Ventilation is an important component of any window replacement. While it’s true that every operable window can provide natural ventilation, certain styles are more effective than others. In today’s blog, we discuss why ventilation is important and what window styles are best for this purpose.
Why Do You Need Natural Ventilation?
The EPA counts poor indoor air quality (IAQ) as one of the top five health hazards in North America. Considering most people spend 90% of their time indoors, everyone is susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollutants come from many sources, such as indoor smoking, humidity and mold and mildew growth. But perhaps the most common source is the least you’d suspect: household items like paint, certain plastics and aerosol products. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other particulates are released from these products in a process known as off-gassing, which often continues for years after they’ve been installed. Without natural ventilation, these pollutants stay indoors and accumulate over time.
Window Styles That Promote Healthy Ventilation
Natural ventilation helps keep these pollutants at negligible levels. For effective ventilation, there should be at least two openings in a room: one that vents stale air out and another to cycle fresh air in. The following window styles are proven to provide efficient natural ventilation:
- Double Hung Windows: Double hung windows are effective in rooms that can only accommodate one window, since you can open both sashes at the same time.
- Bay Windows: Bay windows typically have two operable side windows. Open both at the same time and you can enjoy excellent ventilation.
- Casement Windows: These windows swing open like a door, allow full use of the window area. When installed in pairs, they can let the greatest amount of fresh air in, ideal for big rooms. The open sash can also catch the breeze if the wind direction is right.
- Sliding Windows: Much like double hung windows, sliding windows can feature two openings. These windows are also very easy to operate. Renewal by Andersen’s sliding windows feature tracks that allow operation so smooth, we’ve taken to calling them gliding windows.
Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are responsibly manufactured and meet the strictest indoor air emission standards set by the Scientific Certification Systems and the California Section 01350 Specifications. Call Renewal by Andersen of Seattle today at (206) 777-0954 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free in-home consultation. We serve homeowners in Bellevue, WA, and nearby areas.