Blog: Ventilation – a key part of a warm, healthy home 

As homes become more energy efficient through insulation, draught-proofing and new windows, it’s important to make sure they remain well ventilated. While these improvements help keep heat in and reduce energy bills, they can also reduce the natural airflow through a home. That’s why good ventilation is essential. 

Ventilation removes excess moisture, pollutants and stale air, replacing it with fresh air. This helps to reduce condensation, damp and mould, improves indoor air quality, and creates a healthier, more comfortable home. 

Ventilation also plays an important role during the summer. Well-insulated homes can sometimes become warmer than expected, especially during periods of hot weather. Keeping curtains or blinds closed on windows exposed to direct sunlight can help reduce heat entering your home during the day. Then, opening windows during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and creating a cross breeze helps remove excess heat, brings in fresh air and improves comfort. As well as reducing stuffiness, good ventilation helps maintain healthy indoor air quality, which is particularly important for young children, older people and those with respiratory conditions. 

There are some simple steps you can take to make the most of the ventilation already in your home: 

• Keep trickle vents on your windows open where possible. 

• Use kitchen and bathroom extractor fans whenever you cook, shower or bathe, and leave them running for 15–20 minutes afterwards. 

• Keep air bricks and permanent wall vents clear, and avoid blocking them with furniture. 

• Open windows for 5–10 minutes after cooking, showering or drying clothes indoors. This is known as purge ventilation. Opening windows on opposite sides of your home creates a cross breeze, allowing fresh air to circulate more effectively and helping to remove warm, humid air quickly. 

It may seem like a good idea to block vents or tape over trickle vents to stop draughts, but they’re designed to provide essential airflow. The small amount of heat lost is more than offset by the benefits of reducing condensation, damp, mould and improving the air you breathe. 

If you regularly experience condensation, mould or poor air quality, or your home has recently had energy efficiency improvements, it may be worth reviewing your ventilation. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient extractor fans or installing an appropriate ventilation system can help maintain a healthy indoor environment while protecting your home from excess moisture. 

Remember: insulation and ventilation work hand in hand. A home that is both warm and well-ventilated is more comfortable, healthier to live in and better protected against damp and mould. By making the most of your existing ventilation and upgrading it where needed, you can enjoy the benefits of an energy-efficient home without compromising on air quality. 

If you’re considering improving your home’s energy efficiency, the Warm Homes: Local Grant may be able to help. Depending on your eligibility, funding may be available for measures such as insulation, heating upgrades and ventilation improvements. Contact your local council to find out whether the scheme is available in your area, check your eligibility and learn how to apply.