October has arrived and temperatures are dropping, but it’s not an excuse to close your windows, as it could lead to a few problems like damp and condensation. Even though the weather is getting colder, and many of us want to cosy up indoors, an expert said it’s vital to open windows throughout autumn and winter as much as we can.
According to the Waterproofing Guru, who has a big presence on TikTok, people believe a big myth about damp, and what can cause it in their homes. If you want to keep your property as clean and dry as possible, he said the key is to open your windows for some time during the day, no matter how cold it gets.
When it comes to damp, he said people often think it’s caused by cold air, but it’s not. Instead, a simple mistake could be causing it to develop in your property, and there are other common habits that can cause the problem too.
He said: “Hot air holds moisture, cold air does not. There’s a typical myth that people say during the winter. ‘I don’t want to open my window because I don’t want the damp air to come in’.
“That’s completely scientifically incorrect. Hot air can hold moisture, cold air cannot. That’s why, on a sunny day, we feel really muggy and it’s difficult to breathe and, on a very cold day, it rains. Nobody ever died from fresh air.”
Since the video was shared, it’s been viewed hundreds of times, and people were quick to comment. They offered all sorts of thoughts.
One person said: “All year around I open my windows for at least 20 minutes in the morning to get second hand air out and fresh air in.” Another added: “Clean, crisp air. Lovely.”
A third also replied: “I open all the windows in the mornings and air the beds. My mother and grandmother here in Ireland have always believed in it.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “I air my house every morning, no matter what the temperature outside. I can’t stand sleeping in a room with no window open.”
For those still confused about the explanation, cold air holds less moisture than warm air, as the capacity of air to hold water vapour is directly related to its temperature. This means, the warmer the air, the more water vapour it can contain before becoming saturated.
When warm, humid air cools, its ability to hold moisture lessens. Consequently, this forces the excess water vapour to condense into liquid form, which is a process that causes fog, dew or rain.
Should I open my windows during autumn and winter?
If you didn’t know, you should open your windows during the autumn and winter months. This should be done for brief, intense periods.
Opening windows provides fresh air, limits condensation, prevents mould growth and also improves air quality. This is because it helps to remove stale, polluted air and harmful indoor pollutants that develop when homes are sealed from the cold.
For those who suffer with condensation, it’s a moisture problem, not just a temperature issue. If you open windows every now and then it will allow moisture to escape, which aids in preventing the damp conditions that promote mould growth.
Opening windows also helps to regulate indoor temperatures by exchanging stale, warm air for cooler, fresh air. This is beneficial, even during colder months.
Not to mention, it can also aid your health too. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory infections, so it has many more benefits than you may realise.
