Open Windows – A Common Air Conditioning Mistake

Summertime is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather, but it can also be a costly time for your air conditioning bill. One of the biggest mistakes people make when running their air conditioner is leaving windows open. This causes all sorts of problems, including incorrect cycling, dust, and humidity. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of opening windows while running your air conditioner and how to properly close your windows to get the most out of your AC!

The Problem with Open Windows

Incorrect Cycling

People often think that they will save money by leaving the windows open and letting the cool air from outside come in. However, this is not the case! You are actually wasting money and cool air by doing this.

One of the most important things your air conditioner does is cycle on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. When you leave a window open, it can cause your air conditioner to cycle incorrectly and make your home too hot or too cold. This can be avoided by simply closing your windows!

Wasting Electricity

Your air conditioner doesn’t know what the temperature is like outside. When you leave a window open, cool air escapes and hot air replaces it, tricking your air conditioner into thinking that it has to work harder and waste electricity. By keeping your windows shut, you can save money on your air conditioning bill and keep your home cool and comfortable.

Increased Dust and Pollen

Opening windows while air conditioning is running can cause dust and pollen to enter your home. This can be a problem for people who suffer from asthma or pollen allergies. By keeping your windows closed, you can avoid letting in any unwanted dust or pollen.

Humidity and Mold

Opening windows while running the air conditioner can allow external humidity to enter, raising the moisture level inside your home. This can make it feel muggy and uncomfortable. It can also lead to mold growth, which can be a dangerous health hazard. When using air conditioning, keep your windows closed to maintain a comfortable humidity level inside your home.

So how do you avoid these air conditioning mistakes? The best thing you can do for your air conditioner is to run it at night when it is already coolest and then keep windows and doors shut as much as possible during the day. This will help your air conditioner work less and save you money on your energy bill. If you must open a window during the day, make sure to close it as soon as possible so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work overtime.

How to Properly Close Your Windows

Now that you know the importance of keeping your windows closed, you may be wondering how to properly close them.

Use Heavy Curtains or Blinds

When trying to keep your home cool it can feel like the sun is your enemy. To keep out sunlight and heat, use heavy curtains or blinds. This will create another barrier between your home and the outdoors, making it easier for your air conditioner to do its job.

Install Weatherstripping

If you have windows that are old or ill-fitting, air can still escape. To make sure your windows are properly sealed, install weatherstripping to seal any gaps around your windows.

Turn On Floor or Ceiling Fans

It may seem old-fashioned, but sometimes the best tricks are the oldest ones in the book.  Using a floor or ceiling fan can help circulate air and make your home feel cooler without having to rely on your air conditioner as much.

Additional Problems

If you’ve followed all the steps listed above and your home is still sweltering hot, it’s best to call in an AC specialist to give your AC a tune-up.  By doing this, you can avoid any air conditioning mistakes and keep your home air-healthy.

By following these tips, you can avoid air conditioning mistakes and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. So next time you turn on your air conditioner, make sure to close those windows!

If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our comfort specialists, contact us today! Our team of experts is always ready to help you with any HVAC issues.