The Air in Here: Window Opening and Air Quality

When was the last time you cracked open your Westchester window? Opening a window isn’t an action we consciously think about. We open it a bit when it’s hot, when the casserole gets burned, or when we simply need fresh air. What you probably don’t realize, however, is that the mere act of opening our windows can affect the air quality inside our homes in ways that we might not like.

Outside, Inside

The air outside our homes isn’t the best you can hope for. Depending on where you live, it can be chock-full of pollutants and other harmful particles. Because of the way many homes are built today, there is usually a barrier that generally keeps the air outside and inside from mixing. Glenn Morrison, a Missouri University of Science and Technology professor, is hoping to use grant money from the Environmental Protection Agency to find the answers.

At the moment, the interest comes from his belief that window-opening behavior stems from both the climate conditions where a person lives and the need to save on energy costs. In either case, Morrison believes that the influx of outside air and the subsequent mixing with inside air creates an altered air composition that creates something similar to smog, which can affect those with respiratory problems.

What It Means for You

When you think about it, it’s not just opened windows that allow for this mixing of outside and inside air. A damaged, worn, or broken window also plays a big part in allowing air into your home. Whether it’s a crack in the glass pane or a break in the surrounding seals, these windows place you at a moderate risk, which should be looked into immediately. Repair work is a good short-term solution, but new replacement windows in Westchester NY are a far smarter investment.

Here at Renewal by Andersen® of Westchester and Fairfield, we have roughly 64 years of professional experience providing for the door and window needs of the community. Call us at (866) 609-5033 today, and we’ll help you figure the best, most affordable, and energy-efficient solutions for your home needs.