a cultural question...

[ratcreature]

I've noticed several times references in fiction about people airing out their house once it got warmer that made it sound as if Americans don't open their windows in winter to let fresh air in. Like as if they don't air their house if it's freezing outside.

Is that true? Is it a central air conditioning thing where you don't really need windows to get fresh air, and shouldn't disrupt climate control or something like that? Because otherwise I can't imagine not to open my windows at least twice a day for a little while. Admittedly it's rarely extremely cold here, but this winter we had days when the daytime high was below -10°C and I still aired out my place briefly.

Here you are even required to do so in rental agreements because otherwise you get problems with moisture buildup and such.

Comments

[madripoor_rose]

The air does get stuffy, but I guess we're just used to it? And that's why the Spring Airing Out is such a thing, something to look forward to.

Thinking about it, our house does get aired out a bit when it isn't absolutely freezing, just because when we do the shopping we leave the door propped open while bringing bags into the house, but don't consider it an official 'airing out'.

[ratcreature]

Here everyone tells you to air every room at least twice a day for 15 minutes. But seasonal airing out isn't a thing afaik. I do less than that in winter, like I only air my kitchen in the evenings after cooking, and because my bedroom and study are connected I often only open one window, but still. I already find it stuffy if I come home from outside after just a day of standing air.