What Happened to Opening a Window?

wind turbines for alternative energy

How many complex machines do we need before people realize that one of the best and oldest ways of providing ventilation is to open the windows?

Breathe the Air
Health problems abound due to a lack of adequate ventilation.  Molds, dust and carbon become trapped indoors and are virtually impossible for any closed climate or mechanical system to dispose of one hundred percent.  The simple solution is to let the wind blow.  This endorses cross-ventilation and allows open air to cleanse the indoor environment.  Regular circulation sweeps pollutants out the window, literally, and prevents mildew and stale air from accumulating. Cleaning ducts, changing furnace filters regularly and switching to a vacuum-friendly, washable filter are greener and cleaner choices for supporting air ventilation.

Kudos to Ventilation
Adequate air circulation is imperative for good human health as well as for the health of the building.  Attics without ventilation suffer from hot summer air which heats up the roofing materials, causes condensation, mildew and molds.  Good air flow in the attic lowers the costs of air conditioning in the summer and reduces moisture in the wet or colder months.
Stagnant indoor air contains air-borne viruses, bacteria, inorganic and organic particles, none of which are good for the airway and lungs. Build-up of pet dander, dust mites, pollens and fungi can be detrimental to adult and infant health. Chemicals, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide emitted from appliances and chemicals released by construction materials, particle board and insulation can be carcinogenic and hazardous to humans.

Natural Ventilation
Closed climate buildings have a higher concentration of pollutants and airway irritants.  More and more people spend more of their life indoors breathing in the particulate matter and using energy-hogging cooling and ventilating units.  Many Texas residents are opting for alternative and natural ventilation means to power their indoor air movement.

Living in a temperate climate means the air is cooler at night and hot during the day. Opening windows at night lowers the indoor temperature during the day, saves on cooling bills and provides good air to breathe.

Options for Ventilation
Solar powered attic fans turn on at dawn and off at dusk.  Soffit vents draw cooler night air inside and assist exhausted air out of the home. Solar power burns clean, runs quietly and omits any greenhouse gas emissions.   Another option is a wind turbine which is powered by wind and installed on the peak of the roof drawing out excess heat.

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