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Freshness, in homes constructed many years ago, did not come from technology but from practice and design. Windows would be opened at certain hours of the day; doors would be placed in a manner to ensure there was airflow; and living areas would be designed in such a way to ensure cross-ventilation occurred.



This strategy ensured a constant exchange of air between inside and outside, preventing any buildup of moisture and mustiness in the rooms. According to research mentioned in Energy and Buildings, cross-ventilation is highly effective in improving indoor air quality by ensuring there is no accumulation of moisture, which leads to mold formation and mustiness.

It is important to choose ventilation and balance over isolation

In older buildings, the combination of ventilation and insulation provided a proper balance of both comfort and fresh air. Sealing of windows would help minimize any draughts but still allow proper ventilation. Research shows that a balance between these two components helps to reduce the buildup of indoor contaminants as well as regulate temperature. Ventilation techniques such as vents, high ceilings, and properly positioned vents helped to increase airflow. This was an early application of flow of air concepts, where airflow helped to take charge of air management.

How does one ensure preventive maintenance?

Also contributing to freshness in older houses were regular upkeep and the inclusion of nature. Ensuring that drainage channels remained unclogged helped prevent moisture from accumulating, whereas planting plants added pleasant smells and improved the quality of the air inside the house. Studies have shown that indoor plants may help improve the quality of air through the reduction of pollutants and increased humidity levels. In addition, these methods acted collectively as part of a system where preventing problems had priority over fixing them. Freshness in old houses was thus achieved not through one method but several in combination.