintaining ventilation matters, even while you’re away:
- Maintains Indoor Air Quality: Even when the house is empty, stale air, moisture, and potential pollutants like dust and pet dander still accumulate. Your ventilation system works to keep the air fresh, reducing the risk of musty odours and allergens building up.
- Controls Humidity: Without adequate ventilation, your home’s humidity can rise, especially if it’s already humid outside. Increased humidity can lead to mould growth, dampness, and even wood warping, none of which are good surprises to come home to.
- Protects Your Home: Poor ventilation over an extended period can lead to condensation build-up, which may cause structural damage, particularly around windows, doors, and walls. A ventilation system helps prevent condensation, ensuring your home remains dry and protected.
Reasons to Keep Your Ventilation Running While on Holiday
Now, let’s look at specific reasons why it’s generally recommended to keep your ventilation system running during your holiday:
1. Prevents Mould and Dampness
Turning off your ventilation system allows moisture to build up in the air, especially if there are humid days while you’re gone. Bathrooms, basements, and kitchens are particularly vulnerable to dampness. With a functional ventilation system, airflow keeps humidity levels in check, lowering the risk of mould growth and damp spots that could lead to costly repairs or extensive cleaning.
2. Keeps Odours at Bay
Stagnant air can cause musty odours to develop, especially if you have pets or certain rooms that tend to gather dust or moisture. No one wants to return from holiday to a home that smells stuffy. Running the ventilation system will continuously circulate fresh air, keeping your home smelling fresh and welcoming for your return.
3. Maintains Consistent Indoor Temperatures
Your MVHR system works efficiently to keep indoor temperatures stable by recovering heat from outgoing air. If you turn it off, temperatures may fluctuate more significantly, especially if your home’s insulation isn’t perfect. This can lead to cold or damp rooms that require extra time and energy to reheat when you get back.
4. Protects Your Investment
Your home’s ventilation system is an investment in indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and home protection. Turning it off could lead to conditions that may deteriorate parts of your home over time. Continuous ventilation helps safeguard against moisture damage and maintains a stable environment, supporting the longevity of your home’s structure, finishes, and furnishings.
How to Adjust Your Ventilation System for a Holiday
While keeping the system on is recommended, you can make a few adjustments to ensure energy efficiency without sacrificing air quality. Here are some tips:
1. Switch to a Lower Setting
Most MVHR systems have adjustable settings, allowing you to reduce the airflow rate when no one is home. This way, your system will run at a lower capacity, reducing energy consumption while still circulating air and controlling humidity.
2. Set a Timer
If your system has a timer function, you can schedule it to operate at intervals instead of continuously. This can be an efficient option, especially for short trips. However, for extended absences, continuous low-level operation is often best to maintain consistent air quality and moisture control.
3. Close Doors in Unused Rooms
Closing the doors to rooms with lower ventilation needs, such as bedrooms, can help concentrate airflow in the more critical areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This can enhance the efficiency of your system, ensuring that moisture-prone areas are well-ventilated even with reduced airflow.
4. Disable Boost Functions
Many ventilation systems come with a ‘boost’ function, designed to increase airflow during activities like cooking or showering. While you’re away, this function won’t be necessary, so make sure it’s disabled to avoid unnecessary energy use.