How to air your home properly

1. Reduce the room temperature

This will minimise the loss of valuable energy when you air your home. The federal government currently recommends a maximum room temperature of 21 degrees in the home. Good to know: reducing the temperature by one degree cuts heating energy consumption by ten per cent.

2. Regulate the humidity

Humidity makes for a good indoor climate. Around 30 to 50 per cent relative humidity is ideal, according to the energy supplier Elektrizitätswerk Zürich (EWZ). Good to know: you should also air your home when it’s raining and/or foggy, as it is still drier outside than inside. More on this in the next tip.

3. Combine impact ventilation with cross ventilation

Impact ventilation means widely opening a window for a short time to allow air to circulate fully. It’s even better to combine impact ventilation with cross ventilation, if you are able to, by opening the windows in opposite-facing rooms and keeping room doors open to create a draught. This will dispel odours, pollutants and excess moisture. Tip: two to four times a day for five to eight minutes.

4. Moisture in the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom

Cooking and showering create the most moisture, leading to the spread of hazardous mould. You therefore need to pay particular attention to the indoor climate every time you shower or cook. If possible, combine impact ventilation with cross ventilation when cooking or showering. If there’s no window, use a dry cloth to simply remove excess water from surfaces. The same applies to bedroom windows, where condensation frequently forms.

5. Arrange furniture correctly

Exterior walls are generally somewhat colder than interior walls, meaning they are particularly good at absorbing moisture (as in the bedroom). Position furniture slightly away from the wall to ensure good air circulation and prevent mould. 

6. Avoid leaving windows in the tilted position for too long

Keeping your windows in the tilted position for too long wastes energy, encourages mould growth and doesn’t improve the air quality that much. Keep the window sill completely free so that you can open the window fully for impact ventilation or cross ventilation.

Sources: EnergieSchweiz, Elektrizitätswerk Zürich

Published 28.6.2023, revised 21.08.2024