Natural ventilation refers to the method of letting fresh outdoor air flow into your home. It’s related to passive cooling, which doesn’t utilize complex mechanical equipment to keep living spaces comfortable. For instance, strategic window and door placement can help control indoor temperatures.
Learn more ways to maximize your home’s natural ventilation.
Design Window Placement for Cross Ventilation
Effective cross ventilation can reduce the need for cooling, especially during the warmer months. Placing windows on two sides of the room, on opposite or adjacent walls, can help achieve cross ventilation. This kind of window placement is ideal for narrow or open floor plan layouts. For optimum cross-ventilation, place windows on the north and south parts of your home.
Open Your Windows More Often
Some homeowners choose not to open their windows due to dust and outside noise. However, frequently opening your windows can reduce the need for cooling. Depending on your area, fresh air can help improve and maintain good indoor air quality. Opening windows can also prevent your space from getting stuffy or too humid, especially in moisture-prone areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
Get Operable Windows
Operable windows can help with your home’s comfort. For instance, casement windows can provide maximum ventilation when they are completely opened. Clerestories can brighten up your space and also encourage good airflow. Because hot air moves upwards, a clerestory window can act as a vent for the hot air to escape. You can also get the same effect from operable skylights, roof ventilators and vented ridges.
At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, we’re here to help with your home exterior needs. We only offer high-quality products like James Hardie® siding and Marvin® windows and doors. Call us at (651) 571-9557, or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We work with clients in St. Paul.
