Things to know about optimal indoor climate

What is Indoor Climate?

Indoor climate refers to the combination of factors that can influence the well-being of residents. These include, for example:

• Temperature: The warmth of the room air, ideally between 20 and 22°C (68–72°F).
• Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air, ideally between 40% and 60%.
• Odors: Unpleasant or fresh smells that can affect the perception of the room.
• Air quality: The cleanliness of the air, which can be affected by pollutants such as dust, pollen, and chemicals.
• Air circulation: The movement of air in the room, which ensures freshness.
• Lighting: The quality and intensity of light entering the room.

Why is an Optimal Indoor Climate Important?

An optimal indoor climate is crucial for our well-being. It affects our health, concentration, and sleep quality. If any of the factors mentioned above are not ideal, we may feel uncomfortable or even become ill. When the air is clean and humidity and temperature are within comfortable ranges, we generally feel better and can be more productive. Lighting also has a significant impact on our mood.

When is the Indoor Climate Optimal?

An optimal indoor climate occurs when the relative humidity is between 40% and 60% and the temperature is around 20–22°C (68–72°F). Additionally, the air should be free of pollutants such as dust, pollen, and unpleasant odors. Lighting should be adjustable to the needs of the residents at any time of day.

How Can an Optimal Indoor Climate Be Achieved?

It is important to ventilate regularly and, if necessary, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. An air purifier helps improve air quality by filtering out pollutants such as dust and pollen, which is especially important for allergy sufferers in spring. To remove unpleasant odors, the air purifier should have an activated carbon filter.

In summer, a fan or a mobile/permanently installed air conditioner can be used to cool the room.

Good air circulation ensures even distribution of air throughout the room, preventing stagnant air and unpleasant odors. There are small and large fans available, with a ceiling fan being a particularly efficient and space-saving solution that distributes air evenly year-round.

Regular air exchange ensures that used air and pollutants are removed while fresh air from outside is supplied. This can be achieved through regular ventilation or a permanently installed ventilation system with fans and ducts in the walls.

Even when it is hot outside, the air in poorly ventilated rooms can become humid – for example, due to showering, cooking, or drying laundry indoors. Therefore, in summer, humidity should be reduced, e.g., with an electric dehumidifier to prevent mold growth. High humidity combined with heat also leads to the unpleasant “muggy” feeling. If no dehumidifier or air conditioner is available, simple measures can help: ventilate rooms regularly, especially in the morning or evening, and dry laundry outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Avoid excessive cooking or showering without ventilation. Additionally, blocking direct sunlight with blinds or curtains can help keep rooms cool and reduce sweating.

During the winter heating period, humidifying the air is important to prevent dry skin and respiratory problems. A simple way to humidify is to use water-filled ceramic containers placed or hung on radiators. The heat causes the water to evaporate slowly, increasing indoor humidity. Additionally, electric humidifiers are available for more precise and even humidification depending on the model.

It is important to consider both natural and artificial lighting.

Also, make sure to choose high-quality branded products to achieve the best results.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning contributes significantly to a good indoor climate, as dust accumulates in almost every part of a home. In addition to visible surfaces like furniture and floors, dust also settles deep in textiles such as sofas and carpets. These areas can usually only be superficially cleaned with a regular vacuum cleaner.

For allergy sufferers, it quickly becomes clear that surface cleaning alone is not sufficient. Fine dust and allergens remain in the air or in upholstered furniture, affecting indoor air quality.

Regularly removing dust and dirt – both dry and occasionally wet – reduces the amount of particles in the air. The result is a noticeably more pleasant and healthier indoor climate.

How Odors Affect Indoor Climate

Odors also significantly influence indoor climate. Kitchen smells, pet odors, or emissions from textiles such as blankets, pillows, or upholstery can accumulate over time and make living spaces unpleasant.

Regular neutralization of these odors also contributes to a pleasant indoor climate. Effective methods include using vinegar or citrus fruits like lemon and orange for cleaning, as they bind odors and leave a fresh scent. Coffee grounds are also useful for neutralizing stubborn smells. Additionally, subtle fragrance dispensers or aroma diffusers can help improve air quality.

Insects as Indicators of an Unfavorable Indoor Climate

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are small, wingless insects commonly found indoors. They prefer humid environments and are thus an indicator of an unfavorable indoor climate. High humidity can attract silverfish and also affect overall air quality.

