There’s some controversy about open windows in the home: Should we or shouldn’t we? Naturally, it depends on where you live and the local environmental conditions. In our Yuma area, opening windows can be dicey, especially when the wind is blowing. Let’s look at open windows in the spring in our region and see what’s involved.
- Open windows on a cool morning to let in the breezes. You don’t have to leave the windows open all day, but in the morning, we sometimes have cool breezes. Opening the windows can let out warm, stale air and let in cooler air, so it’s a good thing to do whenever the wind’s not blowing in dust. As the day heats up, you can close windows and shades, curtains, and blinds and keep the cool air in. Make sure you turn off the HVAC.
- Improve your home’s smell. Sometimes you may notice trapped odors in your home after the house has been closed up for a while. Opening the windows for a few hours can freshen the smell of your home.
- Keep allergens out. Opening windows allows allergens in the home, with the main one being dust, but you will also be letting in pollen and other pollutants. Ironically, keeping the house closed up also allows pollutants to build up in the home and aggravate allergies. Opening windows can move out allergens and freshen stale air, but it can also allow allergens in. Be sure to change your air filter often, and do use one that traps pollutants and that has a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 8-12. To do an even better job of cleaning the air, look into getting a portable air purifier. Clean dust off blinds, out of corners, and off furniture.
- Get HVAC maintenance. Make sure your HVAC system is well maintained. Schedule maintenance for the following: blower, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator and condenser coils, electrical connections, and condensate drain. This will ensure that your system filters air and cools properly when you turn it on.
To learn more about open windows in the spring, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.