During the summer, it is generally recommended to turn your air exchanger (HRV/ERV) to the "Off," "Recirculation," or lowest intermittent setting (e.g., 20 minutes per hour). This prevents hot, humid outdoor air from entering and overloading your air conditioner, while keeping indoor moisture between 45 % and 50 %.
In summer, run your air exchanger (HRV/ERV) on the lowest setting (or 20 minutes per hour) to keep stale air out while preventing hot, humid outdoor air from overloading your AC. Turn the humidistat all the way up (or to 100%) so the system doesn't turn on every time it senses outdoor moisture.
During seasons when your windows and doors are closed (winter, and summer if air conditioned), the HRV should be set to operate continuously on low speed with the option of going to high speed as the need arises.
Summer: Preventing Excess Moisture
Humidifier Setting: During summer, you might need to reduce your humidifier's output to maintain a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%. This helps prevent mold growth and keeps indoor air comfortable without excessive moisture.
Recommended Setting: 75°F to 78°F
The standard recommendation for balancing cooling needs with energy conservation is 78°F. If that feels too warm, aim for 75°F. Every degree you raise the thermostat can generate meaningful energy savings over the course of the summer season.
The Ideal Temperature When It's 100 Outside
Your home will be noticeably cooler, and you won't have to worry about straining the unit. So, if it's 100 degrees outside, your AC should operate at about 80 degrees, maybe 78 if you want a bit of extra coolness.
The Amish beat summer heat by relying on time-tested passive cooling designs, strategic chore scheduling, and traditional heat-relief hacks. Because they avoid modern air conditioning, they use a blend of cultural practices and clever architecture to remain comfortable.
The ideal indoor humidity level for sleeping is between 30% and 50%. Maintaining this range helps prevent dry skin, irritated sinuses, and congestion, all of which can disrupt restful sleep. Too little humidity can dry out airways, while too much can promote mold growth and dust mites.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends that relative humidity indoors should be maintained at 40-70%, while other experts recommend that the range should be 30-60%. Most people find 30-60% most comfortable and this is the level that Airthings recommends.
Using a humidifier while you sleep in the summer helps alleviate these symptoms of dry air, as well as seasonal allergies. The cool mist can counteract pollen and mold when they are at their peak.
Your air exchanger likely has a high-speed option designed for situations that require rapid ventilation, such as during a party or when cooking. However, continuous operation at high speed can lead to excessive energy consumption and unnecessary wear and tear.
Several factors can contribute to low HRV during sleep, including stress, alcohol use, poor sleep quality, overtraining, certain medications, or health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Even temporary factors such as illness or inflammation can lower HRV while sleeping.
No, 72°F is not generally considered too cold for the summer—it actually sits right in the "sweet spot" for comfortable indoor living. However, whether it is ideal for your home depends on your system's efficiency and your personal preferences.
HRV is usually used in the winter months because it warms the cold air coming in using the furnace heat. You turn it off in the hot humid summer months to stop hot humid air from coming in, which is counterintuitive as the AC is trying to cool and dry the air.
Generally, no. Mold does not actively grow in 40% humidity. The US EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity (RH) between 30% and 50% to strictly prevent mold from taking hold.
Yes, it is generally safe and beneficial to sleep with a humidifier every night, provided you keep the room’s relative humidity between 𝟑𝟎% and 𝟓𝟎%. Maintaining this level can soothe dry skin, relieve nasal congestion, and reduce snoring.
High humidity symptoms include physical discomfort, overheating, respiratory irritation, and signs of poor indoor air quality. Because humid air prevents sweat from evaporating, the body struggles to cool itself, which can rapidly lead to dangerous health conditions.
Yes, many homeowners benefit from using both a whole-home humidifier and a heat recovery ventilator. The HRV brings in fresh air while maintaining energy efficiency, and the humidifier ensures the air remains at comfortable humidity levels. Together, they create a healthy and cozy indoor environment for winter.
The healthiest indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50% relative humidity (RH). This "sweet spot" is widely recommended by the EPA, Mayo Clinic, and ASHRAE to maximize comfort while actively preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and dust mites.
The ideal humidity level for sleep is typically between 30% and 50%. This range helps keep your airways clear, prevents dry skin, and supports overall comfort throughout the night.
Opening a window can reduce indoor humidity—but only if the outside air is cooler and holds less moisture than the inside air. To check if it will help, look at the local Weather Forecast: if the outdoor dew point is below 60∘F60 raised to the composed with power F𝟔𝟎∘𝐅, opening a window will usually lower your indoor humidity.
Low humidity causes moisture to be drawn out of your body and surroundings. Common symptoms include dry, itchy skin, chapped lips, a scratchy throat, and irritated eyes. It can also dry out your nasal passages, leading to sinus pain and frequent nosebleeds, while increasing your susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Summary: The Amish typically have their teeth pulled out by unlicensed dentists instead of incurring the high cost of dentistry. They perceive dentures as more cost effective and easier to maintain oral health.
To say "hi" in Amish (Pennsylvania Dutch), simply say "guder daag" (pronounced goo-der dahg). It translates literally to "good day" and is the most common and appropriate way to greet someone at any time.