Rising pollution outside also affects the air inside your home. So, when should you open your windows and when should you keep them closed? Learn easy ways to keep your home air clean.

The right time to open the window

With increasing pollution in winter, people struggle to find clean air even inside their homes. It's often believed that windows should always be closed to protect themselves from the outside air, but this isn't ideal. Indoor air is polluted by cooking, dust, smoke, and other factors. Therefore, it's crucial to keep fresh air flowing into the room. The question is, when should you open and close your windows when there's pollution outside? By keeping a few simple things in mind, you can improve the indoor air quality.

If there is a lot of pollution, keep the windows closed.

When pollution levels are high in your area, especially when the AQI is poor or very poor, it's best to keep your windows and doors closed. This will reduce the entry of dust and small particles of pollution into the house. Avoid opening windows, especially during the morning and late evening when pollution is high. According to the Union Health Ministry, on days with severe to very high pollution, ventilation can be allowed for a short period between 12 and 4 pm, if needed. This should also be decided based on the air quality outside. If the air outside is clear, open the windows for a while to allow fresh air into the house.

Follow these steps to keep the air in your home clean.

Simply keeping the windows closed doesn't clean the air in your home. Clean your home daily to prevent dust and smoke from accumulating. Wipe floors and furniture with a damp cloth instead of sweeping to prevent dust from flying into the air. Run the kitchen exhaust fan while cooking, and use an exhaust fan in the bathroom as well. Avoid lighting cigarettes, incense sticks, dhoop, or mosquito coils indoors, as these also release smoke and small particles into the air. If you have an air purifier, use it in your room. Clean and change its filters regularly.

Be sure to check the AQI before opening the window.

Decide whether to open or close your windows based on the air quality outside. To do this, check your area's air quality index daily. If the air quality is good, open the windows for a while to let in fresh air, but keep them closed if pollution increases. Ventilation is essential in the home. If anyone in the house is experiencing breathing problems, coughing, or eye irritation, don't ignore it.