A well-ventilated home also has lower humidity which means less condensation and thus a lower chance of developing mould.

HVAC systems have become the key to creating a comfortable environment in residential and commercial properties. Most homes in the UK are fitted with some kind of heating or ventilation system using renewable energy sources such as solar panels. New build homes now meet energy efficiency requirements in the face of increased global warming deadlines.

The benefits of good home ventilation

The average person’s daily intake of air is 12,000 litres, equal to the capacity of 150 bathtubs. Sufficient ventilation ensures that the air you breathe is rich in oxygen and free of indoor air contaminants such as smoke, carbon dioxide, and cooking odours.

This is particularly important in areas like the kitchen and bathroom where excessive moisture in the air condenses on cold surfaces. When left unattended, this could result in mould and damp issues. Good ventilation is crucial to preventing moisture build-up, which can save you money on repair bills, and safeguard your health against mould.

You should have adequate ventilation in any room containing a gas appliance to prevent potential carbon monoxide poisoning if there is a fault. The same goes if you have an old boiler, as older models can reduce the air quality of a room.

Easy methods for airing out your house

You might hear HVAC technology and immediately wonder how much it is going to cost you. For a fully kitted-out HVAC system, you can expect to pay anywhere between £5,000 to £30,000. This may be out of your price range, but luckily, there are easier and cheaper ways to air out your home.

Windows

The most obvious ventilation method is throwing open your windows and letting some fresh air in, particularly when you are cooking dinner, using the shower or hanging clothes to dry. You can do this to replace all the air inside a room or control the internal temperature of a space quickly.

Doors

Opening internal and external doors is another great way to increase ventilation and control it. If you only require one room to be rushed with cool air, but not the rest of your home, closing or opening doors can facilitate the airflow around your home. Closing doors on wardrobes and cupboards will prevent moving air from being trapped in one place.

Winter Breeze

While letting in the winter breeze may not initially seem like the best idea, it has great ventilation benefits. Try to open your windows three times a day in the winter but make sure your central heating is off during that time. Your home’s air quality will significantly improve, even if you do this on weekends.

Install fans

Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom help to reduce condensation and dampness in moist-prone spaces. Switch it on every time you use the shower or when you boil the kettle to move on any unpleasant smells and keep moisture build-up under control. These are straightforward to instal yourself – just make sure that it vents outside.