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 of your house, too. Outdoor air quality has a direct impact on how controlled the flow inside your home needs to be in order 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, you are just letting 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 during these conditions can allow harmful pollutants to enter your home, worsening respiratory issues and allergies.
However, keeping windows closed for too long can lead to stagnant indoor air and a buildup of pollutants like carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To maintain healthy indoor air when you can’t open windows, consider the following solutions:
- 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.
Why Open Windows?
Open windows do two important things for your house and the people who are inside it:
- Old, stagnant air is let out through the open window;
- Good and clean air is let back in
Without opening your windows, oftentimes you’re stuck in stagnant air. Smells and dust particles can’t be filtered out, but remain inside – much like the flow that a slow cooker creates when you close the lid. Opening your home windows is like the release of opening a pot lid: a rush of fresh air comes in, and what’s trapped inside is allowed to go out.
Stagnant air is dangerous and can present a health risk to the inhabitants of a house (or the workers in an office environment). Open windows at least once every few hours to make sure that cleaner air is let in, and that nothing hazardous is accidentally contained indoors.
Windows Can’t Open… Now What?
Some homes face challenges like painted-shut frames or outdated window designs, making it difficult to open them. When windows are non-functional, replacing them can significantly improve air quality and energy efficiency. High-quality, operable windows provide better ventilation and contribute to a more comfortable living space.
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 indoor air quality is essential for promoting health and comfort within your home, especially if windows are rarely opened. Here are some effective strategies to enhance indoor air quality:
Use Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters
Investing in a high-quality air purifier equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can significantly improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. For the best results, place the air purifier in commonly occupied areas, such as the living room or bedroom.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Utilize exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants generated during cooking and bathing.
Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harsh chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for natural cleaning alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which are safer for both indoor air quality and personal health.
Minimize Indoor Pollution Sources
Reduce or eliminate the use of products that release harmful pollutants, such as aerosol sprays, air fresheners, and tobacco smoke. Properly store household chemicals and solvents in well-ventilated areas to prevent off-gassing.
Balance Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality
While maintaining good indoor air quality is paramount, it’s also important to consider energy efficiency in building design and operation.
Here are some strategies for striking a balance between energy efficiency and indoor air quality:
Schedule Periodic Ventilation “Flushes”
Consider scheduling periodic ventilation “flushes” when outdoor air quality is favorable. Open windows and doors to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate throughout the indoor space, diluting indoor pollutants and refreshing the indoor environment.
Implement Smart HVAC Strategies
Optimize the operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to balance energy efficiency with indoor air quality. Use programmable thermostats to regulate indoor temperature and ventilation rates based on occupancy patterns and outdoor air quality conditions. Ensure HVAC systems are equipped with high-efficiency filters and undergo regular maintenance to maximize performance and indoor air quality.
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.