How to ventilate the apartment properly?

Guides & checklists4 min read
Marc Friedrich
Marc Friedrich
Managing Director, MARCK Immobilien AG · Möhlin
Last checked: September 30, 2026

The most important things at a glance

It's best to ventilate daily two to three times for about 10 minutes with the windows fully open. This creates rapid air exchange, improves air quality, and reliably removes moisture. Try to avoid tilt windows, as they only slowly exchange air and can cool components.

What we repeatedly notice in practice: many problems with mold do not begin with the building substance, but with daily ventilation. Especially in modern, airtight buildings it quickly becomes clear whether moisture is being consistently removed or collects at windows and cool spots.

When is proper ventilation in the apartment particularly important?

Ventilation after cooking, showering and bathing, as well as before and after sleeping, is particularly relevant. In dry seasons the mold risk is generally lower, but in transitions from spring to summer and autumn to winter it increases noticeably. New buildings are more affected due to their airtightness, because moisture does not escape on its own.

Open all windows two to three times a day for about 10 minutes.
— Marc Friedrich, Geschäftsführer, MARCK Immobilien AG

How to ventilate the apartment correctly in daily life?

The sequence is simple: open the windows wide, create a through draft, and close again after about 10 minutes. This achieves the necessary air exchange without unnecessarily cooling the rooms. A rule of thumb: shorter and more intensive rather than longer and half-hearted.

  1. In the morning after getting up, ventilate thoroughly.
  2. After cooking, showering or bathing, let fresh air in immediately.
  3. In the evening before sleeping, briefly ventilate all rooms again.
  4. If possible, ventilate crosswise so the air exchanges faster.

Why are tilted windows often the worse solution?

MethodEffect on airEffect on temperatureTypical benefit
Boost ventilationFaster air exchangeHardly any cooling with short durationSuitable for everyday use
Tilt windowsSlower air exchangeComponents cool downOnly sensible in exceptional cases
Boost ventilation or tilt windows: practical differences

The most common misconception: a tilted window seems reasonable but often delivers less than a short, complete opening. Contrary to the assumption that a constant gap is better, it increases heating energy demand while actual air exchange is lacking.

What mistakes in ventilation lead to mold and higher costs?

  • Ventilate too rarely, even though moisture is produced in the apartment.
  • Tilt windows instead of fully opening them.
  • Wait too long after showering or cooking.
  • Ventilate too long in winter and unnecessarily cool the rooms.

Incorrect ventilation can worsen air quality, increase heating costs, and promote mold. This is particularly tricky in transitional periods when outdoor temperatures vary and condensation tends to form on cold components. Those who ventilate too little or with tilted windows often exacerbate the problem themselves.

What can you do yourself and when is expertise needed?

You can implement proper ventilation yourself, but you cannot solve a structural moisture cause by yourself. If mold keeps appearing on windows, corners or walls despite consistent boost ventilation, the situation should be technically checked. Then it is no longer just about habit, but about moisture behavior, thermal bridges, or a technical building issue.

Frequently asked questions

Is it enough to ventilate once a day in winter?
Usually not. Moisture also accumulates in winter from breathing, cooking, or showering. Therefore two to three short ventilations per day are sensible, not just a single pass.
Should I ventilate differently in summer than in winter?
Yes, mainly the timing. In warm and humid periods, ventilate when outdoor air is drier, while in winter short, intensive ventilations are better. The key remains that air is exchanged quickly.
How do I know if I ventilate too little?
Typical signs are fogged windows, stuffy air, and recurring moisture at cold spots. If these signs persist despite regular ventilation, the cause should be examined more closely. There may be more behind it than just ventilation behavior.
Why are new buildings often more sensitive?
Because they are significantly more airtight. This is energetically sensible, but makes regular air exchange even more important. Moisture otherwise stays longer in the room and can condense at cool spots.

Those who ventilate the apartment consistently short and intensively protect indoor air, building fabric, and energy consumption at the same time. In practice, this is usually the simplest measure with the greatest effect, especially in modern buildings and transitional periods of the year.

Mehr zu MARCK Immobilien AG erfahren

MARCK Immobilien AG, Möhlin

Website besuchen