Natural ventilation is a sustainable and eco-friendly tool to achieve comfort in your home. It is defined as the method of utilizing openings in a building, particularly windows and doors, to allow healthy air exchange between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Instead of incorporating air conditioning units, this ventilation technique steps away from mechanical devices to provide “passive cooling”. You can boost natural ventilation in your home by following the below tips.

1. Place Windows and Doors According to Climate and Site

Cooling breezes vary on location, time of day, climate and landscape. To fully optimize your natural ventilation at home, your windows and doors should be oriented based on those factors. For example, breezes come from an offshore direction when you’re in coastal areas while breezes usually travel downward when you’re in a mountainous region. You can also incorporate plants and fences to help funnel cooling breezes through a house opening.

2. Carefully Choose Window Types to Command Air Flow

The design and size of window openings can instantly affect airflow patterns and whether air movement is directed or deflected. In cases of crank windows, casement in particular, the frames are hinged and can be opened in an inward or outward manner. When fully cranked open, these windows offer maximum ventilation; when not opened widely, the air flow is significantly limited.

3. Smartly Position Openings for Cross Ventilation

Instead of blowing through your home, the wind is actually sucked into areas with lower air pressure. With that in mind, your home’s openings should be placed to draw breezes through your home. You can achieve this by installing doors or windows on at least two sides of a room, on opposite sides to encourage cross ventilation.

Windows and doors are essential for homes. In addition, they provide natural ventilation that is not only free, but also garden-fresh and healthy for people living inside the home. 

For professional exterior home solutions, turn to Exterior Building Solutions. Give us a call at (314) 470-8783, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve customers in Arnold, MO, and other nearby areas.