Proper ventilation (i.e., air flow) can improve the air quality inside and make you more healthy and productive. It removes pollutants in the air and controls humidity, which can be a major source of health hazards. It does this by bringing in fresh air from outside. Proper ventilation can prevent the spread of COVID19 and other airborne diseases.
CAUTION! Ventilation only works when air quality outside is better than air quality inside.
Examples of when outdoor air quality is worse than indoor air quality include:
- Spending a significant amount of time (i.e. working or living) next to an industrial area
- Spending a significant amount of time (i.e. working or living) near major roads and highways or anywhere vehicles are idling for long periods of time
- During wildfires events
- On high ozone days
Keep the building closed up until the outdoor air quality threat passes. The Centers for Disease Control maintains a website on current air quality by zip code.
To improve ventilation:
- Open door(s) and window(s) to the outside.
- Use a fan or open windows when burning gas for cooking or heat.
- Use an air conditioner with its vent control set to the open position.
- Use ceiling fans to keep indoor air moving around and prevent mold and mildew growth.