When it comes to winter, Los Angelenos are spoiled. We put up with a little rain. There may be a few days when temperatures drop below 60 degrees, but for the most part, our winters are sunny and warm.
That’s what makes winter the perfect time of year to throw your windows wide open. You’re not running your air conditioner, so you won’t risk wasting energy. Pollen isn’t as much of a concern, and the cooler winter air will invigorate the senses.
Keep reading to learn three benefits of airing out your home.
1. Reduces Indoor Air Pollution
The air you breathe inside can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Common contributors to poor indoor air quality include…
- Formaldehyde
- Dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Volatile organic compounds
The list goes on, but the main thing is that exposure to these pollutants can negatively impact your health. They can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Simply opening the windows will help clear out your home of these airborne contaminants. For best results, open a window or door on each side of the house for a cleansing cross breeze.
2. Helps You Think Better
Fresh air is a brain booster. It’s science! A study conducted by the University of Tulsa found that proper ventilation was key to improving academic performance. Researchers observed test scores among fifth-grade students improved dramatically in conjunction with the amount of outdoor air being introduced into classrooms.
In addition, a growing body of research suggests that indoor air quality and thermal comfort are leading factors in employee productivity.
3. Banishes Odors
Battening down the hatches for winter allows odors to build up. The nasty smells from trash, musty bathrooms, dirty laundry, and other funks have nowhere to go when your house is sealed.
Air out your home to invite in winter scents, such as fresh rain, budding flowers, juniper, and, if you live near the ocean, crisp saltwater air.
Bottom line: Open your windows once a day for a least a few minutes to expel pollutants and bring in purer air from outside. And when you have to close up your home to run your central air system, ensure your ducts are clean so they don’t compromise your indoor air quality. To schedule an appointment with Fresh Aire, call us at (818) 275-5556.