There’s a reason opening the windows feels so good on a nice day. Your home instantly feels lighter and fresher. And it’s not just a feeling — airing out your home can improve air quality, reduce moisture, and make your space more comfortable to live in.
After a long Alberta winter with the windows shut tight, it’s one of the easiest ways to refresh your space.
Why indoor air quality matters
Most people think outdoor air is the bigger concern. But indoor air can build up too, especially when your home stays closed for long stretches.
Everyday things add to the air inside your home:
- Furniture and flooring release small amounts of chemicals
- Cleaning products can linger after you use them
- Cooking creates smoke and grease in the air
- Paint and building materials can keep releasing fumes over time
In a well-sealed home, that air doesn’t go anywhere. It just hangs around and gets reused.
The benefits of airing out your home
A little fresh air goes a long way. Open the windows, pushing out stale and bringing in the fresh air. Even a few minutes can make a noticeable difference.
Less moisture, less mould risk
Moisture builds up from cooking, showers, and even breathing. That moisture can settle on cooler surfaces like windows or walls, and over time, that’s how mould starts.
Relief from allergens
Dust, pet hair, and other allergens can build up over winter.
Letting in fresh air and changing your furnace filter will help reduce what’s floating around inside your home.
No more lingering smells
Air fresheners cover odours. Fresh air clears them out. Cooking smells, pet odours, and that closed-up winter smell all improve with a good airing out.
Better sleep and mental wellbeing
Stale air, especially in bedrooms, can make it harder to sleep well and leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Letting in fresh air helps clear it out, making it easier to breathe and keeping your space more comfortable overnight.
How to air out your home properly
Cracking a window helps, but a few simple steps make a bigger difference:
- Open windows across your home. Opening windows on opposite sides helps air move through your space instead of just sitting near one window.
- Turn on exhaust fans. Bathroom and kitchen fans help pull stale air out and bring fresh air in faster.
- Pick a good time. Morning is usually best when it’s cooler and the air feels fresher. Early evening works too.
- Leave them open long enough. Five minutes helps, but 20-30 minutes gives you a real refresh. Longer is even better if the weather allows.
- Don’t forget the basement. Basements often feel damp and stale. Opening windows on dry, breezy days helps improve airflow.
- Watch pollen levels. If you have allergies, high pollen days might not be worth it. Morning is usually a safer bet.
When you can’t open the windows
Some days it’s too hot, or the outdoor air isn’t great. On those days, your HVAC system does the heavy lifting.
Here’s what to do when your windows need to stay closed:
- Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter recirculates dust, allergens, and particles back into your living space instead of trapping them. Check it monthly during heavy use seasons.
- Choose a higher-rated filter. Standard fibreglass filters catch large particles. A pleated filter with a higher MERV rating is much better at catching fine dust, pet dander, and mould spores.
- Clean your ducts regularly. Dust, debris, and allergens accumulate inside your duct system over time and spread every time your system runs. A professional cleaning removes that buildup.
- Book an annual HVAC tune-up. If your furnace or A/C hasn’t been serviced recently, it may not be doing its job as well as it should. A well-maintained system circulates and filters air more effectively.
Frequently asked questions about airing out your home
How often should I air out my home?
Once a week is a good habit if the weather is on your side. After a long Alberta winter, you can do it more often and for longer. Even in winter, opening a window for 10-15 minutes on a mild day helps freshen things up without losing too much heat.
What’s the best time of day to air out my home?
Morning is usually your best bet. It’s cooler, the air tends to be fresher, and pollen levels are often lower. Early evening works too. Try to avoid the middle of the day when it’s hot or the air quality isn’t great.
Does airing out my home actually help improve air quality?
Yes. Fresh air helps push out stale air that builds up from everyday things like cooking, cleaning, and just living in your home. Even 20 minutes can make your space feel noticeably fresher.
Does airing out my home help prevent mould?
It can. Mould needs moisture to grow, and letting in fresh air helps that moisture escape, especially in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Should I air out my home in winter?
Even in an Alberta winter, a brief airing out on milder days helps clear out stale air without making your home too cold.
What if I can't open the windows?
That’s where your HVAC system comes in. Make sure your filter is clean and your system is running well. Over time, things like duct cleaning and regular tune-ups can also help keep your air cleaner.
