September 20, 2024
When spring arrives, it tempts many homeowners to open up their windows. However, along with fresh air, spring is also known to bring allergens into your home. A common first response for people with allergies is to stay behind closed doors and windows to prevent their condition from worsening. However, open windows in spring may offer benefits, even if you are prone to allergies. Keep reading to determine if you should open or close your windows in the spring.
Opening your windows in the spring can help you bring in fresh air, keep your energy bills down, and enhance the comfort of your home. Discover the top benefits of opening windows in spring below.
You’ve kept your windows shut all winter to keep the cold out. The commencement of spring means that you can say goodbye to a stuffy winter house. Air out your home by opening all the windows bringing in fresh spring ventilation and eliminating the stuffiness of a closed-winter house.
An air conditioner helps keep your house cool during warmer weather, but on cooler days, you can switch off the AC and open the windows instead. The air will freshen up the room and even help you save money on the electric bill. So, whenever you can take advantage of cooler days, open the windows for passive heating and cooling.
Winters are known to be dark and glum. You can say goodbye to those gloomy days in spring by bringing some fresh air and sunlight into the house. The sun won’t be too harsh this season, so it would be a perfect time to open the windows and enjoy the light and the spring breeze.
While open windows offer many benefits, they do present some downsides. Consider the following to determine if open windows are right for your home.
Opening your windows can allow spring allergens, like pollen and dust, to enter your home, which can aggravate allergies. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t open the windows at all. Opening them for a few minutes daily will give you fresh air in your home without aggravating allergies too much. Duct Maintenance is also helpful in regulating cleaner air throughout the house.
Open windows make it more difficult for your air conditioner to regulate the temperature. It has to work harder, especially if it's very hot or cold outside, and therefore undergoes more wear and tear. If you choose to open your windows, turn your AC off first.
If you’re undecided about whether to keep your windows open or closed, there are a few considerations that could sway your decision.
Check the air quality index before opening your windows to determine if it’s safe. Pollution, smoke, and allergens can cause poor spring air quality, which can affect your household's health and comfort.
If the weather is extremely hot, cold, or humid, leave your windows closed and let your air conditioner control the humidity and temperature of your home. However, if the weather is mild and breezy, open windows can provide energy savings as they substitute for your AC and offer natural ventilation.
Keeping your windows closed in the spring can improve your home's energy efficiency. It will also improve the efficiency of your HVAC, as it won’t have to work as hard to regulate the climate in your home. With reduced strain, you’ll see lower energy usage and save money on your utility bills.
If allergens are holding you back from opening your windows, there are alternatives available to enhance the air quality of your home, including:
Duct cleaning: Regular cleaning removes pollutants and pathogens inside your ducts, ensuring they don’t re-circulate in your home.
Air filtration: Installing a high-MERV-rated whole-home air filtration reduces the harmful pathogens and microorganisms in your home.
UV lights: You can install UV lights in your ducts or another part of your HVAC to kill bacteria, mold, mildew, and other contaminants.
Air scrubber: Remove mold, dust mites, bacteria, odor, and other viruses from your home by installing an air scrubber.
Whether you’re searching for air quality or air conditioner services, our team of experts at Service Champions can help. We offer comprehensive home services, including duct cleaning, HVAC repair, air filtration installation, and HVAC maintenance. We serve clients throughout Northern California, so you can trust that you’re hiring the best.
Call us or book online to schedule your service in Sacramento and surrounding areas today! Remember to ask about our flexible financing options and MVP+ membership, which offers exclusive discounts, scheduled maintenance services, and other VIP benefits.
During pollen season, counts rise in the morning and peak midday, then slowly begin to fall. If you’re allergic to pollen, it’s safest to open your windows in the evening or late at night.
It’s more energy-efficient to open your windows when the temperature is mild and there is low humidity. Opening your windows during extreme temperatures causes your HVAC to go into overdrive, increasing your energy bills. You can also reduce your energy consumption by turning your HVAC off during the night and opening the windows for temperature control.