How long do you open your windows for this time of year?

[SpringMeadows]

If you are in the UK, how long do you open your windows for in the morning in winter? We have dogs and I leave them open (including the back door) for an hour or two, first thing in the morning. This is because I like to have fresh air in the house daily, but also because I'm rushing around during that time so don't go and shut them. WHen I get to my desk ready to work, I go around and close them. My DP would open them for 20 minutes and then turn the heating straight back on.

It's true that the house gets rather cold during the time the windows are open but are we supposed to live in a stuffy place? So I'd like to hear what others do. Thank you.

Never.
New build with no damp or mould. Plus we have a newborn and toddler so we try and keep it toasty.

In the warmer months, I love having them open all day.

@NuzzleandScratch - I guess small
kittens might try and escape. Mines 6, he’s lazy and ginger. So it’s easier to walk out the open door in summer or cat flap in winter than to squeeze out of a tilted window.

Bathroom window opened after my shower. Bedroom and landing window opened after I'm dressed. All closed 20 mins later when I leave for work.

If I'm cleaning a room (hoovering/polishing) I open the window while I'm in there to get the fresh air in.

It's going to sound weird but I like my central heating to be warming up 'clean' fresh air rather than recycled, stuffy lung-breath

Re: cats falling out of windows. Last summer we were sitting outside a pub having a drink. There was a sudden kerfuffle and a man rushed past carrying a bundle in a scarf. It emerged a cat had fallen out of the top floor of the flats next to the pub

Please quote where I said 'kills you'.

It may affect some people more than others, but I am highly sensitive to lack of ventilation and experience headaches and trouble concentrating in stuffy environments. Indoor air quality is important for health.

stuffy lung-breath

Exactly! It's also that - the idea that we are rebreathing the air we breathed out. Plus sweaty air (because even in winter bodies lose moisture). I couldn't live without opening our windows daily - gives me the icky shivers!

I would say it depends on the house. I grew up with a “short but often” routine, where we’d open windows for a short amount of time (so 5-10 mins) but every few hours. Obviously it would also depend on what is being done in a particular room, such as opening the window after a shower or cooking etc.