In the winter you want to keep your house nice and warm, but did you know that it is very important to ventilate well? It may seem strange to open windows when it is cold outside, but in the winter poor ventilation can cause all kinds of problems in your house. In this blog I will tell you why ventilation is so important in the winter and I will give you useful tips to do this well, without getting cold.
what happens if you don't ventilate?
If you do not ventilate properly, a lot of moisture can remain in your home. This moisture comes from cooking, showering or even breathing. If it is warmer inside than outside, this moisture cannot escape easily, causing it to build up. This can lead to condensation on the windows, mold on the walls and polluted air. And of course you do not want that!
What is condensation and why is it a problem?
Condensation is the water you see on windows or other cold surfaces, such as walls. This happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces. In the winter, you often see this because the windows are cold from the outside. Condensation is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can also lead to mold. Mold loves moist environments and grows quickly if left unchecked.
why mold is bad for you
Mold in your home is not only unsightly, but also unhealthy. It can cause all sorts of health problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, allergies and irritation of your eyes and respiratory tract. That is why it is super important to prevent mold by properly ventilating your home.
the air in your home can become polluted
In addition to humid air, the air in your home can also be polluted by all kinds of substances, such as cigarette smoke, cooking fumes or chemicals. If you do not ventilate properly, this polluted air will remain. This is not good for your health and can even affect your mood. By regularly letting in fresh air, you ensure that the air in your home remains nice and clean.
How can you ventilate properly in winter?
Now that you know why ventilation is so important, you may be wondering how to do this without getting cold. Here are some handy tips:
1. open a window occasionally
It may sound cold, but open a window all the way every now and then. This will allow fresh air to flow through your home, removing moisture and polluted air. If you only do this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, you won’t get too cold, but the air will be refreshed.
2. use the ventilation grilles
Do you have ventilation grilles in your windows? Make sure you don’t block them, even in the winter. These grilles provide a constant flow of air, allowing moist air to escape. If you block them, fresh air can’t enter your home, which can cause problems.
3. ventilate while cooking or showering
When you cook or shower, a lot of moisture is released into the air. Always turn on the extractor fan while cooking and open the window when you shower. This prevents the air from becoming too humid and condensation from forming.
4. use a humidity meter
A humidity meter is a handy device that helps you see if the air in your home is too humid. The ideal humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. If it is higher, you can ventilate extra to ensure that the moisture is removed.
5. use a dehumidifier
If you really have problems with damp in your home, you might want to consider a dehumidifier. This device removes excess moisture from the air, which helps prevent condensation and mould. This is a useful tool, especially in rooms where you can’t ventilate much, such as a bathroom without a window.
conclusion: ventilation is also important in winter
Ventilating in the winter is essential to keep your home healthy and comfortable. It prevents condensation, mold and polluted air, all of which can be harmful to your health. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ventilate properly without getting cold. For example, by occasionally opening a window, not blocking the ventilation grilles and ventilating while cooking and showering, you can keep your home fresh and healthy. So even when it’s cold outside, it’s important to let fresh air in regularly!