Indoor air quality has a significant impact on your overall well-being. When the air you breathe is compromised, even just a few minutes of exposure can negatively affect your health. Some people prefer to keep their windows shut year-round due to weather, security concerns, or other reasons. However, keeping windows closed for extended periods plays a crucial role in indoor air quality.
Has someone ever told you that keeping your windows closed improves air quality? Is this true? Keep reading to find out more about the effects of closed windows and how to maintain healthy air in your home
What Happens to Air Quality Indoors if You Never Open Your Windows?
Poor indoor air quality can lead to long-term health issues. Research indicates that limited ventilation traps pollutants, creating an unhealthy environment. Closed windows allow pollutants such as dust, mold, and allergens to accumulate, leading to the circulation of stale air. Without fresh air entering your space, the immune systems of individuals in the home may become compromised due to prolonged exposure to harmful indoor pollutants.
What Bad Air Quality Does to Your Health
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors air quality and the associated health risks that come with poor ventilation. Indoor air quality is essential for good health, and without proper circulation, the consequences can be severe or even fatal.
Common issues caused by poor indoor air quality include:
- Irritation or damage to the skin, lungs, eyes, and heart
- Headaches, asthma attacks, and recurring respiratory infections
- Accumulation of harmful pollutants such as dust, mold, and allergens
When your windows are closed for long periods, the air indoors can stagnate, trapping pollutants and odors that can harm your health.
Learn more: Indoor Air Quality
The Real-Time Air Quality Map
It can be important to know the quality of the air outside your house, too. Outdoor air quality has a direct impact on how controlled the flow inside your home needs to be to retain quality air. People living in highly polluted areas should rely heavily on air-conditioning to improve the airflow of their homes. If not carefully managed, you may just let polluted or unfiltered air straight into your home.
Thanks to AQICN.org, you can check a real-time air quality map of the United States to find out what the air quality is in your area. (https://aqicn.org/map/usa)
Also, watch the general air-quality map for your area through the initiative AirNow.gov. (https://www.airnow.gov/national-maps)
Should You Close Windows When Air Quality Is Bad?
When outdoor air quality is poor due to pollution, wildfire smoke, or high pollen counts, keeping your windows closed is the best way to protect indoor air quality. Opening windows in poor conditions allows outdoor toxins inside and can worsen respiratory problems.
How to improve healthy indoor air when windows can’t be opened:
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove indoor pollutants.
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows to prevent outdoor pollutants from seeping in.
- Turn on your HVAC system with a clean, high-quality filter to circulate and filter indoor air.
- Monitor outdoor air quality indexes (AQI) using sources like AirNow.gov, and only open windows when conditions improve.
If you live in an area with consistently poor air quality, investing in energy-efficient replacement windows with tight seals and air filtration properties can make a significant difference.
Air Purifier vs. Open Window
A common decision for households is whether to rely on an air purifier vs an open window.
Air Purifier (HEPA filter)
- Removes allergens, dust, and mold spores from indoor air, especially effective during times of poor outdoor air quality.
- Does not circulate fresh air or reduce carbon dioxide levels as effectively as opening windows.
Open Window
- Let’s in fresh outdoor air and help expel stagnant, polluted indoor air when outdoor conditions are good.
- May allow outdoor pollutants to enter if the air quality is poor outside, and can worsen allergies or respiratory issues in such situations.
Guidance
- When outside air is clean, opening windows is recommended to refresh your home.
- If outdoor air quality is poor, using an air purifier ensures safer indoor breathing.
Why Open Windows?
Open windows renew home air:
- Old, stagnant air is let out through the open window
- Good and clean air is let back in
Without open windows, smells and dust linger, and hazards can accumulate, much like a sealed pot. Open windows regularly, whenever outdoor conditions are safe, to ensure healthier indoor air.
If Your Windows Can’t Open
Some homes have painted shut or outdated windows that can’t be opened easily.
- Replace non-functional windows for improved air quality and energy savings
- Modern operable windows provide better ventilation and comfort
- Professional services (like Discount Window and Door of Omaha) can restore window function
At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, professional window replacement services are available to help homeowners restore the functionality of their windows. Contact us today for a FREE estimate and regain control of your indoor air quality.
Strategies to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Maintaining good air quality is vital, especially if windows are rarely opened. Use these strategies:
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
- Utilize exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants.
- Choose natural cleaning products (vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice) to reduce VOCs and harsh chemicals.
- Minimize pollution sources: reduce aerosol sprays, air fresheners, and tobacco smoke; store chemicals in ventilated spaces.
Balancing Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality
To maintain both healthy indoor air and energy efficiency, try these strategies:
- Schedule ventilation flushes: Open windows and doors when outdoor air quality is good to let fresh air circulate throughout your home, diluting indoor pollutants and refreshing the environment.
- Optimize HVAC operation: Adjust your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) settings to strike the right balance between clean air and energy use.
- Use programmable thermostats: Regulate temperature and ventilation based on occupancy patterns and current outdoor air quality, improving comfort and efficiency.
- Upgrade to high-efficiency filters: Equip your HVAC system with high-efficiency filters to better capture indoor air pollutants and maintain cleaner air.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Ensure your HVAC system performs at its best through routine maintenance and consistent check-ups, supporting both air quality and efficiency.
These combined steps help manage indoor air quality while controlling energy consumption year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is opening windows good for the house’s health and air quality?
Yes, opening windows helps release stale air and bring in fresh air, reducing indoor pollutants. However, it’s best done when outdoor air quality is safe.
How long should you open windows for fresh air each day?
Even 10–15 minutes of open windows can improve indoor air circulation. The timing depends on outdoor air quality and your home’s ventilation system.
Which is better for clean indoor air, an air purifier or an open window?
It depends on outdoor conditions. When outside air is clean, open windows refresh your home. When air quality is poor, an air purifier is safer.
What are the risks of never opening windows?
Without ventilation, pollutants like dust, mold, and carbon dioxide build up indoors, leading to health issues such as allergies, asthma, or headaches.
What can I do if my windows don’t open?
Consider replacing them or using alternatives like air purifiers, exhaust fans, and HVAC systems with high-efficiency filters to keep air quality healthy.
Discount Window and Door of Omaha
High-quality windows make a difference in maintaining clean, breathable air inside your home. At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, we are committed to providing the best quality doors and replacement windows. We employ the most skilled installers to ensure the highest standard of quality service. Our Omaha door and window installers are highly trained, certified industry professionals with years of experience, including some second and third-generation employees.