12 Signs Your Home Is Desperate for Better Ventilation

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Like a breath of fresh air, literally, that is how a well ventilated home is. Good airflow not only helps keep your space comfortable, but also helps protect your health and your home’s integrity. If your house feels stuffy or you find strange odors lurking in the corners, it’s probably time to take a look at your ventilation.

In this article, we show you the telltale signs that your home needs a ventilation makeover. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, kick back and let’s look at the signs your home is gasping for air.

Condensation on Windows

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It may feel nice to wake up to droplets of water on your windows, but it’s a sure sign your home is not getting enough ventilation. It happens when there is warm moist air being struck by the cold, glass surface. It looks nice but it also means that humidity levels are too high and your home needs better airflow.

Allergy Flare-ups

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Why do your allergies act up indoors more than outdoors? Allergens such as dust, pollen and other allergens can get trapped in your home and your sinuses will have to work overtime to fight them off. If you find that you sneeze more at home than you do anywhere else, it might be time to look into your airflow. Ventilation can also improve a healthy living environment and reduce allergens.

Mold and Mildew

If you find mold or mildew in your home you are like finding an unwelcome guest who simply will not leave. These types of fungi love to live in the poorly ventilated areas where the moisture stands. Dark patches on walls, ceilings, and even behind furniture are a sure sign that your home is crying out for better airflow.

Musty Odors

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If you smell musty odors in your home, it’s one of the first signs your home might need better ventilation. If you walk into a room and the air smells bad, stale, it’s a good indication that the air isn’t circulating correctly. This is an odor that often comes from mold or mildew living in damp corners, or that’s a party crasher no one wants! Ventilation can help banish these odors, and returning your home to smelling fresh again.

Excessive Humidity

Excessive humidity in your bathroom can make your windows fogged up and your bathroom feel like a sauna after a shower. High humidity levels can also make you uncomfortable and invite mold and pests. If the humidity is an issue, consider installing exhaust fans in such area as bathrooms and kitchens.

Temperature Inconsistencies

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Uneven temperatures in your house can be a symptom of poor ventilation — if certain rooms are an icebox and others are a furnace. The problem often comes from blockages or a lack of airflow, making it hard to keep a steady temperature throughout your home. Better ventilation solutions can mean stable temperatures inside your home, as well as a cozier, regulated living area.

Increased Energy Bills

Are your energy bills increasing more than the cost of an avocado? Higher energy costs can be a result of poor ventilation as heating and cooling systems are working hard to keep the place comfortable. If you’re turning up the heat or blasting the air conditioning, you need to look for ways to increase airflow in your home.

Pest Problems

Some pests often prefer poor ventilation spaces as they get to hide undisturbed, while they breed. Stagnant air is a possible reason if you’ve seen more bugs, rodents, or other critters in your home. Improved ventilation makes your home a less hospitable habitat for unwanted guests. Your home will suddenly become like a fortress against the unwelcome intruders.

Bubbling Wallpaper or Paint Peeling

Your walls should not be curling up in despair but standing proud! Mold, paint damage or bubbling wallpaper might mean your air isn’t ventilating properly, causing moisture buildup. This moisture over time can cause damage to your beautiful decor and your structure. Make sure your walls stay fresh and fabulous by ensuring your home has proper airflow.

Foul smells From the HVAC System

If your heating or cooling system gives off strange odors, your ventilation may require a serious intervention. Your HVAC system can collect dust, mold and other allergens that can cause foul smells to circulate throughout your home. A regular maintenance and some improved ventilation can keep your air clean and odor free.

Feeling Fatigued or Sluggish

It might not be the Netflix binge watching that’s making you feel more tired than usual at home. Exhaustion and low energy can be due to poor indoor air quality from a lack of ventilation. If you notice a dip in your energy, it could be time to check the ventilation of your home.

Increased Static Electricity

Have you ever felt like you’re starring in a science fiction movie with all that static cling? With poor ventilation, your air can get too dry; dry air typically results in increasing static electricity. If you’re zapping everything you touch, it may be time for some fresh air in your living spaces.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.