Home Ventilation Tips

Proper air circulation is an essential component of a healthy home. The main benefits of home ventilation include: reducing the amount of indoor pollutants, keeping the moisture levels under control and maintaining a comfortable temperature. Here are a few ideas you can apply to ventilate your home properly:

• Open the windows in the bathroom when using the shower, in the kitchen when cooking and in rooms where clothes are hanging out to dry. Keep the doors closed in these areas to prevent the air from escaping. During summer, consider opening the windows in the mornings and evenings.
• When you’re not cooking or using the shower, open all internal doors. This allows for the air to circulate freely, maintaining the same level or air quality in the home. In addition, keep the doors to closets or wardrobes shut to prevent circulating air from being trapped in a confined space.
• Turn on the ceiling fans (clockwise or counter clockwise) to reduce central heating consumption. A counter clockwise direction in the summer will provide a cold breeze in the room. A clockwise direction in the winter will blow the warm air from the ceiling downward.
• Change your HVAC air filter regularly. Air filters prevent pollutants and debris from entering your HVAC system. Depending on the type of air filter and how often you’re using the HVAC system, you should change the air filter once per month or less frequently. Read the instructions on the air filter to know when to replace it.
• To prevent water damage, mold and other problems, vent bathrooms, kitchens and clothes dryers directly outdoors. Make sure that the vents are not blowing air in enclosed spaces, such as the attic or crawlspace. If you’re planning to install or change fans, pick energy efficient ones.
• Use natural ventilation around your home:
  • Plant grass and plants, which absorb less heat, on your home’s surroundings.
  • Install structures such as a pool or fountain to cool off the air before it enters your home.
  • Create earth mounds in your yard to increase air circulation.
• If you’re planning to remodel your home, consider installing high windows, air deflectors (overhangs), clerestories and transitional spaces like balconies or courts.

More information on how to keep indoor air fresh are available here and tips to remove house odors can be found in this article. For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.