The Importance of Fresh Air in Your Home

Proper ventilation is essential, especially in a warm, humid country like New Zealand.

A poorly ventilated space stops fresh air coming in, and indoor air pollutants - like cooking emissions, smoking and household cleaning products - going out.

Poor ventilation increases humidity and creates an environment where mould and mildew thrive.

We have a few tips below to help keep your home healthy.

1. Importance of cross-ventilation

Cross-ventilation is important. It helps push stale air, dust and pollutants, out of your home and allows fresher and cooler air to enter. It also reduces the need for air-conditioning - which means big savings on power bills.

Open your windows to cross-ventilate naturally. The ideal scenario is to have doors/windows opening that are directly across from each other.

During periods of the year that are less breezy, get the air moving using an portable electric fan or ceiling fan. They help remove dead air and moisture that can cause health problems .

Ventilation fan units are recommended in smaller humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms, to remove moisture.

2. Cleaning is vital

Regularly clean your air-conditioner filters - we recommend getting them serviced yearly to remove contaminants. 

Routine maintenance keeps your unit working efficiently for longer and ensures clean cool air. 

3. Purify with nature

Adding houseplants is a simple and pleasant way of improving your air quality at home. Plants absorb and filter chemicals from furniture and floor coverings, paint, air fragrancers and household cleaning products that can linger inside poorly ventilated homes.

There are several plants that thrive indoors with little attention - so you needn't worry about having green fingers. 

The best indoor plants include the peace lily, philodendrons, sansevieria, spider plant, ficus, dracaena, anthurium and aloe vera to name just a few!

Tips!

Get rid of the biggest moisture culprits to prevent mould and bacteria growth 

• Allow damp laundry and wet towels to dry outdoors. 
• Wipe dishes thoroughly dry before putting into kitchen cupboards. 
• Open wet umbrellas so they can dry before storing.
• Try alternatives to unflued gas heaters.
• Use rangehoods and ventilation fans where available.
• Remove condensation from windows each morning.