Ventilation or Stosslüften in Germany...

...or how to avoid mould...

In Germany the houses are usually well insulated and there is only little air exchange. To avoid mold due to humidity it is very important to air out your apartments/houses regularly and every day.

Quick , intense ventilation is much more effective  - experts recommend the fast and efficient exchange of room air by allowing fresh air to enter the room in bursts: By opening the windows entirely usually already about five to ten minutes are sufficient to replace the used, moist air with dry fresh air. It is even more effective to create a draft by opening more than one window/door. This way you also make sure that thermal heat does not unnecessarily disappear during ventilation.

Even if not using a room or being absent for a longer period, you should keep the heating on (lowest level) to keep all surfaces dry.

The greater the difference in temperature between inside and outside, the faster the airing process will proceed.
As a guideline: from 5 minutes in winter up to 25 minutes in summer; 3 – 5 times a day – depending on how many people spent how much time at home.

If you want to be on the safe side you can use a hygrometer to check the moisture. It should be between 35 and 55%.

Want to know more about how things work in Germany - why not try out our Best Practice Modules? We will provide lots of guidance and tips.

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February 2020 by Kira Neumann
This post has been prepared with the greatest possible care and does not claim to be correct, complete or up-to-date.“

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