Ventilating in winter is important for health: fresh air protects against viruses, reduces humidity, and prevents mold. However, many make typical mistakes — keeping windows on micro-ventilation or opening them for only 1–2 minutes.
Experts provide the following recommendations:
How long to keep windows open:
- Below −10°C — 2–3 minutes.
- From −10°C to 0°C — 5 minutes.
- Above 0°C — 10–15 minutes.
How often to ventilate:
- 2–4 times a day (in the morning, after work, before bed).
- It’s better to create short drafts than to keep the window slightly open constantly.
Main mistakes:
- Micro-ventilation instead of a draft — air is poorly renewed, the room cools down, and condensation appears.
- Prolonged ventilation without necessity — unnecessary heat loss, walls and slopes cool down.
- Ventilating only when stuffy — regular ventilation is important, not episodic.
- Lack of air circulation — furniture placed too close to walls obstructs airflow, increasing the risk of mold.
Symptoms of improper ventilation:
- Condensation on windows — indicates that air is not being renewed and humidity is elevated.
Conclusion: short ventilation sessions 2–4 times a day for 5–10 minutes in winter refresh the air, retain heat, and prevent mold.
