Nearly the entire world is under quarantine and in their homes. While in our homes, should we open or close our windows during the coronavirus quarantine? It’s an understandable question. With this virus going around, we’re all taking the utmost measures to stay safe and healthy. Wash your hands to the point of chafing, don’t go out unless it’s essential, and if you go out, stay as far away from people as possible. That last point especially makes this question the next logical mental step. Why wouldn’t you want to hermetically seal yourself in your house?
First off, it’s not a bad plan to shut yourself off as completely as possible. While most people have been ordering delivery instead of going out, it’s best to stock up on food and cook for yourself, to avoid contact with others. Either way, there’s a lot to be said about leaving your windows and doors open during this pandemic. It might seem counter-intuitive, given the ever more strict guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus. We’re essentially being advised not to let our breath circulate (hence the masks). However, there are several reasons why opening your windows as much as possible encourages good health for you and your loved ones during this terrifying time.
What Do the Experts Recommend?
Firstly and most importantly, it comes highly advised by just about any health official you’ll hear from. Health care professionals both far and wide are saying to let the air from outside circulate throughout your home to prevent contracting the novel coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci is a member of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and one of the lead members of the January 2020 Coronavirus Task Force. In essence, he is currently the voice of healthcare in America. In the guidelines released by the White House on March 13, he and the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommended, among many other things, leaving windows open to help ventilate office spaces. Naturally, this advice can and should be applied to our living spaces as well.
The World Health Organization has stated that “poorly ventilated buildings affect air quality and can contribute to the spread of the disease.” Essentially, if you leave the windows closed during the pandemic, trapped air can play a factor in helping the disease develop This goes to say that even under normal circumstances, it’s best to leave the windows open when possible. Recycled air can carry toxins and pollutants throughout your home. The latter point is also applicable under normal circumstances. When we say “pollutants,” that doesn’t only apply to coronavirus, it also applies to dust, mold spores, pet dander, and any other airborne substance that could be detrimental to your health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention back up the claim that it is safer to open your windows, as well. According to the CDC, businesses, schools and homes should “increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.” While this statement does provide an alternative of sorts in mentioning the adjustment of air conditioning, the consistent message among officials seems to be “Leave your windows open.”
There are more and more reputable figures and organizations echoing the same recommendation to leave your windows open when possible to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Who are we to argue?
It Can Improve Morale
Secondly, though it might seem like a small thing to some, it must be said that leaving your windows open can improve your attitude and overall mood. For most of us, the sights, sounds, and smells of nature tend to have a calming effect. In fact, a study by Matthew White of the ECEHH at the University of Exeter showed that people who spent a minimum of 120 minutes a week in nature were more likely to experience improved psychological and even physical well-being than those who spent less time outside. Obviously, not all of us are currently able to get out and about, so the next best thing is to stay inside with your windows open.
If you want to enhance the feeling of being out in nature despite being stuck at home, you can always order some plants and place them by the windows. Whether you choose beautiful ornamental flowers or a practical plant like aloe (or, better yet, want to grow a tomato or pepper plant indoors), having plants to care for will brighten up the room and give you something to do.
What’s more, an open window makes the home feel more accessible as a whole. In many entries on our website, one of our big advertising points has been and continues to be, that our windows and doors give your home or business a more open feel. Most of our products are designed to let the maximum amount of natural light into your home, as well as giving you the maximum amount of viewable glass. With that said, it’s probably clear that we’re big proponents of the “open feel.” While an improvement in one’s attitude based on aesthetics may seem like a small thing to some, we are honestly big believers in the idea.
You Can Save Electricity
Thirdly, opening your windows when the weather is beautiful can help save you money on your electric bill if you turn off your air conditioning and let the fresh air flow through the house. Generally, it is best to leave your A/C running throughout the day to allow the air to circulate and prevent moisture from accumulating in the ducts and elsewhere in your house. However, if you shut off the A/C during the day and switch it back on at night, you shouldn’t experience any moisture issues.
Some Counterarguments
You may argue that there are some negative points about leaving your windows open. In the interest of making a good case, we will present some points against leaving your windows open, followed by our counter to each one.
