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Winter Ventilation Errors Can Add Up to 10% to Heating Bills and Spur Mold

Experts urge short, intensive airing with radiators turned down to prevent moisture buildup.

Overview

  • Leaving radiators on during airing wastes energy because the system tries to hold the set temperature, according to utility guidance.
  • Permanently tilted windows provide poor air exchange, cool rooms, and can bring in extra moisture during cold weather.
  • Limit window opening to about five minutes in winter and repeat the exchange three to four times a day, or more often if at home all day.
  • Use cross-ventilation by opening multiple windows at once so stale indoor air is quickly replaced by dry outdoor air.
  • Prioritize kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, which generate high humidity—about 6 to 12 liters daily in a four-person home—and ventilate these rooms two to three times a day.