Heating & Cooling

The importance of ventilation in your home

Triangle

Heating & Cooling

The importance of ventilation in your home

Most people understand the importance of breathing in quality air. Yet home ventilation isn’t an exciting topic when it comes to building and moving into your new home. 

But it should be. Poor air quality makes your new home difficult to maintain, causing the paint to peel and airborne nasties to fester. 

‘Stagnant airflow can lead to reduce air quality and an increase of moisture in the air’, says Regional Warranties Manager, Michael Silver. 

The good news is that improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Below, Michael outlines the importance of proper airflow and provides his top tips for improving your home’s ventilation. 

What is home ventilation?

Put simply, your home’s ventilation is all about the exchange of indoor air for outdoor air. How well your home is ventilated will impact the amount of fresh air that circulates throughout your home as well as the air quality you and your family subsequently breathe in.

Why is ventilation so important? 

Poor ventilation and airflow can lead to a host of home maintenance and health problems, including: 

  • Pollutant build-up: Around the world each year, 3.2 million people die prematurely of household pollutant exposure. And while western homes have come a long way in terms of ventilation and cooking tech, it doesn’t mean we’re immune to airborne nasties. A recent CSIRO study found that having an adjoining garage causes the same risk of pollution as living on the main road! Scary stuff – especially if poor ventilation allows pesticides, bacteria, and smog to accumulate indoors.  
  • Mould growth: The foundation for mould growth is set in winter when the air inside is warmer than the air outside. Poor ventilation can cause the hot air to rise and condensation to form. And nothing loves warm, wet, and dank environments more than household mould! Without proper airflow, you could find the green fungi sticking to your walls, ceiling, and even your furniture.  
  • Peeling paint: Moisture that builds up and pools on your walls can quickly peel and wrinkle your paint. It not only makes for unsightly interiors, but can also lead to costly repair work. 
  • Odours: Stagnant air can cause odours from last night’s dinner or indoor pets to seep into your furniture, bedding, and interiors. And there’s nothing worse than walking into a home with a smell that won’t budge. 
  • Low oxygen levels: Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide (CO2) as waste. While this isn’t a problem when walking outside, poor home ventilation can cause an increase in CO2 levels indoors. The result? Everything from breathing problems and headaches to fatigue and asthma.  

 

 

Six tips for improving your home ventilation and health 

Make the best use of your air conditioning system

Ducted reverse cycle air conditioners not only keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, but they also ensure adequate air circulation throughout your home. Proper system maintenance is key so ensure you regularly change your aircon filters and have a professional maintain your system at least annually. ‘If the system allows, shift your fan from the automatic setting to on, to ensure you’re constantly receiving fresh air throughout your living spaces,’ says Michael. 

Open your windows

It’s a cost-free way to ventilate your home! Pay particular attention to opening windows opposite each other, as they can create wind paths across the span of your home. If you can, open as many windows as wide as possible. Middle of winter or worried about springtime allergies? Even opening a couple of windows for a few hours per day can help. 

Install a ceiling fan

Stagnant air should be avoided at all costs. Even if you have an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can be a great investment. Open your windows and switch on the fans in your main living areas to help move air around the rooms. Don’t have a ceiling fan? Freestanding fans switched to high and placed near open windows will do the job too. Alternatively, invest in an air purifier that filters and recirculates your indoor air every hour. 

Deep clean your carpets

Carpets can be a sanctuary for dust, bacteria, and other pollutants which can be bad news for anyone suffering from asthma or other breathing-related issues. Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner and be sure to have your carpets professionally steam cleaned at least once per year. 

Switch on your exhaust fans

Exhaust fans work by sending warm, stale, and odour-ridden air outside and bringing fresh outdoor air inside. But they’ll only work if you switch them on every time you use your bathroom, laundry, and cooktop. Michael suggests running your exhaust fan for at least five minutes after your shower or meal to ensure lingering condensation doesn’t cause damage. Regularly cleaning your exhaust filters will also help ensure your spot fans are working. 

Bring in plenty of potted greenery

Help your health while enhancing the ambiance of your interior design with plenty of potted greenery. Indoor plants are shown to naturally purify the air we breathe, removing CO2 and boosting oxygen levels. Some plant varieties can potentially even diminish toxic substances, including known carcinogens. The result? Cleaner air, a boosted mood, and increased productivity.

Our industry-leading aftercare program, Boutique Assist, offers a superior 12-month warranty service so your new home has enough time to settle and experience all four seasons.

Our designated Home Care team can also answer any questions you may have. 

 

 

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