Ventilation when there is pollen count: It depends on the time of day

For allergy sufferers, it is important that as little pollen as possible gets into the apartment when airing. The main deciding factors are the timing and the correct ventilation technology.

In spring and summer, the pollen load on grasses, bushes and trees is particularly high. If pollen counts are high, it can help to at least keep the apartment mostly pollen-free and thus create a place of refuge for you. In addition to allergy medications and home remedies for hay fever, correct ventilation can make an effective difference when there is pollen.

When there is pollen, open windows are the biggest source of entry for the small particles in the air. That’s why it’s important to ensure fresh air in your home without letting in more pollen than necessary. Among other things, it depends on the time of day and the type of ventilation.

The most sensible way to ventilate when there is pollen

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich found that shock ventilation is the best method when pollen counts. When you ventilate the room, the pollen concentration in the apartment can be up to two thirds lower than if the window remains permanently tilted.

Ventilate properly in the city and in the country when there is pollen

It’s not just how you ventilate that matters, but also when. However, it is not possible to make a general statement because the pollen count depends on where you live. In general, pollen density in the countryside is highest in the morning, while in the city it peaks in the evening. This results in the following recommendation:

• Ventilation in the country between 7 p.m. and midnight.
• Ventilate in the city between 6 and 8 a.m.

At this point, the window can be left open a little longer. Please note that different pollens have different flight times. For example, grass pollen is usually present in greater quantities in the evening, while birch pollen floats in the air all day long.

Tip: Find out about the current situation using free pollen count apps or the 2024 pollen count calendar and adjust the ventilation times accordingly.

Further tips for a pollen-free apartment

Apart from the method and timing of ventilation when there is pollen, other measures can help to keep the apartment as pollen-free as possible:

• Ventilate after rain: When it rains, the pollen concentration is higher in the first half hour because pollen from the upper air layers is washed downwards. Then keep the window closed. Afterwards, however, is a good time to ventilate, as the pollen has already washed onto the floor and is now much less floating in the air.

• Pay attention to the wind: weak winds result in a particularly high pollen load as they are stirred up. However, no wind allows the pollen to rest and even very strong winds spread the pollen so much that the concentration in the air drops. This is a good time to ventilate.

• Keep your home clean: Follow cleaning tips for allergy sufferers to reduce pollen levels in your home. To do this, you should vacuum and dust every day. Also, remove dust catchers like tapestries and get furniture that you can wipe down with a damp cloth.

• Attach a pollen screen to doors and windows. This prevents pollen from entering the home and reduces the burden enormously.

Read more on Techzle\.com:

• Mugwort allergy: symptoms and effective home remedies
• Hay fever in children: symptoms and what helps
• Ventilate rooms without windows: You can do this

Edited by Lucas Drebenstedt

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