ST. PAUL Blog

Ventilation During the Winter? Here’s What You Need to Know and Why

Winters here in Minnesota can certainly be challenging. As soon as the leaves fall from the trees it can be tempting to close up the house tight and turn up the heating, even if that means the windows are covered in condensation. Since staying warm and keeping our airways moist are good ways to keep away those winter colds, it can be a surprise to learn that living in a sealed home can be bad for you. 

So, why is this and how do you go about ventilating your home without developing frostbite? Read on to find out! 

Why is a lack of ventilation in a home bad for you? 

There are a few different reasons why a home without good ventilation can harm you, and none of them are things you’d consider under normal circumstances. 

Mold 

The first is the most obvious, and it’s that a home that can’t breathe keeps moisture inside, which can lead to mold. While a little moisture in your home’s air is good for you, damp and mold aren’t. If you’ve noticed a little mold in your home and can’t seem to shake a little stuffiness or some minor headaches, the cause might be right under your nose. 

Radon 

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is released by uranium decaying deep in the ground. Radon is found in a small amount in all homes, but if you keep your home locked up tight year-round, the radon can build up. 

Radon exposure can cause some serious health concerns, such as lung cancer, especially in smokers. (To learn more about this and if the location of your home puts you at a higher risk, click here.) The St Paul area is in zone 1, which means it is an area with a “high” level of radon. A well-ventilated home is the best way to protect you against radon build-up. 

VOCs 

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are airborne pollutants and can be found inside and outside our homes. They can be things like exhaust fumes, smoke, paint fumes, adhesives, and more. Ventilation helps ensure these compounds are moved out of your home. 

How to Ventilate Your Home When Opening Windows Isn’t an Option 

While we certainly don’t want to be living with stale air that may be making us sick, opening windows when it’s freezing outside doesn’t often sound like a better option. So, what are your options? 

Firstly, make sure you use your bathroom ventilation when you shower, if it does not work automatically. If you don’t have a ventilation fan in your bathroom, open the window when you finish in there and then close the door to your home. While your bathroom will get cold, the excess moisture will also go out the window. Close the window as soon as most of the moisture in the bathroom has dissipated. 

Next, use your extractor fan when you cook on your stove. This will help move moisture and VOCs that are created when you cook out of your home. 

Finally, consider getting a solar fan installed on your roof. Solar fans convert passive ventilation in your roof to active, helping to reduce moisture and thus mold and mildew. Solar fans will increase airflow in your home without you having to open a window, ensuring the air in your home does not stagnate. 

Solar Fan Installation in St Paul 

Running a solar fan in your home does not cost you a thing - it simply uses the power of the sun to run. Our fans are well prepared for extreme weather and they qualify for the 26% Federal Tax Credit Program, so they are affordable, too. 

If you want to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of an unventilated home, and extend the life of your roof and A/C system, a solar fan is a great investment. To find out more about solar fan installation in St Paul, click here.