Ventilation at home is something that we have constantly heard in our homes and even from our grandmothers, but are we aware of the importance of ventilating the house and of the diseases that its absence can cause? How long should we air the rooms of our home? Is it necessary to ventilate the house at the same time in summer and in winter? Where is the balance between ventilation and energy waste? We give you all the keys to good ventilation in your home.

Why should we ventilate the house?

We spend 80 to 90 percent of our time indoors, either in our homes or at our workplaces. In the latter, sometimes, we cannot influence much when it comes to proper ventilation, but we can in our homes, and that is that a well-ventilated house is a healthy house.

There is a direct relationship between certain respiratory diseases and proper home ventilation, but air regeneration is also important to think clearly, sleep and be more productive. Who doesn’t feel great opening the window and breathing in the fresh morning air? Many people are unaware that the amount of pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. What substances accumulate indoors?

Particles in suspension, such as pollen, dust, mites, animal hair…

Chemical pollutants,  such as CO2, CO, Knox or benzene, from the incomplete combustion of boilers and vehicles,cigarettes,paints or furniture.

Biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, which adhere to suspended particles and can cause respiratory diseases.

Currently, Spanish regulations require certain ventilation systems when building new buildings to ensure air quality. The problem is that this regulation is very recent, so most buildings do not have adequate ventilation.

Keys to properly ventilate the house

• The ideal thing to maintain a healthy home is to open the windows every day.
• Do it for at least half an hour (it is not a matter of leaving the house like an iceberg in winter either).
• Preferably, first thing in the morning, because the air pollution is less and because after the whole night with the windows closed the CO2 level inside is higher.
• But, in addition to ventilation, you can also take other measures to avoid these polluting agents, for example carrying out proper cleaning, avoiding smoking inside (and also outside) or using ecological paints and natural wood furniture In fact, if possible, use natural materials in the construction of the house.