Why a Good Window is Designed to be Opened

By Jennifer Gangone

We’re smack-dab in the middle of a Georgia summer right now, and all I can think about is how much I long for those crisp Autumn mornings when I crack open my windows, welcoming that invigorating crisp air to sweep in and take over the humid, stale, hot summer air.  After a long winter, the first hint of a warmer morning arrives and I’m ready to open my windows and let the newness of Spring in.  As a mom of three, I’ve even flung our windows open in the dead of winter to allow fresh air to purge our home of some unwanted cold or flu viruses that are circulating.

I love a long Georgia summer day, but those seasons of Spring and Autumn here in North Georgia are incredibly refreshing and a huge reminder that windows are designed not only for safety and for keeping allergens out. Windows are designed to be opened!  Let’s face it, if I’m cooking, they’re also helpful in occasionally allowing the inside out. That’s a different blog on fire safety for a different time.

Getting to know a homeowner’s needs is the first step I take in assessing the right window for their project, and I’m shocked to hear how many homeowners say they NEVER open their windows. “Never?” I ask. “Never.” They reply.

As an avid fan of letting the outdoors in, I’d encourage you to consider opening your windows when nature gives you a gorgeous day.   Here’s how it can benefit you and your home:

• Benefits your health: Fresh air contains higher oxygen levels than indoor air. Breathing in more oxygen benefits your lungs, heart, and overall well-being. In winter, a blast of cooler air can reduce the circulation of viral particles in your home. 
• Helps with Vitamin D.  An open window provides access to vitamin D from the sun.  Vitamin D is a critical vitamin that is essential for immune system function, bodyweight maintenance, and even for controlling asthma symptoms.  
• Lowers utility bills and improves air flow. Opening windows on opposite sides of a room can create a cross breeze during warmer months that can cut down on energy. Also, when doing home projects like sanding, painting or other renovations, better indoor airflow aids in flushing out the dust and debris.

• Reduces Condensation and Mold: Weeping windows occur when there’s insufficient air circulation inside. Opening a window on a regular basis can work to prevent mold, condensation and other toxins from accumulating.
• Boosts Mood:  A little fresh air can go a long way. You may not have the time to go on a hike, but allowing new, fresh outdoor air in your north Georgia home for just a few minutes can improve your mood exponentially.

A well-engineered window is designed to be opened with ease and frequency.  If your windows don’t open properly or are failing to perform those basic functions, I’d love to meet with you and assess your needs.  You could have new windows in before the first hint of a chill in the air.