The heat is back this week. But be careful, closing the windows to keep the hot air out is not always a good idea…
You may have had this debate this summer in your vacation home, or at the office, and the heat wave that is returning this week will put it back on the table: should we open the windows when it is hot? Some are in favor of closing everything: windows, curtains, shutters, to protect against the heat. Others prefer to open all the windows on the contrary, to enjoy the air. But who is right? The answer is not so simple.
When it’s hot out, people tend to keep their windows closed to prevent heat from getting inside. While this practice may seem logical, it’s not always the best solution for keeping a home cool, and can sometimes be counterproductive.
Closing windows to prevent outside heat from entering your home is a strategy that works, but only under certain conditions. In fact, if the windows remain closed throughout the day, the indoor air can become stagnant. This stagnation promotes the accumulation of heat, humidity and pollutants, creating a feeling of suffocation.
Poor ventilation can also lead to health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and feeling tired due to poor air quality. If you close your windows, also remember to close your shutters and/or curtains, this will prevent the sun’s rays from heating your home.
But heat is not the only problem. In humid weather, it can be a good idea to open the windows wide. If you stay at home with the windows closed, the humidity increases, making the heat even more unbearable. The air that comes in is warmer, but the air flow, especially when supported by fans, has a cooling effect, ensuring that the humidity and air remain bearable.
A good compromise is to open your windows early in the morning or late in the evening when the outside temperature has dropped. This creates a natural airflow that can cool your home without the need for air conditioning, thereby reducing energy consumption. Fans can also help maintain a comfortable indoor climate when your windows are closed. Another option is to close your blinds and curtains when the sun is out, and open your windows to circulate the air.