We want clean, breathable air in our rooms. But, you might be wondering how long it takes to ventilate your room? Worry no more! We've researched the answer to this question.
Depending on a room's size, it takes around 5 to 20 minutes for the air to circulate after opening the ventilation system. Before staying in the room, you can wait for the air to improve after ventilating a bit.
Ventilation is a technique that makes the air quality more suitable for your family. It minimizes indoor air pollution and makes the air more comfortable and clean to breathe. You'll learn so much from this article. So continue reading!
Why Ventilate A Room?
There are many reasons why you should ventilate a room. We've listed some significant points to consider.
Safety Concerns
Ventilation eliminates dry air, making it more comfortable to breathe. An stuffy and poorly ventilated room can pose the following health risks.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Poor Sleep
- Sore Throat
- Dehydration
- Shortness of Breath
The air in the room must circulate to expel aerial bacteria and draw in natural air from the outside. Ventilation prevents you from suffocating in contaminated air.
Temperature Control
An unventilated room gets hotter over time, even during cold seasons. The air needs somewhere to escape, or else the air will compress and dry out. Dry air can feel hot and irritating to the skin.
Ventilation helps exhaust air pressure to keep the room temperature tolerable. Proper ventilation, which we'll discuss later in this article, also lets you control the airflow.
You can monitor the room temperature by installing a digital thermometer.
See this digital room thermometer on Amazon.
What Should Be the Room's Temperature?
The average temperature in a room is usually between 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is considered safe, including for your pets. A higher room temperature might interrupt your sleep, or you could catch a cold with a lower room temperature.
When It's Best to Ventilate A Room?
Usually, ventilation is installed during the construction of a building's walls and windows. There needs to be reserved space for a ventilation hose and exhaust fan.
Additionally, it's good to ventilate a room in hot weather. It's easier to distinguish the temperature change in hot weather, which lets you know if the ventilation is adequate.
Common Types of Ventilation
There are three major types of ventilation, as listed below.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is the air that comes from nature, passing through the open windows of a room. Natural ventilation is cost-effective. However, it can be ineffective in the summer season.
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation uses a machine or materials to help circulate the air, such as fans. Mechanical ventilation is commonly used in windowless rooms with only the door open as an air entry point.
Hybrid Ventilation
Hybrid ventilation is a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation. You can open a window to let the natural air inside while a mechanical air source is on. This is the most common type of ventilation because you can control the air capacity and temperature inside the room.
Things Needed to Ventilate A Room
You need the following items to start ventilating your room.
Mechanical Air Source
You can choose between an electric fan and an air conditioner for the air source. An electric fan is a lot more convenient because you can move it anywhere. An air conditioner can be expensive and may require professional installation.
However, the goal is to have a mechanical device that will help the air circulate in the room.
See this air circulator fan on Amazon.
Thermostat
Use a thermostat to monitor and adjust the indoor temperature. A thermostat may send a signal or ring an alarm when the temperature suddenly goes beyond the desired range. This is helpful if there's an infant or pet in the room.
See this thermostat on Amazon.
Ventilation Hose
A ventilation hose is a passageway directing the air from inside a room to the world outside. It's practical and keeps the air from randomly exiting anywhere. The hose should be 4 to 8 inches wide, depending on what exhaust fan you'll use.
See this ventilation hose on Amazon.
Ventilation Tape
You need strong sticky tape to seal the ventilation hose. It helps prevent the hose from detaching.
See this ventilation tape on Amazon.
Exhaust Fan
Air should continue circulating to stop bacteria in the air from polluting the room. The purpose of an exhaust fan is to eliminate moisture and maintain air circulation. An exhaust fan can continue forcing the air to flow when nature's air is still and without a breeze.
See this exhaust fan on Amazon.
Cord Protector Strip
It's optional, but a cord protector strip can prevent the wires from getting wet. You can use this if there are wires exposed on the wall to improve safety.
See this cord protector strip on Amazon.
How to Ventilate and Exhaust A Room?
Before ventilating a room, make sure there's an exit for the air. If a wall has a hollow space, you can use it for the exhaust fan. Ensure that there's an electricity source, like nearby outlets, and that the wiring is safe. You might need a professional to help you assess the room.
However, you can follow these steps:
- Install the mechanical air source based on the product's instructions, then activate it.
- Mount the exhaust fan on the wall or hang it, depending on the manufacturer's guide.
- Connect the ventilation hose to the exhaust fan. Bend the ventilation hose going through the air exit.
- Seal the ventilation hose with tape to prevent air from escaping. Also, cover the visible wires with a cord protector strip.
- Install the thermostat and set it to the desired temperature.
- Turn on the exhaust fan and observe the ventilation for at least three hours. The air quality should be better after that time.
How Long Does the Air Stay in A Ventilated Room?
Upon disabling the ventilation system, the air can stay inside the room for three hours. So, you can turn off the air source if you plan to leave the house soon. Doing this will help you save electricity and lower your bills.
Can You Ventilate and Exhaust A Windowless Room?
Yes, you can ventilate even a windowless room. The important thing is to direct the ventilation hose outside the room to exhaust the air. The air can exit through the upper ground or to an adjacent room. You just need space for the ventilation hose.
Ventilation vs Insulation
Do not confuse ventilation with insulation, as they serve different purposes. Ventilation is a way to circulate the air to make it safe for breathing. In contrast, insulation retains the warmth within a room despite moisture from the outside.
Where Else Can You Ventilate?
Bathroom
The bathroom is one place in the house that has the highest amount of moisture as it gets wet often. So, it's recommended to ventilate a bathroom to avoid inhaling contaminated water vapor.
Kitchen
Ventilating a kitchen reduces heat. The kitchen is a room where ventilation is a priority, as heat can invade the rest of the house if the air has nowhere to exit.
Laundry Room
Both dry and wet bacteria can pollute the laundry room. Unwashed clothes can cause dust to accumulate in the air, while wet clothes release moisture. These pollutants are eliminated by ventilating the laundry room.
How to Clean the Vent?
- Turn off the exhaust fan and clean it based on the product's instructions.
- Detach the ventilation hose.
- Using a dry brush, scrub the vent to soften the dust inside.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to scoop up the dust.
- Put back and seal the ventilation hose, and connect it to the exhaust fan.
- It's best to clean the mechanical air source last so that you get clean air while cleaning.
Conclusion
We need ventilation to make indoor air more comfortable and safe to breathe. An unventilated room poses many undesirable health risks. So, it is best to wait for the air inside a room to circulate a bit before staying inside.
Do you want to learn more from us? Check out these articles:
Is It Cheaper To Leave Air Conditioner On All Day?
How To Vent A Washing Machine Drain Pipe
