Why is ventilation important in homes?
Ventilation is often unnoticed but is a vital part of healthy and comfortable living. It directly affects indoor air quality, living comfort, and the condition of the building structures. Adequate and properly functioning ventilation is important in all types of homes — whether it’s an apartment building, detached house, or row house.
Main functions of ventilation
Removes impurities and carbon dioxide
Indoor air constantly accumulates impurities: dust, odors, carbon dioxide, chemicals from furniture and building materials, as well as particles produced by people and pets. Ventilation effectively removes these substances.
Regulates humidity
Daily activities such as cooking, showering, and drying laundry produce a lot of moisture. If this moisture is not removed, it can condense into the structures and cause mold growth, which is harmful to health and damaging to the building.
Brings in fresh air
Through ventilation, clean and oxygen-rich outdoor air enters the home. This keeps the indoor air fresh and improves alertness, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Signs of poor ventilation appear quickly
If ventilation is inadequate, it is often quickly noticeable:
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Stuffy and stagnant air
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Moisture condensation on windows
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Mold odor or visible mold growth
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Headaches, fatigue, respiratory symptoms
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Odors lingering for a long time
These signs are a warning that ventilation is not working properly and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Different types of ventilation
There are generally three types of ventilation used in homes:
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Natural (gravity-based) ventilation, which operates through natural temperature and pressure differences. A challenge can occur in summer when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is small. Temporary boosting is possible by window ventilation (remember allergy filters).
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Mechanical exhaust ventilation, where air is mechanically extracted, but replacement air enters passively. It’s important to ensure an adequate amount of replacement air. There should be one air inlet vent per 20 m² of living area.
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Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery, which is most common in newer houses and enables efficient ventilation and energy savings.
Well-functioning ventilation = healthy home
A well-designed, properly installed, and maintained ventilation system ensures:
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Healthy indoor air
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Comfortable living conditions
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Long-lasting building structures
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Energy efficiency
It is worth monitoring and maintaining ventilation regularly — whether it involves replacing filters, cleaning vents, or adjusting the entire system. This ensures that the indoor air in your home remains clean and fresh every day.