The summer has passed, the temperatures have cooled and the days are getting shorter. Autumn is in the air, the trees are dropping their leaves and the mornings are crisp and fresh. It’s time to put away the air conditioning remotes and the electric fans that have been needed so badly this past summer. Take this time to enjoy the fresh air before winter is upon us and we are all wearing thermals and ski jackets!
Is it safe to sleep with the windows open at night?
In the past, people believed that sleeping with the windows open was a bad thing because the night air was dangerous to our health. Of course, this is a complete myth and it is beneficial to sleep with your windows open. There are quite a few benefits that support leaving your windows open.
- It prevents the buildup of carbon dioxide in the room. When we breathe we take in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. If the windows of your room are closed the carbon dioxide can’t escape and the levels will increase. A high concentration of carbon dioxide can lead to headaches, nausea and dizziness.
- Open windows allow fresh, cool air to circulate which has a cooling effect upon your body and can help you relax and sleep well.
- Some people claim they can sleep better with outside background noise.
- Humidity in the air can make it uncomfortable to sleep, with the windows open the humidity escapes to the outside and makes you feel more comfortable.
- Your internal body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm can be reset by having the windows open, helping you to sleep better.
When is it best to keep the windows closed?
Having open windows is definitely beneficial to our health and sleep, but there are a few situations when it is better to keep them locked tight!
- If you live in a high crime area.
- You have allergies to pollen.
- If you live in a heavily polluted area.
- If you live in a particularly noisy area.
- If you live in an area with a high insect population.
Open up the windows of your home and let the fresh air circulate. Having a fresh breeze blowing through your home is relaxing and enjoyable. Having open windows this autumn can benefit your health and your wallet. All the more reason to keep those windows open! Read on for 6 reasons why you should keep your windows open.
Reason 1 – You will save money
Everyone likes to save money, and having your windows open is a great option for cooling your home down compared to the electricity eating AC unit. Or even noisy electrical fans. By having your windows open and the AC off, you will find that your energy bills will significantly decrease. Not using your AC will also reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment,
Reason 2 – It helps you to relax
With the windows open, there will be fresh air circulating throughout your home. If you are inside at work all day and don’t get much chance to be outside this is a good opportunity to take deep breaths of fresh air. This will help you switch off from work mode and be more comfortable and relaxed.
Reason 3 – Freshen your home
Having fresh air circulating within the home will dispel any mustiness or stagnant air that has developed from having everything closed up during the summer. Flush out those dust mites, pollen and other allergens that lurk in the corners of your home.
Reason 4 – Peace and quiet.
Most air conditioners are not noisy, but some of the older models are and electric fans are also loud. Switching to open windows and fresh air instead of electrically powered machines that make loud and annoying sounds will allow your house to only transmit the sounds of birds outside the window, tranquil and peaceful.
This is especially important if you work from home and for your children when doing homework.
Reason 5 – Stock up on Vitamin D
Open windows will also allow the sunshine to enter your home. Our skin’s natural reaction to the sun is to produce vitamin D, which is essential to our health. Sunshine has also been proven to help with mental health and depression. A ray of sunshine does more for your health both mentally and physically compared to a dark closed-up house.
Reason 6 – Condensation on your windows
There are many causes of condensation forming on your windows but it commonly indicates that there are high levels of humidity in the home. Condensation is more noticeable during the winter months as houses are usually heated and the air is warmed. The humidity can be coming from using hot water in the bathroom or when cooking. There is an easy resolution to the problem, open the windows! This will allow the humidity to escape. If the condensation is not addressed it can result in mould growth on your windows.
It seems that it is indeed a great idea to open up your windows even metal ones, through the autumn and even the winter depending upon the temperatures. If you are worried about insects and other unwanted visitors, install a screen. Then you can keep the window open all the time without worrying about any insects or bugs coming inside your house.
