During the winter season, it is important to air out our living spaces. Indoor air is often polluted. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in furniture, fabrics, carpets etc. Humidity caused by cooking, showering and even human occupants’ breath can give rise to mould and contribute to the premature deterioration of our homes. This is why it is important to allow fresh air in, even during cold weather.
How to proceed
- Switch off the heating, the go around the home and open the windows in each room.
- Wait 5 minutes (no more than 10 minutes so as not to let the indoor temperature drop too much).
- Go around your home once more, closing the windows and turning the thermostat back up in each room.
Handy tips
- Leave the windows shut in one room so as to protect sensitive inhabitants from drafts.
- Air out the home just before leaving, when everyone is dressing to go out. This could even speed up the whole business of getting everyone into their outdoor clothes!
- Invest in a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system. At the right size, such a system will provide noiseless, low-cost, round-the-clock ventilation for your home.
