During the winter, if you open the window when the outside air is colder than the air indoors, the cold air will come into contact with the warmer air and the level of humidity will fall automatically.
While damp cannot be reduced by opening windows, it can help to reduce the humidity levels in your property to make sure that condensation is not a common occurrence.
Open Your Window
This might seem obvious, but it's effective. Opening your windows will release the humid air outside, and therefore, will prevent the humidity from collecting onto your windows. So, if it's not too cold out and you're suffering from condensation, open a window.
A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.
It is also very important that there is adequate ventilation in the room. Open a window or door so the mold spores can escape, instead of staying locked in your home.
It's also valuable to ventilate your property once the heating system gets turned off, whether it's opening a window before leaving the house or going to bed, it will alleviate condensation that will prevent a whole host of issues further down the line.
a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired. wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth. mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.
One of the biggest factors that produces humidity in your property is that the air does not circulate as it should. This usually occurs in winter when people turn the heating on with the additional factor of closing the doors and windows to keep the air in.
Cold air can't retain as much moisture, so high humidity is less common in chilly weather. It's unlikely that you'll struggle with high humidity and cold temperatures inside your home. To get this combination, you typically need a steady drizzle falling outside.
Cooking, showering, and doing laundry can all have an effect on the amount of moisture that is in the air. If you have poor ventilation or no exhaust fans, moisture will get caught in the air, making your home more humid. Another common solution is to purchase a good dehumidifier.
Improves Air Quality
This is due to accumulations of CO2, allergens, germs, mold, chemicals and more. All of this ups your chances of getting sick, experiencing headaches and other health issues. Opening your windows can help get these contaminants out and improve your home's air quality.
So how often should you ventilate your home in the winter, considering that you don't want to waste energy heating the street? Ideally, you should open your windows (windows cleaning) for at least 10 minutes every day.
As we have mentioned, you don't need to keep your windows open for hours; 15 to 20 minutes is enough to make a difference. Yes, you will lose a bit of energy, but the health benefits you get from bringing fresh air inside can offset the money and energy you lose — your health takes priority!
Benefits of Sleeping with the Window Open
Lower Humidity: Sleeping with the window open helps to level out humidity inside your bedroom by redirecting warm or damp air outside and overall improving your bedroom's air quality.
The cold winter air contains less water and is therefore less humid. When this air is able to get inside the house, it will dilute the moisture.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
Warm air can possess more water vapor (moisture) than cold air, so with the same amount of absolute/specific humidity, air will have a HIGHER relative humidity if the air is cooler, and a LOWER relative humidity if the air is warmer.
Best Humidity for Sleeping
The best relative humidity for sleeping and other indoor activities has been debated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best indoor relative humidity falls between 30% and 50%, and it should never exceed 60%. Other studies suggest 40% to 60% is a better range.
How can you tell when the humidity is too high inside your home? There are a couple of telltale signs like clammy skin, foggy windows, and a heavy yet warm atmosphere. But you can also smell mildew or musty odors when your home is much too humid, which comes from moisture buildup.
The lower the outside temperature, the more excess moisture there is likely to be inside. Cold, moisture-laden air finds its way indoors through cracks and drafty doors and windows, and condensing on the surfaces, as it clashes with the warmer air indoors.
You will get less mould if you keep your home warm, ventilate properly and minimise the amount of moisture you release into the air.
Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather, whether it is raining or dry. It does not leave a 'tidemark'. It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little movement of air. It can often lead to mould forming in corners, on or near windows, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards.
Mold risk increases in cold apartment
This moisture, as well as moisture in the masonry, can promote mold growth. The mold problem is greater in the cold season than in spring or summer because cold air can physically absorb less moisture than warm air.