Regular apartment ventilation prevents mold growth on walls, but proper ventilation is also necessary for healthier indoor air, which helps reduce the risk of virus transmission and serious health issues.
Times have changed. Today, everyone—especially children—spends much more time indoors compared to just twenty years ago, when the situation was radically different. Since we can’t change these habits, let’s make indoor living as healthy and pleasant as possible. One of the most effective ways to improve indoor living quality is to maintain good air quality.
It has been found that indoor air can contain up to 900 different types of particles, biological materials, and gases that may negatively impact health, including mold spores, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide is released by breathing, while carbon monoxide can come from candles, cigarettes, incense, or, in the worst case, faulty heating or cooking appliances.
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Serious research has shown that poor air quality can be responsible for 57% of cardiovascular diseases, 23% of lung cancer cases, 12% of asthma cases, and the remaining 8% of various other respiratory issues.
In large office buildings, centralized air conditioning systems manage air quality, but in apartments and smaller commercial spaces, it’s up to us. This is especially true for newer buildings with energy-efficient aluminum or PVC windows, which we have previously discussed.
Why are high-quality windows a problem?
Modern windows are designed to seal rooms hermetically, minimizing energy consumption for heating and air conditioning. Older wooden windows weren’t as tightly sealed, so apartments had a natural level of ventilation. If you’ve installed new windows, you might need to change some habits regarding ventilation.
People in the apartment naturally increase indoor humidity through cooking, showering, and even breathing and sweating. Higher humidity levels often lead to mold growth on walls, as moisture condenses in certain areas, providing a fertile ground for microorganisms. Therefore, in addition to removing harmful gases, particles, and viruses, ventilation is necessary to eliminate excess moisture from the air.
How to Ventilate Your Apartment Properly
Proper ventilation depends on several factors. When heating is not required, it’s most effective to keep windows slightly open, allowing air to circulate continuously without causing drafts, which could affect your back and stir up dust.
During the heating season, the approach to ventilation should be completely different, as leaving windows slightly open becomes inefficient—rooms don’t warm adequately, leading to increased heating costs. In the winter months, keep windows closed to keep heating costs low, and ventilate by periodically opening windows fully.
What is cross-ventilation?
The ideal method is called cross-ventilation. This involves fully opening two windows on opposite walls, allowing the room’s air to be completely replaced in about three minutes without cooling down walls or large furniture items. After closing the windows, the room’s temperature quickly returns to normal, minimizing heating costs.
Depending on the number of people and the size of the apartment, this type of ventilation should be done three to five times a day, especially before going to bed and in the morning.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your home remains a healthy and comfortable place for everyone.