5 signs of poor indoor ventilation

The air in our homes says a lot about our lifestyle and health. However, it can be difficult to identify the real cause of it all. But by paying a little attention and following visible clues, you can reveal that something is not quite right.

The statistics speak for themselves

According to recent statistics from the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, poor indoor ventilation can lead to a number of health problems, which ultimately negatively affect the quality of life. Below we have compiled a table showing some important figures that illustrate the situation in Sweden:

Problem area	Share
Percentage of households with inadequate ventilation.	20%
Carbon dioxide levels exceeding recommended levels.	> 1,000 ppm
Recommended airflow per m².	At least 0.35 l/s
Percentage of Swedes affected by poor air quality.	33%
Number of days per year with elevated indoor particle levels.	60 days
Average air exchange in older buildings.	0.2-0.3 air changes/h
Percentage of schools with inadequate ventilation systems	40%
Increase in allergies linked to indoor air	25% in 10 years

How do you know if there is poor ventilation?

Poor ventilation often tends to manifest itself in the form of one or more symptoms. To avoid you from fumbling in the dark, we will next discuss five common indications that air quality needs to be reviewed.

1. Bad odor lingers longer than usual

Prolonged exposure to smells from cooking, smoke, pets, etc. can be a sign that the ventilation system is not working optimally. The cause may be blocked ventilation ducts with dust, dirt and other particles.

This is why it is important to ensure unobstructed airflow. At the same time, ventilation fans and other parts of the system also need to be maintained to ensure that everything is functioning optimally.

2. The inside of the home's windows are fogging up

Condensation on windows forms when warm, moist indoor air hits a cooler surface - such as window glass. This is exposed in the form of a thin, transparent film of water. This surface coats a cold window glass, which in turn results in a hazy or misty surface.

In addition to the formation of mold and moisture, constant high humidity can also cause damage to the structure of the home. To reduce the risk, it may be wise to invest in a dehumidifier, especially when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens.

Also remember that regular ventilation during cooking and bathing can help remove excess moisture. This will also improve the general air circulation throughout the home.

3. Mold visible to the naked eye in damp spaces

Mold that spreads in damp spaces such as bathrooms and around window frames is extremely important to treat. The spores that mold produces are easily spread through the air and can cause several respiratory problems.

You can recognize mold as spots or patches. The color of the spots varies, but in many cases they are black, white or green. It then spreads via damp surfaces such as ceilings, walls and around window frames.

Regular ventilation of areas where mold has been found, combined with a dehumidifier, can lower the humidity and bring it under control. Should the mold have spread to large areas, it may be necessary to hire professional services.

4. Frequent colds or irritated airways

If you or others in your household are experiencing symptoms such as a cold, or irritated airways with, for example, a cough, poor ventilation could be the cause. The reason for this is that the air is not circulating, which allows allergens, dust and pollutants to take hold.

This in turn creates an unhealthy environment that can irritate the respiratory tract, but also compromise the immune system. Mold spores and high humidity are also common in homes with poor ventilation.

Residents may therefore suffer from symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and runny nose while they are in the household. One way to improve the indoor environment is to install fresh air vents from Airmove - something that is both simple and cost-effective.

5. Rapid accumulation of dust

Dust is a natural part of the home and is very difficult to avoid completely. However, if the accumulation is growing faster than usual, it can be a clear sign that the air filter needs to be thoroughly cleaned - or replaced completely.

Neglecting to maintain your ventilation system can also pave the way for allergens such as pollen and dust mites to build up, which can in turn aggravate conditions such as allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.

Can poor ventilation make you tired?

If the air quality in your home is poor, it can lead to fatigue, poor sleep and recurring headaches. The points below describe how your body is affected by this:

1. High carbon dioxide levels → fatigue, headache.
2. Poor oxygen supply → reduced concentration, lack of energy.
3. Sleep disorders → restless sleep due to lack of oxygen.

If your symptoms of headaches and fatigue turn out to be recurring, it could be an indication that the indoor air is polluted. One of the most common reasons is high levels of carbon dioxide, which often leads to both fatigue and headaches.

Other reasons can be traced to volatile organic compounds which are found in chemicals in paint, solvents and cleaning agents, etc. By installing an air purifier from Airmove, you can create the conditions for healthier indoor air!

Every second Swede experiences fatigue

According to data from the Swedish Public Health Agency, fatigue is most commonly experienced in connection with poor indoor ventilation. The table below indicates the most common types of health problems noted in individuals in a household with inadequate ventilation.

Airmove – Efficient fresh air vents for fresher air

If you currently have inadequate indoor ventilation, or no ventilation at all, fresh air valves from Airmove could be the solution. With our fresh air valves, you don't have to worry about regulating the air intake yourself.

Instead, the valve will do it automatically and adapt itself to the prevailing outdoor temperature. The product also has a built-in thermostat that controls both the air gap and the amount of air released.

At colder temperatures, the air flow to the valve decreases. Likewise, it increases again when the temperature rises. The number of valves you need to purchase is based on the square footage and the number of rooms you want to install it in.

Our recommendation is to install one valve for every 25 square meters. Should the space in question exceed the mentioned square meters, we recommend that you install at least two valves.

Note : The numbers above are rounded to whole numbers for simplicity.

Checklist: How do you know if the ventilation is sufficient?

• Regular air exchange :
• Fresh air should be able to get in and out of the home.
• Avoid trapped air by ventilating daily.

• No fogging on windows :
• Condensation on the inside of windows is a clear sign of poor ventilation.
• Windows without fogging show that the humidity is maintained at a good level.

• Even Air Quality :
• The home should feel fresh and free from musty odors.
• No traces of mold or moisture stains in corners or on walls.
• Air that is not too dry or too humid contributes to a comfortable environment.

• Signs of fresh air :
• You feel refreshed and clear-headed when you are home.
• No ailments such as headaches or fatigue linked to bad air.

Frequently asked questions

Is it expensive to install indoor ventilation?

It doesn't necessarily have to cost a fortune to install an effective indoor installation. For example, if you choose to install a self-regulating and thermostatically controlled fresh air valve from Airmove on your own, the cost will be around SEK 800 per valve. If you instead choose an FTX system, the invoice can end up at up to SEK 80,000 after ROT!

How long does it take to install indoor ventilation?

The estimated time required is determined by, among other things, which ventilation system you choose, the current size of the house, whether you will be doing the job, etc. If you want to get away cheap and install it yourself, you can plan on about 90 minutes per valve.

Is it difficult to install ventilation on your own?

Of course, it is advantageous to have some experience in similar work. We would like to emphasize that even beginners with no experience can do the job. You can find more tips on how to proceed by visiting our official YouTube channel .