Proper shock ventilation to prevent mold growth | Alex Garden

Adequate heating and ventilation have their pitfalls in the winter. The problem is obvious: while the lack of ventilation in winter favors the formation of mould, too prolonged ventilation increases heating costs. Many tenants, for example, are familiar with the problem of condensation on windows. This in turn can lead to mold growth and is due to excessive humidity in the room. To prevent things from getting to that point, we’re airing things. But it takes time for the pollutants and moisture to escape. This means that a lot of heat is lost. And so the well-known dilemma arises. The solution is simple: shock ventilation! But what exactly does this mean and how long should the window be left open? We know how to get you through the winter affordably and mold-free.

Correct heating in winter: this is the optimal room temperature

Before starting ventilation, it is necessary to determine the optimal room temperature. And it’s lower than many residents think. In winter the recommended temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. It should still be a little colder in the bedroom. For a good night’s sleep, come here 17-18 degrees Celsius recommended. However, this also applies to the bathroom 22 degrees Celsius as optimal. Do you want to save energy? We therefore recommend a thermostat that keeps the temperature in the room constant. With a modern thermostatic valve you can even save 4 to 8% of your heating energy.

Shock ventilation: this is how it works!

However, adequate heating is only possible with adequate ventilation. The smart solution in winter is: shock ventilation. The window is not tilted, but opened completely. Cross ventilation is even more effective. For this type of ventilation it is necessary to open the opposite windows and doors at the same time. The draft ensures that there is sufficient air exchange in a short time. However, there is one thing that residents should definitely keep in mind: During shock ventilation the heating must be reduced! Additionally, cross ventilation is not recommended in every room. In the bathroom or kitchen after cooking it is best to keep the door closed so that water vapor does not penetrate into other rooms.

Smart solution: shock ventilation – but for how long and how often?

Here too, residents do not have to rely on their instincts. The rough guideline is: the lower the outside temperature, the less time you need to ventilate. According to this trend, various guiding values ​​emerge:

• December to February: until 5 minutes
• March and November: until 10 minutes
• April, May, September and October: up to 15 minutes
• From June to August: until 25 minutes

After “how long” the question “how often” arises? The recommendation in this case mainly depends on the number of residents and the amount of humidity in the respective room. Did you know, for example, that a family of four releases around twelve liters of humidity into the air every day? And this happens simply by breathing, cooking, washing or showering. We therefore recommend shock ventilation three to five times to be carried out daily.

Heating correctly: how to save energy

If you pay attention to the right room temperature in combination with regular ventilation, you are well prepared against mold growth. But another problem in winter is the high heating costs. You can save energy with some simple measures:

Do not turn the heater on completely!

Is it cold in the room? In many cases the heating is now at maximum. But what many don’t know is that the room heats up quickly. At the highest level, more energy is simply consumed. Thermostat levels are only indications for maximum temperature. For example, on the third level it heats up to a pleasant 20 degrees. The phases are divided as follows:

• * Asterisk: approx. 5 degrees Celsius
• Step 1: approx. 12 degrees Celsius
• Phase 2: approx. 16 degrees Celsius
• Step 3: Approx. 20 degrees Celsius
• Step 4: Approx. 24 degrees Celsius
• Step 5: Approx. 28 degrees Celsius

Close the curtains and shutters at night

In winter the most important thing is to let out as little heat as possible. To reduce heat loss through windows, you should close the shutters at night. Closed curtains also help save energy. When you get up in the morning, it is advisable to air the room so that the humidity can escape outside.

Leave the radiators free

If you want to reduce energy costs in winter, you should make sure that the radiators are independent. This means: curtains, furniture or fabrics must not be placed above or in front of the radiator.

Avoid cooling

Except for sudden ventilation, you should never turn off the heating completely. Because subsequent heating costs more energy than permanent heating. If you are away for a longer period, we recommend setting the radiator to the second level, around 16 degrees.

Bleed the heater regularly

Do you know the problem of bubbling radiators? Air has probably accumulated in the radiator and the heating system is no longer working properly. Regular ventilation provides relief and saves energy.

Seal windows and doors

Windows and doors that don’t close properly are a problem, especially in winter. Drafts penetrate the apartment and damp or cold creep in. This increases heating costs and encourages mold growth. You can use sealing tape, wool blankets or duct tape to seal windows and doors.

If you are building your own house, you should do it right away the right materials for the window frame consider. In the Alex Garden you can discover the advantages and disadvantages of different materials.

A climate of well-being: heat and ventilate adequately

We from Rotheryou know how important the right temperature is in your home. This is exactly why we are setting up brick. Thanks to him Capillary structure Brick has the ability to absorb and release moisture. In this way the humidity inside is balanced. In combination with adequate ventilation, mold growth has no chance.

You can find out more about optimal humidity in our blog post “Optimal Humidity in Living Spaces”!