Some experts believe that COVID-19 may be able to spread through ventilation systems. That could include your air conditioner. Thus, many people may be rethinking using their units over the summer.
While reducing air conditioner use may help keep people safe and reduce the spread of the coronavirus, there are other things you can do to stay cool this summer. If you open windows, this will allow air to move through your home.
But this isn’t the only reason why your windows are crucial during this point in time.
Read on to discover the importance of opening a window during the current pandemic.
COVID-19 can be spread in a few different ways. The most common is that a person will become infected by direct or indirect contact with someone who has the virus.
It can also be spread through droplets that float through the air and occur after a person sneezes or coughs.
If the virus gets into your ventilation system, the chances of it spreading throughout your entire home or business increases. Thus, if you are hoping to reduce the chances of family members or employees getting sick, then you might consider opening a window.
This practice allows fresh air to flow through your space. By creating a cross current, you may even be able to blow out the dust that may contain the COVID-19 virus.
Having an open window also allows the sun to get into your home or office, and it has been found that UV rays can potentially destroy COVID-19 and many other pathogens that can make people sick.
With so many people staying in their homes to avoid getting sick, windows provide them with a sense of security.
The panes of glass help protect them from virus transmission, but they also allow them to see the outside world—and this helps many individuals feel less lonely and isolated.
In some cases, having windows open also brings people together. They may not be able to gather in large groups, but from the safety of their homes, they can still be part of a community.
Many people in Italy, New York, and other places hang out of their windows to sing or let healthcare workers know how much they appreciate and support their efforts.
People are still safe in their homes, but they are unified through an open window and a shared cause.
Not only can an open window help reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19, but fresh air is also imperative to your health.
If you keep your windows closed while you are stuck inside your home, the air will become stale and stuffy. Not only will you have to worry about coronavirus, but you may be exposing yourself to other microorganisms as well.
Keeping your windows closed allows dust to build up in your home. Since your family and pets are staying inside more often, there are more sources of dust.
You may not think of dust as being dangerous, but it can be.
Dust contains a lot of different elements, including skin and hair cells, both from you, your family, and your pets; dirt; insect waste; and potentially pet and human waste.
If someone in your family has an allergy or sensitivity to dust, then being stuck inside where it’s building up could have a negative impact. You or your loved one may experience itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or a runny nose.
There’s also the possibility that cold viruses or other bacteria can be trapped in the dust.
Thus, to ensure that you and your family are in good health, it’s beneficial to open your windows throughout the day and allow fresh air to come in.
The really great thing about opening windows right now is that since most people are inside their homes, there isn’t a lot of traffic on the street. That means that you don’t have to worry about a ton of pollutants or harmful gases getting into your space.
You may not have given your windows much thought in the past, but they are an incredibly important part of your home and office.
Right now, they are essential when it comes to combatting the spread of COVID-19 and helping with you, your family’s, and your employees’ overall wellbeing.
Having the right windows is imperative.
Since being able to open windows is essential at this point in time, it’s beneficial to have windows that are easy to open and close.
If the ones you currently have don’t open or are incredibly challenging to open, it may be time to invest in new ones.
This is especially true at commercial buildings where many windows won’t open. Adding even a few that allow fresh air into your space can be incredibly beneficial.
You might also consider getting windows that are easy to clean.
Since UV rays can kill COVID-19 and many other harmful bacteria and viruses, you will need your window to allow as much sunlight in as possible. Clean glass is able to achieve this goal better than glass that is covered with dirt and debris.
Windows that can swing open and around for easy cleaning are in your best interest.
In addition, since you’ll be relying heavily on your windows to allow you to look outside and feel connected to the world, the cleaner they are, the easier they are to see out of.
Now more than ever your windows are necessary. They keep you protected in many different ways, and they also keep you connected.
You may be worried about having professionals come to your home to install new windows, but at Forde Windows and Remodeling, Inc., your safety is on the top of our minds. We make sure we thoroughly understand your goals and objectives, and we go out of our way to make you comfortable.
Whether you need open windows in your home or commercial building, adding them during the current pandemic is imperative. Contact us today to find the windows that will contribute to your health and wellbeing.