It's stuffy and hot in the apartment: how to create a comfortable microclimate

Optimal air temperature

Let's look at the SanPiN document: in cold weather, it should be 20–24°C, and in summer — no more than 25°C. But it's not always that simple: many buildings are constructed with technical violations — gaps and cracks appear, and construction materials are not selected according to GOST standards. Homes can be saved with air conditioners, fans, and indoor plants. There's also an option: install a thermostat to control the temperature in your apartment with just one button. Here are some more tips.

Don't open the windows

It might seem like opening the windows would cool down the house, but actually you're just letting in hot air. It's more effective to keep the windows closed and turn on the air conditioner. To prevent sunlight from entering the apartment, close the windows with curtains or blinds.

Ventilate the room best in early morning or late evening when the air outside is not so hot.

What if you don't have an air conditioner?

Use a fan: place a container of ice in front of it. The airflow will cool down due to this. The only downside is that you'll need to change the melting ice periodically.

By the way, this is also a great way to humidify the air in your apartment. If you have a humidifier, use it more often — this also helps. The same applies to daily wet cleaning of the apartment.

Shut off the towel warmer

If possible, shut off the hot water supply to the towel warmer — this makes the bathroom cooler. This can be done if you have a separate ventilation system. If you don’t, consider installing one during renovation — it’s convenient.

Change the textiles

If you have carpets at home, it's better to remove them and send them for cleaning: they get very hot and collect dust.

Replace your bedding with linen or cotton sets: they make for a cooler sleep and allow better air circulation. Silk is also ideal in hot weather, though it comes at a higher price.

Optimal humidity level

Excess moisture makes the home constantly damp, wallpapers swell, and residents often fall ill. Lack of moisture damages furniture, causes parquet to crack, and leads to skin problems, especially in children.

How to measure humidity levels? According to standards, the optimal humidity for a living room is 40–60%, and for a child's room — 50%. Install a hygrometer for a day to see where the readings deviate.

Is the air in your home too dry or too humid? What to do? Buy a humidifier or set up a large aquarium with fish. For humid rooms, an air dehumidifier will work.

Check ventilation

If there's a constant hum and drafts in the apartment, people get sick more easily. If the air isn’t circulating, it becomes hard to breathe, headaches occur frequently, and chronic fatigue builds up.

What should the speed be? According to standards, air movement in summer shouldn't exceed 0.25 m/s, and in winter — 0.15 m/s.

How to measure it? With an electronic anemometer — it will tell you what’s wrong with the ventilation. A specialist can advise how to fix the issue.

How much dust do you have?

Where does dust come from? It doesn’t just come from outside. Dirt from shoes, mold, bacteria, and skin flakes are also sources of dust.

How to deal with it? You can install air purifiers with powerful carbon filters. But don’t expect miracle results. It's better not to forget about a thorough cleaning once a month: wipe surfaces with damp cloth, shake out carpets, wash floors, wash soft toys, and vacuum more often. Read more about where dust comes from and how to get rid of it in our article.

Check oxygen levels

Low oxygen levels weaken immunity, cause oxygen deficiency in the body, and reduce work capacity.

What’s the standard? The generally accepted level is 21%.

How to fight low oxygen levels? An air ionizer can help by saturating the air with ions. Breathing becomes easier this way. But remember: you still need to ventilate the room at least once. A mini garden also helps — you can plant aloe and a few palms.