Understanding How Operating Windows Ventilate Differently

All operating windows (i.e., those that can be opened and closed) provide some degree of ventilation. However, some are more efficient than others. In today’s blog, Renewal by Andersen® of Portland explores the ventilation potential of these operable window styles:

Casement

Design-wise, the casement is the best window for controlling and directing ventilation. Its singular sash is hinged on one side and can crank open, meaning the entire window opens outward like a door to admit refreshing breezes and dispense moist air. Installing casement replacement windows on opposite walls allows cross-ventilation, optimizing airflow within the room.

Bow

A bow window is composed of four to six windows in an arc that project outward. Choosing operable windows for your bow window provides a huge area of wall space that ventilates, leading to better indoor air quality.

Bay

Compared with the bow, the bay is slightly smaller. Comprising three glass panels, its middle one is usually inoperable and used primarily for daylighting and framing the view. The flanker units are often double-hung or casement windows, which provide excellent ventilation. These type of replacement windows can help regulate your indoor temperature naturally.

Sliding

Sliding windows typically have two staggered sashes that only allow 50% of the opening unobstructed at best, but they provide top-to-bottom ventilation. Plus, they’re typically short but broad, lending themselves to small walls.

Double-Hung

While double-hung windows don’t provide the largest pathways for the air to circulate, they don’t rely on external winds to increase ventilation. Rather, these replacement windows take advantage of air stratification, in which hot air exits through the upper opening and cool, refreshing air enters through the lower opening. This effect is more noticeable the closer the window is to the ceiling.

Let Renewal by Andersen of Portland help you boost your home’s natural ventilation with replacement windows. Call us at (503) 419-3960 to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation and estimate in Tigard, West Linn or Beaverton, OR.