Proper ventilation is particularly important in winter to prevent mold from forming in the home.
An energy expert explains what you should pay attention to.
In times of rising prices for gas and electricity, many want to save on heating so as not to put more strain on their wallets than is necessary anyway.
But if you heat too little in winter and perhaps ventilate even less to maintain the room temperature, you are often saving in the wrong place.
Because: If the humidity is not removed by proper heating and ventilation, this promotes the formation of mold on walls.
“Despite rising energy prices, ventilation is important.
Not only to remove the moisture, but also to bring the CO2 outside and fresh oxygen into the apartment,” says graduate engineer Alexander Waltner, energy consultant and expert from the Verbraucherzentrale Bayern eV . He
reveals his most important tips to
IPPEN.MEDIA
how to get through the winter with proper ventilation.
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Proper ventilation is particularly important in winter to prevent mold from forming on the walls.
© Roman Möbius/Imago
Proper ventilation in winter: tips to prevent mold growth
In order to avoid mold growth in winter, the right level of humidity in the living space is crucial: high humidity levels and low outside temperatures can easily lead to condensation and the water condenses on the outside wall.
This can then cause mold.
At more than 60 percent humidity there is a risk of mold.
But consumers shouldn't wait that long: "As soon as the relative humidity rises above 50 percent, ventilation should be considered," advises Waltner.
In this way, the moist air can be directed outside in good time.
To measure humidity, hygrometers are a good investment.
They are available in stores from about ten euros.
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And how does proper ventilation work?
The energy expert advises sticking to the following rules of thumb:
During ventilation, the radiator should be turned off and windows and doors should be opened completely.
It is best to create a draft through the entire apartment.
It is better to ventilate more often and for shorter periods than just once a day for a very long time.
This way the walls don't cool down too much.
Ökotest
recommends airing rooms in which people spend time three to four times a day.
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How long do I have to ventilate in winter?
According to Waltner, how long you should ventilate also depends on whether the wind is blowing or the air is calm.
"Three times a day for five to ten minutes would be a good average - depending on how many people are in the apartment," the expert continues.
Incidentally, it is easy to see whether you have aired out long enough: when the window is opened, the outer pane mists up when the outside temperature is cold.
His tip: "Leave the window open until the window is free again."
Incidentally, a sign of excessive humidity in the bathroom, bedroom and other living rooms is when condensation forms on the window panes from the inside.
Here, however, simple measures usually help to ensure that the panes remain clear.
List of rubrics: © Roman Möbius/Imago