Enhancing natural ventilation in homes

Now in summer, in homes without mechanical ventilation systems or air conditioning, the need to open windows becomes more evident. However, many people neglect that same action of airing the home during the rest of the year. Nevertheless, enhancing natural ventilation in our houses is essential to improve health, avoid problems with humidity or stale air, and also to enjoy greater comfort indoors.

Enclosed environments are not only harmful to our health but also influence our mood. For example, bad odors from a non-ventilated space can cause anxiety, stress, affect sleep quality, and also our productivity. If you spend too much time in indoor spaces with a stale smell, it is even possible to suffer from headaches.

On the other hand, noticing that the air is being refreshed provides a greater sense of well-being. Even if it is just outside air. But beyond that, what does it mean to be in a closed space without enhancing natural ventilation and with a closed environment?

• We may experience humidity problems. Mold and condensation in the air can pose a problem for us.
• The indoor environment becomes polluted with volatile organic compounds, usually from the use of chemical products at home. If they accumulate too much in the environment, they could be hazardous.
• Allergens settle in the unrenewed air and become trapped in our homes.

Improper ventilation can lead to serious health problems for those living in unventilated spaces. On one hand, there are mold stains, bad odors, and humidity, but soon respiratory problems will arise for those who have been breathing that stale air for too long. Common problems include nasal congestion or irritation of the eyes and throat.

Living in a poorly ventilated area is more complicated for people who suffer from asthma. And those with immunological problems see how the risks of poor ventilation multiply for them.

That is why we need to learn to enhance natural ventilation in our homes if we do not have a mechanical renewal system. How can we do it? First of all, we must bear in mind that even though we do not have integral mechanical ventilation systems, we still need help in humid areas.

The two most basic solutions are bathroom extractors and kitchen hoods. Both are placed in the two main humid areas of the home: the sinks and where we cook. They will be responsible for eliminating bad odors, smoke, stale air, and above all, the pollution generated by garbage and the use of chemical products. It is essential that every home has this type of extractor.

From here, we need to analyze which spaces in the home or building have poor ventilation and where natural ventilation is difficult. For example, we are referring to where the washing machine is located, where we hang the clothes, or to basements and pantries.

A good recommendation is, whenever possible, to place the washing machine in a well-ventilated area or a covered terrace. To hang clothes, it is best to do it outdoors and always avoid having wet clothes inside the house whenever possible.

In the case of basements, it is ideal to install an air extractor. And we must be very careful that they are not affected by radon gas.

In the bedrooms and living room, opening the windows every day will be essential. We can also create air currents by opening a window and a door if both lead to the outside, which will not only enhance natural ventilation but will also help to cool the rooms in summer.

How to enhance natural ventilation in winter

If we do not have mechanical ventilation systems, it is also necessary to ventilate naturally in winter. Even if it is cold. The ideal is to do it after using the heating, to avoid condensation problems. The most recommended is to open the windows before leaving home, just when we turn off the heating. After a minimum of ten minutes with the windows open, we can close them again, and we will have ventilated. It is necessary to do this once a day.

It is also recommended, to enhance natural ventilation in winter and summer, that we use natural fabrics for curtains, tablecloths, and rags, avoiding synthetics. Carpets are a common enemy of natural ventilation, and it is better to avoid them. However, to ensure better indoor air quality and to avoid health problems, it is ideal to have a double-flow ventilation system, which also improves thermal comfort in the home.