As you’re probably already aware, today’s homes are more air tight than in centuries past. This is good in that you will save on heating and cooling, but bad in that fresh air is not entering your home. Fresh air can make your home smell better, and help indoor pollution drift away.
About 58% of homes deal with some type of condensation. Good ventilation can help combat this problem as well as lessening issues such as radon gas buildup.
There are many reasons to make sure your home is ventilated. Fortunately, there are many natural ways you can ventilate your home.
1. Solar Chimney
Since you may not have a mechanical ventilation system in your home, you’ll want some natural ventilation strategies, such as a solar chimney. With this type of system, the air is heated up by the sun. When air heats, it rises. The solar chimney vents this warmer air out, lowering the pressure inside and causes fresh air to enter via inlet ports. It’s a bit like opening a window, but with more air flow behind it.
2. Old Fashioned Open Windows
Probably one of the easiest ways to air out your home is to open some windows and make sure there is a cross breeze. You need to choose a day where there is a bit of a wind and it is warm but not too hot outside. A breeze will blow in and typically the stale air will be pushed other open windows. How your home is set up and how well the breeze is blowing can impact how effective this method is, but it is better than doing nothing at all and can be one tool in your arsenal to ventilate your home.
3. Prevailing Winds
Another option is to pay attention to prevailing winds, the setup of your house, and strategically open only those windows that will create a sort of wind tunnel in your home. Usually, prevailing winds come from the northwest in cold weather and the southwest in warm weather. The key is to figure out which direction the wind is coming in from and open that window that faces that direction. Now, turn around and see what window is directly (or as directly as possible) opposite that window. This will create your wind tunnel effect and naturally ventilate your home.
4. Screen Installation
If your house isn’t already outfitted with screens, then you should invest in some screens so you can leave the windows open at any time day or night without fear of bugs and other pests entering your home. During warmer weather, open windows can reduce many risks of poor ventilation, including the fear of dangerous CO2 levels building up.
5. Wicker and Bamboo Furniture
If you want the air inside your home to circulate, consider lighter furniture options such as those made out of wicker and bamboo. For example, do you have a back room that doesn’t get much air flow? Opening a window, setting up a fan, and having lighter furniture can help remove some of the moisture from that room.
6. Transitional Space
Setting up courtyards, balconies, and other areas can help aid in air flow. First, try not to put bulky trees and shrubs in a location that will inhibit air flow into the home. Even the placement of these open spaces can make a difference in how well air flows into and out of your home. Work with a green building specialist to figure out
7. Window Height & Design
How high off the ground you place the windows in your home make a difference as well. Especially for new construction, this is something you’ll want to consider. A window that is designed correctly and placed correctly can achieve natural cooling through ventilation.
One key factor is how easily the window is operated. If the height is too low or too high, it may be difficult for the average height person to open and close the windows easily. Thus, they may be less likely to use the windows at all, much less for effective ventilation.
8. Screen Doors and Patio Screens
A final thing to consider is adding screen doors to entry ways and also to sliding glass doors. This will allow you to create larger openings for better air flow. Screen doors are a fairly inexpensive addition to most homes.
Natural ventilation will make your home more comfortable and safer. You always have the option to add additional mechanical ventilation to your home should the natural methods not quite meet your needs, but these are simple changes that can give you a good head start.
About the Author: Ka
cey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
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Have you any suggestions for a dust handler of some king? Dust is my #1 aggravating housecleaning problem. With all the technology today, seems like there should be “something’ out there to help . I installed dust handlers in the attic on our two new A/C units total $5,000.00……..then the tech told me they won’t work in my house because my ceilings are so high! ugh!
(I already subscribed and receive your monthly emails. They are great!)
Hi Sherlyn! Dust is really a pain and it is hard for me to deal with as well. I don’t know what type of a/c vents you have, but I have 5 intakes in my ceilings. I have very tall 12 foot ceilings. What has helped me is purchasing the more expensive allergen grade filters for my intakes. Although it doesn’t keep dust away 100%, it keeps it away for longer and helps with pet hair and all the dust we get in our hot summers. Other than that, I just use my microfiber cloths and homemade dust spray to keep up with it every few days. 🙂