Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot?

According to international weather statistics, temperatures are going up thanks to environmental changes. In 2022, we can expect to see a much hotter (and longer) summer in most parts of the world. With hot summers, unfortunately, comes almost unbearably hot temperatures on the inside of homes and offices. Should you open or close your windows when summer temperatures have your home temperatures rising?

Hot temperatures can mean a fast rate of dehydration, and they can even increase your chance of developing a serious headache. Here’s what you should know about what science has to say you should do with your windows in the middle of a heat wave or hot summer day.

Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot?

A Hot, Long Summer in 2022

We can expect to see a hotter, longer summer in 2022 than we have in previous years. Environmental changes mean that the United States is expected to be hotter than before. Even if you live in a traditionally cool air region, summer temperatures are expected to rise.

If you have never needed a fan or air-conditioning before, this might be the first summer you’re tempted to get one or the other.

Opening and closing your windows can let some of the air in, but also lets some of the cool air in the house out.

Is opening a window going to make the heat inside of the home better…or any worse?

The Signs of Incoming Heat

If you have any plants inside your house (a recommended option for everyone), watch them closely to see early signs of incoming heat.

When plants start to turn their leaves or flowers to the sun earlier each day, you’re in for rising temperatures. Leaves can also start to look dejected in serious heat waves. When leaves droop down or the plant starts to require more water than usual to perk back up, it can be another sign of incoming heat.

Less rain (and morning condensation on the lawn or other leafy plants) can also signal that warmer temperatures are on the way.

Watch the Temperature

Install a simple home thermometer on the inside of the home, or download a temperature app for your smartphone. It’s smart to keep an eye on temperatures inside the house so that you can know when you are edging toward extreme heat levels.

High heat can be dangerous and puts inhabitants right in the line of fire for UV ray exposure and dehydration. Health-wise, strokes and heart attacks can be more common on a hot day, especially if you already have a heart condition.

Keep an eye on temperatures as you go into the summer months. It’s easier (and safer) than even an expert’s guess.

Science Says…

Science says you should open up your windows when rooms start to feel warm and stuffy. When hot air gets trapped in a room, closed windows can deplete some of the most necessary oxygen. As a result, temperatures will continue to rise inside your home.

When you hit a heat wave, it is best to open up windows until temperatures on the outside have risen further. Once you have managed to create some airflow and let more oxygen back into the house, close the windows again.

The UK National Health Service has a slightly different answer to opening and closing windows on a hot day.

For inhabitants in the UK, scientists recommend keeping windows closed during the height of a heat wave.

Windows should only be opened to let oxygen and air flow through a home. However, you will want to close the windows in higher temperatures to ensure that you aren’t baking your house in the sun.

What About Curtains?

Curtains can do a lot to disperse air. Thicker or darker curtains can block a lot of the warm air from entering your space. In a heat wave, it’s best to put up (and close) thick curtains. Open the curtains only when necessary, such as when the house feels like it could use some flowing oxygen on the inside.

If the heat becomes too much on the inside of the house, use this quick tip and hang a wet sheet in front of an open window. Hanging a wet sheet over an open window serves much of the same point as an air-conditioning unit. This energy-efficient summer home cooling tip can drop the temperature by just a few degrees in a hurry.

Additional Reading: Keep Your Cool AND Save Your Money this Summer – Energystar.gov

North Country Windows & Baths in Lincoln, NE, and the Surrounding Areas

At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom-made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

Whether you want a soaker tub surrounded by subway tile or a low threshold shower with granite-like walls, you can customize your BathWraps space and even add accessories like soap dishes, caddies, seating, grab bars, and more Contact us today.