Home Ventilation Basics

Introduction

Good ventilation is fundamental to a healthy indoor climate. In Latvia, where winters are long and windows often stay closed for months, ventilation becomes particularly important. Inadequate ventilation causes moisture accumulation, mold growth, elevated CO2 levels, and deteriorating air quality.

Step by Step

1. 1

   Understand ventilation principles in your home. Most Latvian apartment buildings use natural ventilation - fresh air enters through windows and special vents, while stale air exits through ventilation shafts in the kitchen and bathroom. This system must operate continuously.

2. 2

   Check ventilation efficiency. Hold a lit match or light paper strip near the ventilation opening in the bathroom or kitchen. The flame or paper should be drawn toward the opening. If this doesn't happen or air flows in the opposite direction - ventilation isn't working properly.

3. 3

   Ensure fresh air supply. Modern airtight windows don't allow air to enter naturally. Install window ventilation valves (trickle vents) or regularly air out rooms. The minimum is 5-10 minutes of ventilation 2-3 times daily in each room.

4. 4

   Don't block ventilation openings. Never cover or tape over ventilation grilles in the kitchen and bathroom. If cold air comes through them, the problem is elsewhere - the system isn't working properly or there's insufficient air supply.

5. 5

   Consider additional ventilation solutions. An exhaust fan with humidity sensor is effective in bathrooms. Kitchen range hoods should be connected to the outside or ventilation shaft, not just filtering and recirculating air.