Consumer advice issued to prevent mold during heating season

As the heating season begins, the Verbraucherzentrale NRW has issued guidance to help residents prevent mold growth in homes. Experts warn that mold is not merely an aesthetic issue but can also pose significant health risks.

To maintain a healthy indoor climate, experts recommend several key practices:

• Ventilation: Instead of leaving windows tilted for long periods, residents should practice 'shock ventilation' (stoßlüften) several times a day for five to ten minutes to allow moist air to escape. • Humidity Control: Ideal indoor humidity levels should remain between 40 and 60 percent. Using a hygrometer can help monitor these levels, especially in older, uninsulated buildings. • Heating: Maintaining a base temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in less frequently used rooms can prevent moisture accumulation. Living and working areas should ideally be kept between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. • Furniture Placement: Large pieces of furniture should not be placed directly against cold exterior walls to prevent air stagnation and moisture buildup.