Air quality

Should you open the window when air pollution is high?

When air pollution is very high, it is best not to keep the window open for long; but the home should not go without air either. Airing briefly when pollution is relatively low and fitting a filter to the window is a balanced solution.

Published: 17 October 2026 · 2 min read

Should you open the window when air pollution is high?

Short answer

Shutting the window completely when the air is polluted makes indoor air worse. But letting polluted air straight in is not ideal either. The answer is timing and filtering.

Timing

Follow official air quality readings.
In the heating season, pollution usually rises in the evening.
In windy or rainy weather, pollution often drops.

Filtering

Window filter lets air through while holding back a large share of soot and fine dust. On polluted days, fewer particles get in when you open the window briefly.

A window filter does not hold back gases. When pollution is very high, you may need to keep the window shut.

Extra measures

Do not smoke indoors, and use fewer candles and incense.
Run the cooker hood while cooking.

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Last updated: 17 October 2026