Airing out homes in winter is a vital practice to counter indoor air pollution. Have you ever thought that the air inside your house could be more contaminated than the air outside? It's a startling fact, but it's true.
Common household essentials like combustion heaters are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions within homes. Therefore, to improve indoor air quality, it's beneficial to follow the guidelines provided by the Agency for the Environment and Energy Management (ADEME). Their recommendation? Open your windows for a brisk 5-10 minutes during the morning and evening.
While airing out your homes, pay attention to your radiators too. Rather than switching them off entirely, it's advisable to reduce their settings to zero. This act will prevent an excessive drop in temperature.
Avoiding Extended Aeration and Peak Pollution Hours
For those living in colder climates, be cautious about airing out homes for prolonged periods. Doing so can allow cold air to seep in, reducing the temperature within and causing discomfort. Also, be mindful of the time of the day while airing out your homes, particularly those located in cities. It's best to refrain from opening windows between 2pm and 6pm when air pollution usually peaks.
Using Non-Toxic Cleaning Products and Ventilating During DIY
Another simple step to improve your indoor air quality is avoiding the use of toxic cleaning products. These products can release harmful chemicals into the air, leading to an unsafe indoor environment. Also, remember to air out your homes when you're indulging in painting or DIY activities. Products used during these tasks often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can significantly affect the air quality if not properly ventilated.
Airing out Bathrooms: A Special Mention
Bathrooms get a special mention when it comes to airing out spaces. As the most humid room in a house, they are likely to encourage dampness and mold growth without proper ventilation. If your bathroom lacks windows, you may want to consider using mechanically controlled ventilation (MCV) as a solution for airing out this space. For those with windows in other areas of the home, creating drafts to indirectly ventilate bathrooms is also a recommended practice.