♦ Security
Perhaps the most obvious concern about leaving your window open whenever possible is that of security – having your windows open can make it easier for someone to break into your house. Certainly, this is a good point; but leaving your windows open during the day is less of a security concern. If you open your windows in the daytime and close them before you go to bed, you’ll get fresh air throughout the day and security at night, when you need it.
♦ Cold Weather
It’s also worth mentioning that the weather lately has been pretty inconsistent, not only in many parts of the country but elsewhere in the world as well. Snow and frost in April don’t exactly instill the desire for open windows. This whole thing is, of course, just a recommendation. While we argue that it is certainly beneficial, we can’t blame you for not wanting to freeze. But when the weather is nice, why not treat yourself?
♦ Broken/Defunct Windows
If you live in an older home, you may have windows that are past their prime. Older windows can frequently become unusable for one reason or another. In older rental homes, especially, or those that have been quickly “flipped,” it’s not uncommon to see the windows hastily painted shut.
Other times, older windows will be equipped with a counterweight system, which is now obsolete. If you live in a much older home, you may be familiar with this type of window. Looking at the inner frame, you will see a braided cord and a pulley. Inside the window frame itself, a counterweight is attached at the other end of the cord. This prevents the window from spontaneously slamming shut. Often these weights are either detached or thrown out of place, whether due simply to the march of time or the windows’ rough use.
There are other instances in which your windows may be unusable. In these situations, they either can not be opened at all, or you may be unable to close them back again. In such cases, it is certainly better to leave your windows closed. But if any of these is the case, it is best to have them replaced anyway. We strongly suggest double-hung windows, since they feature two sashes that can move up or down, providing perfect ventilation of your space. Give us a call, we can help you with that. Replacement windows are one of our specialties, after all.
All Right, My Windows Are Open. Now What?
We hope you have decided to take our advice and that of health care officials the world over. We really think it will do you some good, in spite of how counter-intuitive it might seem at first. While we’ve got your attention, allow us to recommend a few more tips in passing to help you maintain your sanity in these trying times.
♦ Run for It!
If you’re able to get out, it’s a great idea to take up running. For one thing, getting out of the house can help you not to feel so cooped up. Even better, exercise is just one of many ways you can strengthen your immune system, and what better time than now to improve your body’s ability to fight off disease?
Obviously, restrictions and recommendations in your area will differ from those in other areas, so you may be really stuck inside. If that’s the case, don’t worry! YouTube is full of excellent workout videos of all lengths and intensities, so get out there (or don’t!) and push your limits! You might just form a lasting healthy habit.
♦ Take Up A New Hobby
Being at home for extended periods doesn’t have to mean you’re stuck. You can always take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Whether it’s art, fitness, finding an online side gig, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the things you’re able to do during home isolation.
♦ Learn Something New
You’re never too old to learn something new, and the brain is the most important organ in your body. Just because you’re closed off from the world doesn’t mean you can’t open your mind to new ideas. The internet is a fantastic source of new and highly interesting concepts. It’s the easiest thing in the world these days to fall down a Wikipedia rabbit hole and learn 2,000 things you never thought you’d need to know. Well, now’s your chance!
♦ Get Your House In Order
We all end up getting off track when it comes to keeping our homes organized. Even if you are among the few who keep a consistently clean home, chances are you still have a closet or attic overflowing with all manner of clutter. There’s no shame in that, but now that you have all this spare time, you can use it to reorganize your home areas that usually don’t get as much care
Get Your Windows Replaced
If you are among those previously mentioned with broken or defunct windows, this may be the perfect opportunity for you to get them replaced. Not only will you be home to let the technicians in, but by contracting with US Window & Door, you’ll also be supporting a local business. We would be happy, as always, to help you with all your San Diego window needs.
All in all, this recommendation to leave your windows open when possible is a good one – and thankfully made easier in the springtime. Not only is it urged by health care officials, but it can also help improve your overall outlook of the situation and even help you to cut back on your power bills. We hope this has helped improve your perspective on this unique situation by distilling the good aspects of what has undoubtedly been one of the biggest challenges our country has faced in recent years.
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