During the winter months, colds and flus run rampant. There are a ton of ways to help prevent getting sick, including washing your hands often and getting the flu shot, but one method you might not know about is opening your windows.

THE HARMS OF KEEPING YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED 

Because of how cold the winter is, you probably want to keep your windows locked shut, but this could actually be causing the spread of germs. When it’s warm inside, more moisture builds up, triggering the growth of bacteria and viruses. These germs stay trapped within your home because the windows are opened less in the winter. Keeping the windows closed can cause bacteria and viruses to multiply, as well as trap more dust, mold, and smoke inside of your house. These harmful particles can irritate the eyes and sinuses, and also cause headaches, coughing, and fevers.

Since it’s so cold outside, we tend to stay indoors a lot more during the winter, causing us to be in closer contact with harmful germs and the people who may be carrying them. This is especially seen on public transport. Instead of walking to work or the store, many people choose to take the bus or train in cold weather. This means a lot more potentially sick people are sneezing and coughing on the windows that we touch regularly.

THE BENEFITS OF OPENING YOUR WINDOWS

When we spend so much time indoors, we need to make sure that we are getting fresh air. Keeping your windows and doors shut keeps the warm air in and the cold air out, but it also keeps healthy air out. Even though it is cold, it’s still vital that we open our windows. You don’t have to do it for long – 20 minutes to an hour every day allows fresh air in. This will let some of the moisture and bacteria that’s been building up in your home escape.

When you let the bad air out and good air in, you are at less of a risk of catching the cold or flu. Some studies even show that opening the windows every day creates a healthier microbiome in your home. Circulating your air can improve your overall health in addition to making you more impervious to sicknesses. 

CONCLUSION

While it is important to open your windows every day, it’s also important to keep your windows clean. At Ernest Windows, Inc., we clean internal and external windows. Our services not only keep your windows spotless, but eliminate germs from them! Let us clean your windows today! To read more about our window washing services, visit our website.