It’s no secret that the weather in Birmingham, AL can be pretty intense. The summer heat and humidity can make it feel like you’re living in a sauna, and the winter cold can be bone-chilling. Because of this, a lot of people tend to keep their windows closed all year round to try and keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. But is this really the best idea?
Risks of Not Opening Your Windows
If you don’t open your windows, your home can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. When it’s humid outside, the air inside your home can become trapped and start to condense on surfaces like walls, ceilings and floors. Mold and mildew can grow in this moisture and cause health problems for you and your family.
Another risk of not opening your windows is that you could be inadvertently trapping pollutants inside your home. Things like cleaning products, paint fumes and even household dust can build up over time and create an unhealthy indoor environment. Additionally, if you have any pets, their dander can also contribute to indoor air pollution in your home.
Benefits of Opening Your Windows
Opening your windows is good for you.
Let in Some Fresh Air
One of the benefits of opening your windows is that it allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home. This can help to clear out any musty or stuffy smells that might have built up over time. Additionally, circulating air can also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew by allowing any moisture in the air to dissipate.
Let Pollutants Out
When you have any products that give off fumes (like cleaning products, paint, etc.), opening a window or two lets the fumes escape so they don’t build up inside your home.
Allow Sunlight in
Sunlight can help improve your mood and boost your energy levels. Additionally, it can help eliminate the potential for mold and bacteria. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to clean the air in your home and make you more cheerful, open up those windows and let the sunshine in.
Save Energy
In the summer, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross breeze to keep things cool inside. In the winter, only open windows in rooms that you’re using so that you don’t let all of the heat escape from your home. This way, you save money on energy bills.
Get the Most Out of Opening Your Windows
If you’re going to open your windows, you might as well do it right. Try opening them on days when the outside air is cooler than indoor air. You should also open them in unused rooms to air these spaces out. Additionally, you can improve your indoor air quality further by keeping windows open when you are cooking or showering to allow for proper ventilation.
If your home is in need of a new window, Hinkle Roofing in Birmingham, AL can help. Whether you need picture windows or sliding windows, we’re sure to have something that will suit your needs. We’re a roofing contractor that specializes in other exterior home improvement work. For more information, give us a call today at 205-324-8545 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free estimate.
