Ventilation

[HomeCookingWannabe]

Hi all
I live in an old property which is prone to mould / damp / funky smells.

In addition to a load of work, the damp proof guy says I need to open my windows at night, not just during the day. I've never done this with any other property but it makes me wonder...

How often do you open your windows (and how does it differ summer to winter)?

My windows are open daily for at least a few hours. The bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are open all day as they are the rooms that need the most ventilation.

I shut my windows at night though.

Oh and I don’t do anything different in the summer versus the winter.

Thanks @ComealongMartha , yeah I do same but have been told need to open overnight too

We have windows open pretty much 24/7, but I'm aware we're unusual!

You should get at least one dehumidifier and run it 24/7. They help immensely.

Bedroom window open all year round. When you realise how much water vapour you breathe out in your sleep, that's quite motivational! Most upstairs windows are locked in the vent position and all trickle vents open all year on both floors.

@unsync The breathing out is exactly what the man said - When you sleep at night which is why they need opening overnight not just daytime. It's quite interesting when you start looking it up. Worried about heating bill in winter tho

Many windows can be locked while open very slightly for ventilation.
In winter though, it's no good having ventilation in a house that's not sufficiently heated. Heating properly will solve a lot of damp problems.

Our bathroom window is open a little all year round - but there isn't an extractor fan. I try to keep the door shut to stop shower steam spreading through the upstairs.

We don't open bedroom windows overnight in the winter but they can be running with water in the mornings. A dehumidifier is a good idea but you might not want to run it overnight as it can dry out your airways I think.

Dehumidifier could also be a good idea after cooking, using a steam iron or hanging washing indoors.

Both heating and ventilation are needed to keep damp at bay.

Yes, window open all night every night . If it’s not I wake up because of the humidity - unless the winter temperature drops right down, then I can manage with just the trickle vents open

"damp proof guy" has definitely said the right thing (our windows are open 24/7) but be aware if he makes his living from selling damp proof courses in old houses....instead, get hold of a copy of The Warm Dry House by Peter Ward and just make sure nothing you're planning would actually just trap moisture and cause your issues (and v expensive "fixes"). Most damp is caused by too high ground levels around the house and /or bad gutters/roofs

Thanks @Neighneigh , yeah they all feel a bit cowboy in that industry.

So I know it's a combination of :

• Open windows
• Dehumidifier
• Heating

Just not worked out what that combination is.

Seriously, why is adulting so hard? 🙈

I think the best thing is to install a PIV. Positive input ventilation system. It pumps fresh filtered air throughout the house.