3 Reasons Why You Should Open the Windows this Spring

More often than not you will hear us encouraging you to keep doors and windows closed and well sealed.  These are important measures for energy efficiency during the cold winter and hot summer months, but spring is a bit of a gray area.  There are a lot of pros to fresh, outdoor air so we have compiled a list of reasons why you should open the windows during the spring months.

3 Reasons Why You Should Open the Windows this Spring

1. Can help prevent the spread of viruses

Most of us, after a winter spent inside coughing and sneezing, are more than ready to throw open the windows at the first sign of spring.  Fresh, circulating air is much healthier than stale, stagnant indoor air.  This year, this is even more pertinent.  Experts at the CDC have encouraged homes and businesses to open the windows as a means of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

An article from Medium’s elemental states, “Like diluting a glass of poison with clean water, fresh air seems to reduce the concentration of airborne infectious particles in an indoor environment.”

2. Nothing can beat the smell of spring

All the candles, air fresheners, and combinations of essential oils can try all they want to re-create the scent of spring, but nothing can come close to the fresh smells that spring brings.  Open the windows and let all of that fragrance permeate your home.

3. Sunshine and Vitamin D

Our bodies need Vitamin D, and one of the easiest sources of it is from sunshine.  Vitamin D has some very significant benefits.  It helps to strengthen bones, it boosts your immune system, it can prevent disease, and it can even help with weight loss.  Often, we are not able to get sufficient enough Vitamin D from sunshine alone so make sure to speak with your doctor about food sources and supplements.

If I open the windows, what about my home’s energy efficiency?

Your furnace and air conditioner were carefully sized in order to adequately heat and cool your home.  The load of air that needs to be heated or cooled does change when the windows are open, which can have negative impacts on the HVAC system.  Therefore, we recommend turning off the air conditioner or furnace prior to opening the windows.  This way your HVAC system is protected and you can still get the benefits of open windows.

Looking for more home tips this spring?  Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!