These pests are mainly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where humidity is often higher. Silverfish feed on organic materials, including paper, glue, and food residues, which can cause additional hygiene problems. Their presence may indicate that indoor conditions are not optimal.

How to Prevent Silverfish

To prevent silverfish, it is important to optimize indoor climate. Measures include:

• Regular ventilation to reduce humidity.
• Use of a dehumidifier, especially in damp rooms.
• Keeping living spaces clean to remove food sources.
• Repairing leaking pipes and sealing cracks and crevices where silverfish could hide.
• Controlling excessive moisture through targeted heating and ventilation.

A healthy indoor climate not only supports well-being but also helps keep pests like silverfish away. By creating optimal conditions, you can improve air quality and prevent unwanted visitors.

Condensation on Windows: Causes and Consequences

Condensation forms on windows when warm, humid air meets a cold surface. This usually happens when indoor temperatures are higher than outdoor temperatures, often in colder months. Moisture can lead to problems such as mold growth and damage to window frames and walls.

Factors contributing to condensation include:

• High indoor humidity from cooking, showering, or drying laundry.
• Poorly insulated windows that do not protect against cold.
• Poor ventilation, leading to accumulation of humid air.

How to Prevent Window Condensation

To reduce condensation, the following measures can be taken:

• Ventilate rooms regularly to lower humidity.
• Use dehumidifiers in especially damp areas.
• Optimize heating and ventilation systems for even temperature distribution.
• Install energy-efficient double-glazed windows for better insulation.

A healthy indoor climate not only improves well-being but also helps prevent condensation. Controlling humidity and improving window insulation can effectively prevent mold and other damage.

Lighting as Part of a Balanced Indoor Climate

Daylight is the most important light source for a healthy indoor environment. It positively affects our biological rhythm and provides a clear, natural brightness. To use it optimally, keep windows unobstructed by heavy curtains, choose light wall colors, and arrange furniture to allow light to enter. Artificial lighting is also important to create accents and adjust to different times of day.

The combination of daylight and artificial light creates a balanced environment that can support concentration, relaxation, or activity. Ceiling fans with integrated lights can subtly complement this by promoting air circulation and even light distribution.

The Role of Plants in Indoor Climate

Plants play an important role in a healthy indoor climate. They improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Many plants also filter pollutants and increase humidity, which is especially beneficial in dry rooms.

Some plants particularly suitable for improving indoor climate include:

• Sansevieria (Snake Plant): Easy to care for and produces oxygen even at night.
• Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant): A popular air purifier that helps regulate humidity.
• Gerbera: Not only decorative but also filters benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.

Effects of Noise on Indoor Climate

Noise is often overlooked but can affect indoor climate. High noise levels can cause stress and reduce well-being. Measures to promote a quiet environment include:

• Using soundproofing materials during renovations or construction.
• Strategically placing furniture to absorb sound.
• Using carpets or curtains that dampen noise.

The Importance of Room Acoustics

In addition to air quality and temperature, room acoustics play a key role in indoor climate. Good acoustics can improve well-being and concentration. Measures include:

• Installing acoustic panels on walls or ceilings to reduce sound.
• Creating quiet zones with comfortable seating and sound-absorbing materials.
• Using bookshelves or plants as natural sound barriers.

Regular Maintenance of Heating and Ventilation Systems

To ensure an optimal indoor climate, heating and ventilation systems should be maintained regularly. This ensures efficient operation and prevents pollutants from entering the air. Pay attention to:

• Regularly changing or cleaning filters.
• Bleeding radiators to ensure even heat distribution.
• Checking air ducts for dust and dirt and cleaning them if necessary.

Conclusion

An optimal indoor climate is essential for the health and well-being of residents. It encompasses factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, lighting, and acoustics, all of which must be balanced. Targeted measures like regular ventilation, using air purifiers, and incorporating plants can significantly improve indoor climate. Regular maintenance of heating and ventilation systems is also crucial to prevent pollutants and ensure proper air circulation.

A healthy indoor climate promotes personal well-being and helps prevent mold and pests like silverfish. It is important to consider both visible and invisible aspects of indoor climate to create a comfortable and healthy living environment.