How often do you open your windows? – GreenBuildingAdvisor

I think this is a very complicated topic and is really personalized to each user and their circumstances.

For example, the first thing to consider with window selection and the expectations of opening windows is IAQ.

Opening windows let’s polluted air in. Where you live can really change the importance of this consideration. For example, I live in a big city, I get lots of airborne tire particulates. It’s great.

I tend to like to keep my windows closed, where a filter box and ERV can filter the incoming ‘fresh’ air. My partner likes to open them because the Germans do that.

If you don’t have a mechanical ventilation strategy, and don’t open windows, you build up indoor pollutants,.like you’re own CO2 or VOC’s off all things within the home. The cooking we do. Etc.

Then there is the connection to outside to consider as Malcolm pointed out. Being able to shout at people outside from inside your home is something some people like to do. Indoor/outdoor design is like the cool thing now.

I find window screens suck. You get some large casement windows for the thought of the view but they really obscure that view and sunlight, and airflow. Otherwise bugs fly in.

I would really like an indoor/outdoor kitchen one day, so I can do all my high smoke steak searing outside, and not have to get into complicated hood systems. But leaving that wide of door open might cause other problems.

I agree that casement windows are highly annoying. We just need simple outswing with a cam latch to tightly close it against a seal. And a sideways retractable screen. I guess that’s a lot to ask for.

Jamie