Will Opening Windows Increase Indoor Air Pollutants?

On bright, beautiful days, opening the windows makes the whole house feel fresh. However, you might be concerned about allowing airborne pollutants and allergens into your home. Does opening your windows reduce indoor air quality? Let’s take a closer look.

How Does Opening Your Windows Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Opening the windows in your home offers numerous health benefits. It helps dry excess moisture, circulates stagnant air, fills lungs with fresh air, and increases oxygen. However, it is important to use a little caution. If the outside air is full of dust, smoke, allergens, or other pollution, all of that can also enter the home, triggering allergies and other respiratory problems. So, while opening the windows can be healthy and beneficial, discretion should be used before thoroughly ventilating the home.

Things to Keep in Mind When Opening Windows

Should you open your windows regularly? Yes, absolutely. This can reduce the strain on your HVAC system and make your home healthier and more comfortable. However, make sure you keep the following things in mind.

1. Always check the outdoor air quality first.

Particularly if you live in a big city with lots of air pollution, it is a good idea to check the outdoor air quality rating before inviting that air into your home. Many weather apps offer a daily rating of smoke, chemicals, dust, and other airborne pollutants throughout the city. If the air in your home is cleaner than the air outside of your home, it isn’t a good idea to mix the two.

2. Turn off your furnace or air conditioner to minimize the strain of keeping up.

This might seem obvious, but many homeowners forget to turn off their HVAC systems when they open their windows. Allowing outside air into your home means that your home will become that temperature. Your furnace or air conditioner will fight to keep up with the new temperature, which places unnecessary strain on your system.

3. Ventilation can cause problems during allergy season.

If you never, ever open your windows, you are essentially breathing recycled air. Your lungs need fresh air for maximum health. However, breathing in seasonal allergens is a little counterproductive. If you suffer from severe pollen allergies, definitely avoid ventilating your home during the pollen season.

4. An air purifier provides a great tool for indoor air quality.

If you want to open your windows but are worried about a little dust or pollen entering your home, an air purifier makes a great investment. An air purifier acts as an extra filter, cleaning harmful bacteria and pollutants from your home and improving indoor air quality.

5. Change your air filter regularly.

Even though your air filter is out of sight, it should not be out of mind. To reduce strain on your air conditioner and improve indoor air quality, change your air filter as often as the manufacturer recommends. This helps filter both indoor air and outdoor air when your windows are open.

How Can ABE Heating & Cooling Help?

As a licensed Rheem dealer, we can introduce you to some of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective systems currently available on the market. ABE Heating and Cooling offers great products with iron-clad warranties and superior installation services, all at manageable prices suitable for any budget. We are located in Brighton, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area, and if you would like to learn more about high-efficiency furnaces please contact us today to discuss the possibilities.