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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put the heating on AND open the windows?

35 replies

BasinHaircut · 31/10/2016 08:12

We've reached that point in the year where we are sticking the heating on occasionally, but don't really need it on regularly yet.

It's also that point in the year when we start to see condensation on windows etc, especially in the morning, in rooms that have been slept in.

So, this morning it was a bit chilly, and DS and I are home for a lot of the day today so I thought I'd put the heating on for a bit to warm the house up. Then I opened the windows to air the place out.

To me, it seems sensible to heat up a bit and then open windows as the heat will get all of the air/moisture moving and then opening the windows will let all of the moisture in the air out once it's mobile.

I know I'm wasting a bit of heat, but it's not like the windows are open all day, just long enough to get rid of the sleep smell/stuffiness. Plus the house does still actually heat up in the time the windows are open.

DH doesn't see the point in putting the heating on until I shut the windows, but if it was left to him he just wouldn't bother airing the house at all.

Who is right?

OP posts:
Ilovenannyplum · 31/10/2016 08:14

I always open the windows for a little bit in the morning, nice bit of fresh air Smile

WordGetsAround · 31/10/2016 08:16

It's good for the house and contents - you don't want anything getting too cold and damp - and need a well-ventilated house. We warm up the house in the morning for getting up time, then open windows a little bit to let the stale / damp escape. I then close them around midday again (unless it's a warmish day!). Do, you are correct!!

Thornrose · 31/10/2016 08:19

You are right.

Mrsemcgregor · 31/10/2016 08:21

I do this too, especially if I have any damp washing drying on or near the radiators.

I do it when DH is out though, he definitely would think I am mad!

LindyHemming · 31/10/2016 08:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BasinHaircut · 31/10/2016 08:24

My bathroom window is almost always open to some degree, even if it's just a teeny bit as I like a fresh smelling bathroom and obviously sees lots of moisture from showers etc.

OP posts:
fiorentina · 31/10/2016 08:24

I always do this, I cannot stand stuffy houses. And it helps reduce condensation. My DH would agree with yours though..

ApocalypseNowt · 31/10/2016 08:24

YANBU. My dh works in housing and gets lots of tenants complaining that they have damp. They don't...they just don't ventilation the house EVER so end up with mould everywhere.

BingBongBingBong · 31/10/2016 08:26

I think it's really good to ventilate a bit even when you have the heating on. Definitely keeps the damp and musty stuffy smells away.

ProfYaffle · 31/10/2016 08:27

YANBU - I do this too even though dh moans about it. I can't get him to understand the need for a combo of heat and ventilation to combat damp/mould.(And our house is very prone to it!)

PinkSwimGoggles · 31/10/2016 08:28

I open all windows wide for 10 min in the mornings.
and another time before bed. mote often when we are home during the day.

Motherwithflaws · 31/10/2016 08:30

I open all the windows in the house in the morning for at least 20 mins and the heating is always on too.

Strikingclockgrislyshock · 31/10/2016 08:31

You are right! I always open all the windows in the morning and air beds etc. Keeps a house healthy!

And where I live in Europe, ventilating a house\flat every day is written in to all rental agreements; so if you don't do it, you are in breach of contract.

Garthmarenghi · 31/10/2016 08:35

Absolutely right. All windows open for a blast of fresh air in the morning. Use extractor fans, don't boil pans without a lid on (and the extractor fan on). Dry outside as much as possible.

MoreGilmoreGirls · 31/10/2016 08:36

Yep heating on and windows open here Smile

KayTee87 · 31/10/2016 08:40

We have the heating on from 6-7am then once I'm up and showered etc. I go round opening windows. I think it's really important to air your house everyday to stop damp and also I read somewhere that the air inside your house becomes really polluted after a while.

shovetheholly · 31/10/2016 08:46

I put the heating on for a short burst just before we get up, so the bathroom and house are warm. Then open the windows after we've both showered and the heating is off to get rid of the moisture and air everything.

Heating will then go on again towards the evening. (Or before if it's really cold)

mintthins · 31/10/2016 08:51

If you get bad condensation on the windows, I'd highly recommend a window vac. Then you pour the water down the sink, and the whole process is of drying out is quicker.

user1471531273 · 31/10/2016 08:54

I always have a couple of windows open all year round. I hate hate hate stuffy airless houses. Would much rather be cold and fresh than warm and stuffy.

You are right you need fresh air I would say most windows should be kept on the vent all the time if not open.

Original poster
BasinHaircut · 31/10/2016 08:54

Yep I've got a window vac, but still need to air the place out!

OP posts:
FurryLittleTwerp · 31/10/2016 09:00

My DH hardly ever opens windows - he is always too cold. He will open the shower room one on warm days.

he has an absolute obsessive horror of cooking smells getting out of the kitchen & making "the house stink". He tries to keep all the internal doors closed all the time, which I hate - I feel really cooped up.

When he's not in I have all the windows & internal doors open to blow the cooking & other smells out

Gran22 · 31/10/2016 09:04

Apocalypse I couldn't agree more. I was a housing worker, we got so many complaints about damp, especially in bathrooms. As well as a lack of understanding, there is an issue of affordability for some people, they live in cold houses, so rarely open windows. A bit of a Catch 22 for some.

PinkSwimGoggles · 31/10/2016 09:13

my rental contract in germany had a ventilation table attached.
basically saying how long I should open windows every day depending on the number of people in the flat, outside temperature...
and hanging up laundry inside the flat was strictly forbidden (but a drying room in cellar or attic is usually included in the rent)

Purplebluebird · 31/10/2016 09:21

We have to do this too, otherwise we get mould :(

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 31/10/2016 10:01

My windows are always on slightly open (I can lock them in that position), I like fresh air through a room I think a house can be warm and aired.