Many people believe that leaving the windows open while you are running the air conditioner will help speed up the cooling process or allow clean, fresh air to enter the home.
Most of the time, both these ideas are false, and you are actually doing more harm than good to your HVAC system. Keeping those windows closed gets you better cooling for less money.
In this article, we will examine the problems with leaving the windows open while running your AC and better ways that you can help keep your rooms cool all summer.
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Added Stress on Your HVAC System
If the outdoor temperature is higher than it is indoors, you should always keep your windows closed. Air conditioners work best when used in a small, confined area because it can gradually cool all the air in the room.
If you are constantly allowing warm, outdoor air to enter the room, the air conditioner will have to keep working in order to cool the new air.
This means that it will run longer and harder, putting stress on your system and raising the chances that it will malfunction sooner than it otherwise would.
Excess Humidity Concerns
Air conditioners work best in hot, dry conditions. In order for an AC to cool, it has to take the moisture out of the air. In certain climates or during specific weather patterns, leaving the windows open can let in too much moisture.
The air conditioner will have to increase its energy output to make up for the added moisture. This is true even if you only open the windows at night when it is cooler.
Studies have shown that the added humidity that enters the home overnight can increase the energy output during the rest of the day.
When all is said and done, this may mean that your attempts to save power by opening your windows may cost you more in the end. If you live in a warm, humid climate, it may be best to leave your windows closed and just use your air conditioner for the entirety of the summer.
In drier climates, you still might benefit from strategically opening windows at times when the outdoor temperature is lower than the inside.
Potential for Poor Air Quality
If you are careful about changing your air filters regularly and maintaining a clean HVAC system, your indoor air quality can be extremely good. This is especially true if you have special systems designed to remove allergens from the air.
Opening your windows can let in dust, pollen, and other pollution and counteract what your system has been designed to do. For those that suffer from allergies, keeping the windows closed and letting your HVAC system do its job is the best option.
Better Options for Keeping Cool
In most cases, it is best to keep your windows closed and find other ways to help out your air conditioner. Here are some simple ways that you can keep cool and increase the efficiency of your AC.
- Close curtains or blinds to keep out direct sunlight
- Install window tints (and use in combination with curtains) for even more protection against sunlight
- Add more insulation to your home including: walls, the roof, and floors
- Change your air filters regularly
- Get an AC tune-up at the start of each season
- Use a different thermostat setting when you’re on vacation
Kuna, ID Air Conditioning Services
Air conditioning is a huge benefit during the dog days of summer. If your air conditioner is not keeping up with the heat, give Snowflake Air a call for AC repair and service in Kuna, ID and across Boise Metro.
