When we moved from Denver to New York, one of the first things I found unusual was how rarely people here open their windows.
In Denver, I used to open the windows wide every morning, even when snow had fallen outside. Now I have windows that only open partially, so I’ve spent the past few months trying to convince my husband to replace them. He thinks we have more important expenses, and every morning I find another reason why we need new ones.
Just five to ten minutes of ventilation can reduce carbon dioxide levels, remove some of the moisture that has accumulated overnight, and help get rid of unpleasant odors. Of course, provided the outdoor air is clean.
What particularly bothers me is seeing more and more green spaces disappear in big cities every year. New York has beautiful parks, but I find it difficult to watch old trees being removed to make way for new buildings.
Here are a few reasons why I believe it’s important to air out our homes every day.
1. Fresh Air Reduces Carbon Dioxide Levels That Build Up Overnight
The first thing I do when I get up is open the bedroom window, because after eight hours of sleep, especially during winter, the air often becomes so stuffy that I can’t wait to replace it. I notice the biggest difference in the children’s bedrooms, where the doors usually remain closed overnight.
I recently read an article about the benefits of winter ventilation in my favorite magazine, Martha Stewart. What particularly caught my attention was the explanation that briefly opening two windows on opposite sides of a room can quickly reduce carbon dioxide levels indoors.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels often indicate inadequate ventilation, so I advise my readers to start their morning ventilation routine in the bedrooms. It’s best to open the windows as soon as you get up, as you make the beds or prepare breakfast, so airing out your home doesn’t become another chore.
2. Less Moisture in Your Home Means a Lower Risk of Mold
Condensation on the windows was one of my biggest problems during my first winter in New York, because almost every morning I found water droplets on the glass and the lower part of the window frame. At first, I would simply grab a cloth and wipe away the water, until I realized that I was dealing with the symptom rather than the cause.
We release moisture through our breath during the night, and activities such as cooking, showering, and drying laundry add even more moisture throughout the day. When humid air comes into contact with cold glass, condensation forms, and prolonged moisture buildup can create conditions for mold growth. According to the recommendations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, relative humidity in the home should be between 30 and 50 percent.
3. Opening Windows Reduces Indoor Air Pollutants
For years, I thought a clean house was automatically a healthier house, so I regularly vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned the kitchen without giving much thought to the substances left in the air after all those chores.
Cleaning products, air fresheners, scented candles, and certain pieces of furniture can release various pollutants.
I used to light scented candles after cleaning, but nowadays I prefer to open the windows and let fresh air into the apartment.
I particularly recommend ventilating the kitchen after preparing food and airing out rooms where you’ve used cleaning products, always following the instructions on their packaging.
4. Brief Ventilation Doesn’t Have to Cool Down Your Home Significantly
My husband has a fairly reasonable argument against my morning routine, because he doesn’t want us to pay for heating and then let all the warm air escape through the window. Still, there’s a big difference between leaving a window slightly open for several hours and opening two windows wide for five minutes.
The latter allows for faster air exchange without the need to keep the windows open long enough for the walls and furniture to cool down significantly.
How I Air Out My Apartment During Winter
After more than two decades of taking care of a home, I value advice that doesn’t require much time. That’s why I like simple recommendations that I can easily adapt to my family’s needs.
5. Ventilating Your Bedroom Can Help Improve Sleep Quality
When the children were younger, I often kept all the windows and doors closed during winter to preserve the warmth, but over time I realized that an overheated, stuffy bedroom isn’t a pleasant place to rest.
Of course, an open window doesn’t guarantee better sleep, but brief ventilation can help reduce carbon dioxide levels and regulate the room’s temperature. My advice is to do it before going to bed rather than leaving the window open throughout the entire cold night.
When Should You Avoid Opening Your Windows?
As much as I love fresh air, life in New York has taught me that an open window isn’t always a good idea, particularly because of traffic, smoke, and occasional air quality alerts.
That’s why I regularly check AirNow, especially on days when pollution levels are high or there’s a noticeable smell of smoke in the city. In such situations, I postpone my morning ventilation routine and use appropriate ventilation and an air purifier.
I give the same advice to families with someone who has a pollen allergy, because it’s important to monitor pollen levels before opening the windows. Fresh air is beneficial, but only when the outdoor air is clean enough.
Final Thoughts: Five Minutes I Don’t Want to Give Up Every Morning
After more than two decades of taking care of a home, I’ve learned that the best household habits don’t have to be complicated or expensive, and morning ventilation is one I’ve never given up. It helps me get rid of stale air, reduce excess moisture, and make our apartment more comfortable for the whole family.
My husband still isn’t convinced that we need new windows, but at least he now admits that breakfast is more pleasant in a room that has been properly aired out. Maybe one day we’ll finally replace the windows, but until then, I’ll continue opening them as much as I can every morning.
My advice is to start tomorrow with a few minutes of ventilation. Check the outdoor air quality, open the windows as you prepare breakfast, and close them before the rooms get too cold. A simple habit can become an important part of your daily routine for a healthier home.
