CDC Recommendation: Open Your Windows

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that you open your windows due to the myriad health benefits brought about by natural daylight. Over the past couple of months, people have been stuck in their houses following government orders to stay at home. Opening windows during this time could curb the spread of coronavirus by since proper ventilation keeps germs and other harmful molecules from settling on surfaces within your home. Keeping windows open also helps you get rid of indoor pollutants that may come from cleaning agents, fabrics, and insecticides you use. Today, we are going to look at the various reasons why leading health experts recommend that you keep your windows open.

Most property owners are beginning to appreciate the energy-saving benefits of natural lighting. When your windows are well-placed, you won’t require electrical illumination during the daytime, which helps you save on energy bills. Beyond cost and energy savings, natural lighting offers plenty of physiological and mental health benefits. Proper day-lighting helps align our internal body clocks, resulting in quality sleep, which improves the quality of life. In various studies, students in classes with well-placed windows posted better test scores and improved focus. Post-surgery patients in recovery with access to ample daylighting are bound to recover faster than those in poorly lit rooms. Let us discuss the health benefits of keeping your windows in depth.

1. Opening your Windows Daily Reduces the Spread of Germs

We are living in uncertain times. With the government-ordered shutdowns, most people are staying at home to help contain coronavirus. But did you know that keeping your windows open for a few minutes every day can help in the fight against the spread of COVID-19? Opening your windows brings in the fresh air, while air that’s been circulating in your home is allowed to go out. Since we are spending plenty of time indoors, the air in our premises goes stale quicker. If you do nothing to let this air out, germs could spread throughout your home. Thus, to limit the spread of germs and infectious diseases, you are advised to open your windows and let fresh air in.

2. Natural Light Helps Fight Depression

Lack of exposure to sunlight is known to cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that leaves individuals feeling spiritless, especially during the winter season. Serotonin is a mood-influencing chemical that our brain produces in response to sunlight. Opening your windows fosters the production of serotonin, which boosts our mood and curbs depressive feelings. Opening your windows also lets you appreciate the natural world on full display. You can tune in to the sound of nature and experience the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna while indoors. These experiences give you a feeling of calm and serenity, which helps improve your mental state, especially when you are feeling blue.

3. Opening Windows Helps Get Rid of Indoor Pollutants

Most homes house pollutants without the homeowners’ knowledge. Some of these are chemical pollutants that can go undetected even in significant concentrations. Radon, for instance, is odorless, colorless, and forms naturally on the ground. When outdoors, Radon poses no risk to humans. But when it seeps into houses through basements and crawl spaces, where it becomes hazardous. Other indoor pollutants that may reside in your house include Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, and aerosols from pesticides and cleaning agents. These pollutants cause a significant health risk in humans as they lead to cancers, skin conditions, and even death. Maintaining good ventilation and airflow can help minimize invisible chemical hazards within your home. Keeping your windows open also alleviates other indoor contaminants such as dust, pollen, and other allergens.

At Aspen Home Improvements, we care about our clients’ well-being. We pay close attention to energy efficiency and the ability of our windows to offer maximum ventilation. If you are in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, and are looking for professional window replacement contractors, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our representatives. We offer high-performance windows that feature an Energy Star Rating. We, therefore, guarantee you cost-savings during installation and maintenance. Our top products, OKNA, and Insul-Tec windows are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), making us a top choice for your window placement projects.