Passive ventilation involves bringing fresh outdoor air into your home and letting stale indoor air out without the use of mechanical systems. This works best if air has clear, uninterrupted pathways through your home. To take advantage of it, you must utilize your windows to full effect. Here are five tips to keep in mind.
1. Utilize openings on opposite sides. Windows on opposite sides of your home help promote passive ventilation. This setup creates a pathway for the outdoor air to come in while also pushing stale air out. Make sure there aren’t any obstructions to ensure continuous airflow.
2. Know the locations of your windows. Windows on the south and east sides of your home allow cool breezes to come in early in the day. It is best to open these windows during this time to let fresh air inside. On the other hand, your windows on the north and west sides of your home helps keep the air moving. Make sure to open windows on the opposite sides to achieve the best results.
3. Choose side-opening windows. Side-opening windows are great at catching breezes over other types of operable windows. They are also better at pulling them into your home. As the leading window company in the area, we recommend casement windows. These are hinged windows that you can open fully or partially depending on your ventilation needs.
4. Allow time for ventilation. When ventilating your home using your windows, keep them open for 15 minutes at least 5 times a week.
5. Make sure there are windows in every level of your home. If your home has more than one level, make sure that there are operable windows on each level. Keep in mind that hot air rises, so its best to leave the windows on the upper levels opened to ventilate your home well. This is also a good way of releasing hot air that has accumulated in your home while also letting in fresh air.
If you’re thinking about preparing for passive ventilation this summer, look no further than us. Renewal by Andersen® of Wyoming is here to help you find the best windows and doors that will create the best passive ventilation for your home. Call us now at (307) 472-2199, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation for your next patio door. We serve homeowners in Wyoming, including homeowners in and around Casper and Douglas.
