Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air is a standard best practice for improving indoor air quality. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increasing ventilation can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family.

• Open the windows, or screened doors, if possible
• Operate a window air conditioner that has an outdoor air intake or vent, with the vent open (some window air conditioners do not have outside air intakes)
• Open the outside air intake of the HVAC system, if yours has one (this is not common). Consult your HVAC manual or an HVAC professional for details.
• Operate a bathroom fan when the bathroom is in use and continuously, if possible

Avoid these actions when outdoor air pollution is high or when it makes your home too cold, hot, or humid. For more information on increasing ventilation in homes, read residential guidance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).Exit

Return to Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).