UK households have been urged to open their windows for a certain amount of time each day in November. It may be getting cold, but that doesn’t mean you should shut up your house
As the chillier months arrive and temperatures begin to drop, you’re probably keeping your windows firmly closed; nevertheless, you actually need to leave them open for some time each day. Should you neglect to do this, you could be permitting something potentially hazardous to lurk throughout your property.
Concealed dampness and mould impacts millions of homes every winter across the UK, and now specialists are cautioning about the early indicators that are frequently overlooked. Ben Snape from IntelOptic, a domestic health application that assists in detecting early signs of dampness, explains it can begin developing behind walls, beneath floorboards or in attics well before any damp spots emerge.
There are measures you must take and jobs you must carry out to keep yourself and your loved ones as protected as possible. There’s also a straightforward method you can employ to stop condensation forming.
“A musty smell, cold walls and soft, bubbling paint are early warning signs that moisture is trapped even when everything looks fine on the surface,” they explained. Indeed, mould can begin developing in as little as 48 hours once humidity levels surpass 70%.
This can stay concealed for up to 18 months before it becomes apparent. It’s not merely an aesthetic issue either.
Mould can provoke asthma, persistent coughing, skin irritation, exhaustion and even sleeping problems, with children and elderly people being most vulnerable. Condensation typically forms on glass and mirrors, drying out once the room is properly aired, leaving no odour.
In contrast, damp tends to stick around on walls, ceilings and skirting boards, often in the same spot, bringing with it a persistent musty smell.
Here are some early warning signs:
- A persistent earthy smell behind furniture or in corners
- Cold and damp patches on the wall and skirting boards
- Frequent condensation in the same area
- Shadowing or discolouration on paint
- Small black dots on bathroom silicone or grout
If you spot any of these signs, experts advise enhancing the airflow in your home straight away. This can be achieved by opening windows, moving furniture away from walls and keeping an eye on humidity levels with a hygrometer.
Avoid cleaning the affected area with bleach as this can lead to deeper mould growth.
Should I open my windows during autumn and winter?
In case you weren’t aware, it’s recommended to open your windows during the autumn and winter months. This should be done for short, intense periods.
Opening windows allows fresh air in, reduces condensation, prevents mould growth and also improves air quality. This is because it helps to eliminate stale, polluted air and harmful indoor pollutants that build up when homes are sealed off from the cold.
For those struggling with condensation, it’s not just about temperature, but moisture too. Opening windows every so often allows moisture to escape, helping to prevent the damp conditions that encourage mould growth.
Opening windows also aids in regulating indoor temperatures by swapping out stale, warm air for cooler, fresh air. This is beneficial, even during the colder months.
Moreover, it can also contribute to your health. Poor indoor air quality can lead to headaches, nausea and respiratory infections, so it has many more benefits than you might think.
Despite the cold, experts generally advise people to open their windows for between five and 10 minutes once or twice a day in November and the following months. Ideally, do this when it’s warmest and sunniest, and open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze.
