Today’s indoor spaces are environments that can be customized depending on their occupants’ needs. However, these virtually sealed spaces are at higher risk of indoor air pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor spaces are two to five times more polluted than the outdoors. Fortunately, there are ways to help improve indoor air quality. One of them is window replacement.
Factors That Affect Indoor Air Quality
Most of today’s indoor spaces have an HVAC system as the primary source of ventilation. The filtration system in its air handler captures pollutants from the outdoors and cleans incoming air. However, there are factors that affect indoor air quality from the inside:
- Relative indoor humidity. Indoor humidity or moisture in the air should be kept around 50%, relative to outdoor humidity levels. If the air inside is too moist, it can cause mold growth, condensation that leads to wood rot, and “clammy” sheets.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are particles released by certain substances through off-gassing, which can occur over several years. Examples of these substances include aerosol sprays, paint, and plastic.
- Poor ventilation. A properly ventilated indoor space should allow airflow between indoor and outdoor spaces, which flushes out indoor air pollutants and replenishes fresh air.
- Occupants. Most of the dust found indoors is made of skin cells that you and other occupants in your home have shed. Your pets may also contribute with dander. Indoor smoking also releases more pollutants
How Can Replacement Windows Help Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Considering the factors discussed above, there are ways to reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants: replace the HVAC air filters regularly, run an air purifier or scrubber, and keep smoking to open-air areas of your home. There is another solution that is far simpler and works for the long term: replacement windows.
Opening your windows for at least 15 minutes a day flushes out indoor air pollutants through the windows and supplies fresh air. Two openings in a room helps ensure continuous airflow. The first opening, ideally closer to the ceiling, releases indoor air. The difference in the air pressure then pulls fresh air through the second opening. While two windows are ideal for this, certain window styles, such as sliding and double hung windows, can provide ample ventilation.
Renewal by Andersen® of Houston provides window styles that provide ventilation, including double hung windows, to customers in Houston, TX, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (281) 547-6177, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
