12 signs your home needs better ventilation (and how to fix it)

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Like a breath of fresh air, literally, that is how a well-ventilated home is. If your house feels stuffy, it’s probably time to check your ventilation. Here are some signs your home is struggling to breathe.

Condensation on Windows

It may feel nice to wake up to droplets of water on your windows, but it’s a sure sign that your home isn’t getting enough ventilation. It happens when the cold glass surface strikes warm, moist air. It looks nice, but this also indicates that humidity levels are too high, suggesting your home needs better airflow.

Allergy Flare-ups

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

Dark patches on walls, ceilings, and even behind furniture are a sure sign that your home is crying out for better airflow. These types of fungi thrive in poorly ventilated areas where moisture accumulates.

Musty Odors

If you notice musty odors in your home, it could be a sign that your home needs 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 eliminate these odors and restore your home to a fresh scent.

Excessive Humidity

Excessive humidity in your bathroom can cause your windows to fog up and make 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 areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Temperature Inconsistencies

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 arises from blockages or a lack of airflow, which makes it challenging to maintain 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 result from poor ventilation, as heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain comfort. If you’re turning up the heat or blasting the air conditioning, consider ways to increase airflow in your home.

Pest Problems

Some pests often prefer poorly ventilated spaces as they can hide undisturbed while they breed. Stagnant air is a possible reason if you’ve noticed an increase in 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 emits unusual odors, your ventilation may require serious intervention. Your HVAC system can collect dust, mold, and other allergens that can cause foul smells to circulate throughout your home. 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 become too dry, which typically results in increased static electricity. If you’re zapping everything you touch, it may be time for some fresh air in your living spaces.