If you or your family suffer from seasonal allergies, indoor air quality matters more than ever. While you might blame pollen or pet dander, there’s one surprising culprit that often gets overlooked: your windows.
Old, drafty, or poorly sealed windows can let in pollen, mold spores, wildfire smoke, and other airborne irritants — even when they’re closed. In this post, we’ll explain how outdated windows can impact your health and what you can do to fix it.
1. Air Leaks = Allergen Highways
Over time, windows lose their airtight seal. This allows outside air — and everything in it — to enter your home through tiny gaps and cracks.
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers sneaks in during spring and summer.
- Dust and mold spores can blow in with even a mild breeze.
- Smoke and fine particles from nearby wildfires or wood-burning stoves can easily enter drafty homes.
2. Old Screens Don’t Help Either
Window screens are your first line of defense — but only if they’re in good shape. Torn, loose, or poorly fitting screens do little to stop allergens from coming in when windows are open. Many older homes still have damaged or outdated screens that offer no real barrier against pollen or bugs.
3. Condensation and Mold Growth
Old single-pane or poorly insulated windows often have condensation issues. That trapped moisture leads to mold growth around the frame and sill, which then releases spores into the air. This can seriously affect people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities.
4. Wildfire Smoke? Your Windows Matter.
During the recent wildfires affecting our area, many homes could smell the smoke — even when doors and windows were closed. If your windows are over 20 years old, chances are they don’t seal tightly enough to keep out airborne pollution.
Newer, energy-efficient windows have tighter seals, improved insulation, and modern weather stripping that helps keep smoke, pollen, and outside air where it belongs: outside.
5. The Benefits of Upgrading Your Windows
Replacing your windows isn’t just about curb appeal or energy efficiency — it can have a real impact on your home’s air quality.
- Reduce allergy symptoms by limiting pollen and dust infiltration
- Prevent mold growth caused by condensation
- Block smoke and fine particles from wildfires or urban pollution
- Improve HVAC performance by keeping the air inside clean and consistent
Breathe Easier With New Vision Windows
If you’ve been sneezing, wheezing, or dusting more than usual — your old windows may be part of the problem. We make it easy to upgrade to airtight, energy-efficient windows designed to improve indoor comfort and protect your family’s health.