Use Windows for Cross Ventilation

Keep cool and comfortable with less air conditioning.

Photo: Istock

By Brian Clark Howard

In many areas, you can save money on cooling bills by opening up your windows in the mornings and evenings, when the temperatures are typically more pleasant.

Cross ventilation works by taking advantage of high and low pressure zones created by wind to draw fresh air through a building. Breezes enter through a window or vent, bringing fresh air, while the pressure difference on both sides of the building pulls stale air out an opening in the other side. The key, of course, is to have open windows (or vents) on opposite sides of the structure.

Get the best results by working with the predominant direction of winds. You can also set up fans to alternately push or pull air from outside in.

Cross ventilation is also great for exchanging out indoor air, which tends to get loaded with volatile organic compounds, mold spores and other toxins from off-gassing of products in the home.

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