Homeowners rely on HVAC systems to regulate indoor ventilation, sometimes neglecting natural ventilation through the windows. In today’s post, replacement window company, Renewal by Andersen® of Southwest Missouri, discusses natural ventilation and the best window styles for it.
How Does Natural Ventilation Work?
Natural ventilation creates airflow without the use of fans, blowers or other mechanical means. Instead, it utilizes pressure differences between indoor and outdoor spaces. One opening releases indoor air, creating negative pressure indoors, which pulls fresh air through another opening in the room. Sloped roofs are ventilated using a similar principle, with hot and humid air vented at the ridges and fresh air pulled in through the soffits.
Window Styles for Ventilation
Any operable window style is suitable for ventilation; however, some styles are more suitable for certain types of rooms. This is an important consideration when you’re planning a residential window replacement project.
Casement – Casement windows utilize the entire window area, making them the most suitable for large rooms, and can be mulled with fixed windows if the room design calls for it. Two open casement windows on the opposite ends of the room allow for efficient ventilation.
Sliding – Sliding windows allow for precise control of how much ventilation you want to let in: slide it just a few inches for gradual ventilation, or open both sashes to utilize the full window area. Renewal by Andersen sliding windows feature removable sliding window sashes as a cleaning and maintenance feature, but can also be used when you need to flush out stale indoor air.
Double-hung – Double-hung windows are ideal for small rooms that can only fit one window. This window style can be opened in such a way that you get two openings: the top opening functions as the exhaust vent and the lower opening the intake vent.
Benefits of Natural Ventilation
Switching to natural ventilation during fair weather means you won’t have to use your air conditioning system, which can help you save on your utility bills. It also helps reduce workload and prolong your HVAC system’s service life.
More importantly, natural ventilation helps flush out indoor air pollutants, which includes dust, mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A constant supply of fresh air can help keep a healthy indoor environment.
Renewal by Andersen of Southwest Missouri is your leading provider of the best replacement windows on the market. Give us a call at (417) 268-9301. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
