You need to consider many factors when shopping for replacement windows, from energy efficiency to aesthetics to ventilation. In today’s post, we discuss the importance of passive ventilation and how choosing the right type of replacement windows can help with this.
Passive ventilation refers to the process of supplying fresh air to an indoor space while venting out stale, indoor air. This can be done naturally (without the use of electricity) through strategic window placement. Homes designed for passive ventilation have several openings—windows, doors, vents—to regulate indoor temperature and improve indoor air quality.
In addition to making your home more comfortable, passive ventilation can also improve the health of your family because it enhances indoor air quality. Plus, it will help boost your home’s energy efficiency because you won’t have to rely as much on your heating and cooling system for comfort. It can get hot inside during the summer, but opening your windows for at least 15 minutes a day allows you to reduce your energy consumption.
Poor indoor air quality is a top health hazard in U.S. households according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With windows, doors and vents open, your home can draw fresh air and take stale air out. This prevents you from breathing the same air being circulated by your HVAC system numerous times, further minimizing the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses.
Choosing the right windows is vital to making sure your home is well ventilated. One idea to consider is cross ventilation. This involves the placement of windows on both sides of the home—the one facing the wind will create a zone of positive pressure and the other will be a zone of negative pressure. For this to work, a window contractor recommends installing large operable windows on the side facing the wind and smaller ones installed high up on the opposite walls.
With the right window size and placement, a positive flow of air indoors is encouraged. To take advantage of this, your home needs to have clear, uninterrupted pathways for air to pass through. Interior doors in areas along the path of the airflow must also be kept open.
Keep in mind that some window styles are better at ventilating your living spaces than others. Casement windows, for instance, allow for the most control of ventilation direction and intensity. The sash can be opened into a stream of air, which means breezes that would otherwise pass by can be directed indoors.
Windows with sashes placed flush with the wall like double-hung windows ventilate well only with direct pressure differences across the openings. So even without the wind blowing outdoors, they can sometimes ensure natural ventilation resulting from stratified airflow within a room. As cooler fresh air enters the bottom opening, hotter air is allowed to exit through the top opening.
Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati is the leading window replacement company in the area. Our design consultants and installers are ready to assist you in choosing the best replacement windows that will help encourage passive ventilation in your home. Schedule your virtual consultation with us today by calling (866) 609-5033 or filling out our contact form. We serve residents of Cincinnati, OH.
