English and Swiss building regs' are different, here there requirements for insulation and draught proofing are so much higher, meaning most recently built Swiss properties have zero airflow unless you open a window.... hence moisture retention and and resultant mould.
Take a look at most Swiss places in the morning and windows are open, how much and for how long is dependant upon the prevailing conditions, but 10 mins' is normally sufficient. So not crazy or problematic, just ensuring adequate ventilation. If you are drying laundry on an airer in the apartment, after showering or cooking which produces a lot of steam, crack a window then to... no drama's, when is Switzerland and all that.
EDIT. Our shower room window, and bedroom windows are open on the tilt all the time (even in winter), and we have never had any moisture issues, been cold in the apartment, and have had a rebate on our utility portion of NK every year.
I think the low airflow is probably one of the main differences. I guess the houses I lived in in England were all pretty draughty which although not environmently friendly seems to provide better living conditions. A good insulation should prevent mould though as it stops water condensating on cold surfaces. At least it worked in our bathroom after we insulated a wall
Our old Neuchatel farmhouse dates from the 16C. We air it everyday because we live in a strong RADON (gas) - area, like Cornwall, etc, and many parts of mountainous CH - but also because I just love fresh air. Can't sleep with the window closed, in any weather! Our English house had old Kritter windows from the 30s (metal frames with leaded glass). the metal had warped and the wind would howl through and knock you over on a bad day - so no need to open. LOL.
"EDIT. Our shower room window, and bedroom windows are open on the tilt all the time (even in winter), and we have never had any moisture issues, been cold in the apartment, and have had a rebate on our utility portion of NK every year. "
aye, if you say so... on the other hand, it could also just mean that adequate ventilation with good insulation, isn't as detrimental to the cost of heating as some would ingly make out.
Terribly incorrect statement as you don't know what the other folk in the building do, we are the only expats in a terribly Swiss in the building... but here's a clue for you, our building can be spotted easily, it's the one with the open windows
The other open windows would indeed belong to my terribly Swiss neighbours, so I'm glad you feel that clears things up, but then I'm not sure anyone was terribly confused
That's where you make the mistake, in the UK they are trying to keep the moisture from getting in, here they are trying to get it out
I fear the powers that be may stamp on this minor outbreak of morale lest we get back OT
I worked in HVAC (heating ventilation and air-conditioning) in Australia. Most of the Greenstar (environmental/ energy efficient) rated buildings now being built in Australia are moving towards passive heating and cooling systems (underfloor heating in winter and chilled beam systems in summer) and moving away from air-conditioning (forced air) as comparatively they use enormous amounts of energy.
Underfloor heating and chilled beam systems cool or heat the building and thereby the air meaning that the systems can be turned off and the building will remain warm/ cool for long periods of time = energy efficient.
Underfloor heating and chilled beam systems systems also have small amounts of fresh air supplied via a forced air system (air not heated or cooled, only filtered) into the rooms and a small amount exhausted giving you the same effect as opening the windows briefly during the day.
This is also the reason that you rarely find air-conditioning in Switzerland. Our apartment is a new 'green rated' building and utilizes underfloor heating due to the energy savings incurred.
I have four Hygrometers dotted around the flat, they show the humidity in various areas ( each room is different I find ) so I can air accordingly.
They are not at all expensive (unless you choose one that is, the Migros have them for peanuts).
They also display a scope of what is a "normal" humidity level.
Today I took extra note as I had to fill my bath full of hot water so the guy could "dekalk" or de-limescale the boiler, without burning himself or whatever.
I had the extractor fan on the whole time the water was sitting, I kept the water to let it cool down to bathe in, so I didn't have to waste it. Even so, all the windows throughout the flat steamed up mightily and the hygrometer was on the outer limits.
Fortunately today was a warmer day again, I could leave the balcony doors open and in half an hour, the steamy high showing on my hygrometer was back to normal again.
I was surprised and impressed how quickly they reacted and always keep an eye on them. Winter especially.
If you open a window or door ...... feel at the top and you will find a flow of hot air streaming out of your abode.
Feel at the bottom and you will find a flow of cold air streaming into your abode.
The duvets hanging out windows in winter ... is to kill the dust-mites .. and also to get rid of the moisture from the sleeping bodies the night before. Heating in winter creates a warm snug spot for prolific breeding of dust-mites. The extreme cold, for 5 or 10 minutes kills them off.
Tis not only the cooking and laundry moisture that causes damp ..... bodies give off a lot of moisture too, as well as all that second hand breath (containing moisture) .....
I live in a double storey house, old wooden frame one ...... and the daily ritual is to begin with the downstairs doors and windows ... by the time I`ve opened the upstairs windows, tis time to begin closing the downstairs ones ...... and that is enough to air the house for the day.
I do this early in the morning, about 7am ..... all thru the year.
Also helps to rid the house of stinky socks, shoes, worn clothing, and cooking smells.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the disintegration of natural materials in the soil, mainly Urnaium 238. It kills more people in CH than AIDS. Around 10% of lung cancer is due to radon. You can Google map to see if you area is affected. Main regions where it is prevalent are : The Jura, Tessin and Grisons (Graubunden) and the Alpine region bordering France. Regular airing of the building can significantly reduce risks, although more effective barriers to stop it rising from the ground are of course much better (but expensive). We open doors from our cellar, and all the ground floor windows to help reduce possible effects- but will monitor officially soon and take more drastic measures if shown to be a problem.