Ventilation in Winter

Here's what you need to know and why!

You may ask, what is the primary reason for having ventilation? Well, for starters, ventilation is needed because moist air rises. Also, every square inch of space on a roof can lose 10% of its heat during the day. 

This means you need room to let in the fresh air in the winter and remove excess heat from your home—all that happens because roofs need insulation to keep warmth in and cold out.

As chemicals are released from heaters, fireplaces, and candles, it is important to maintain healthy indoor air quality. Since you open your windows less in the winter, you need to ventilate your home effectively. 

Benefits of Ventilation in Winter

Find out what ventilation can do for you this winter!

1. Eliminates excess moisture

In winter, there is a lot of moisture in the air. This can cause problems for your home and family when you are trying to stay warm. 

By using a humidifier in your home, you'll be able to eliminate excess moisture from the air, which will prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Buying a dehumidifier is also a good idea if you reside in an area that gets very cold in winter. It is important to keep your home dry enough so bacteria won't develop in these places since there is less water vaporization than normal.

1. Improves indoor air quality

Keeping warm in your home can be a challenge during the winter because of the cold, damp, and windy conditions.

Your home must have ample fresh air intake during the winter to maintain good air quality. The most effective way is to install a good ventilation system.

A central vacuum system is one of the most efficient methods to improve indoor air quality and ventilation in winter, regardless of what kind of ventilation system you have in your home.

1. Prevents increased energy costs

The heater and the air conditioner work hard to keep your home warm and comfortable when the weather is cold, but these processes can be costly - and if you’re not careful, those costs can add up quickly.

For efficient home ventilation in winter, follow these tips:

1. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
2. The best way to reduce energy consumption is to open windows and doors whenever possible or install programmable thermostats.
3. Get rid of clutter around furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances that use electricity or gas. This will make them more efficient and allow them to run more efficiently.

How to Ventilate in Winter

The following tips will guide you on how to make winter ventilation a breeze!

1. Increase Air Circulation by Opening More Windows 

As much as it may sound absurd, opening your doors and windows in winter will allow your house to breathe without spending money on expensive products or services.

The intermittent flow of air can be a great source of good ventilation in winter because it breaks down the barrier between the stale air inside and the fresh air outside.

This will also give you a natural cooling effect that is not as harsh as turning on the AC.

1. Use a Humidifier to Increase Moisture and Reduce Dryness

In winter, the air gets dry and can be hard to breathe. Dry air can also cause the skin to become dry and flaky. A humidifier can help improve ventilation in winter by combating this problem. It adds moisture back into the air, which helps reduce dryness in the home and skin.

Humidifiers are a great investment for your home, as well as helping with ventilation in winter. Not only do they release moisture into the air, but they also release particles that help combat allergies and other respiratory conditions. 

In addition to moisture and particle relief, they also provide relief from colds, sinus congestion, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

1. Air It Out With an Air Purifier to Minimize Dust and Odors

Due to the cold and stagnant air inside homes during the winter, dust particles can become a health hazard. Imagine that your furniture starts to squeak, and dust particles are floating in the air. Sounds unpleasant, right? 

US EPA says the effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it traps contaminants and how much air it filters.

To get maximum airflow, you should purchase a highly efficient air purifier and place it away from unnecessary items and furnishings.

Air purifiers have some downsides, such as high power consumption and low efficiency. Air purifiers must pass more air through their filters to purify indoor air effectively. To maximize ventilation in winter, these devices should be operated for a longer period.

1. Fans Can be a Great Help

The following types of fans are great for providing ventilation in the winter:

• Another way to ensure adequate home ventilation during winter is to utilize the wall fans installed. By removing excess moisture from the air in your kitchen and bathroom, exhaust fans reduce the number of germs and other impurities in the air.
• The air will be removed more quickly if you use ceiling fans with open windows and doorways. Just remember to run them at maximum speed.
• If you have a wet basement or other hard-to-ventilate areas in your home, consider a box fan to help with ventilation.

Conclusion

Ventilation is one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable year-round. When you don't have enough ventilation in winter in your home, you could be putting yourself at risk for dangerous conditions.

To protect your family and keep them healthy, make sure you're taking the time to ensure your home is properly ventilated.

Your local experts can assist you in determining the most economical and environment-friendly solution for your home while addressing issues such as inadequate air quality and excessive energy usage. 

To schedule your free inspection or to learn more about improved ventilation, contact Koala Insulation today.