Ventilation is an important part of planning for a replacement window installation. Proper ventilation can do wonders in increasing your energy efficiency as well as improving the indoor air quality levels of your home and choosing the right style of replacement windows is vital in facilitating adequate ventilation. This is especially beneficial in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture and humidity are high, but its advantages can also cover almost any room in your house.
Passive ventilation makes use of doors and windows to create an environment where air can flow freely through your home. Let our window experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Rapid City give you a few tips on how to maximize passive ventilation with your replacement windows.
Letting Fresh Air Inside
Wind direction is the biggest factor in passive ventilation. You want to use operable windows to face the direction where the wind generally blows from throughout the year so a picture window installation might not be your best choice. Wind direction can vary from one place to another. Consult with your local replacement window contractor to determine which windows should be installed to get the most ventilation.
Stale Air Goes Out
Conversely, windows can also serve as “exit points” for your passive ventilation. Most experts recommend placing these exit points a little higher because warm air tends to rise up. Specialty windows with operable transoms are the ideal style for this purpose. Ask your contractor about customization options that can allow your windows to have operable frames that are higher than normal.
Best Practices in Passive Ventilation
Keeping your windows in good shape should be your top priority. This means keeping up with all double-hung window repair and maintenance requirements to ensure the performance of your replacement windows. In addition, allow your home to be ventilated for up to 15 minutes at least five times every week to get the best results.
Learn more about how to use passive ventilation with the help of our experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Rapid City. Give us a call at (605) 341-7831 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on replacement windows today. We serve homeowners in Rapid City, as well as other and nearby areas in SD.
