Is It Bad To Have Your Windows Open AND Run Your AC?

In general, it is not a good idea to run the AC while your home’s windows are open at the same time. Below, our Air Tech of Humble team shares the ways this wastes air conditioning and worsens indoor air quality.

Opening windows interferes with an HVAC system’s ability to cool a space because the system is designed to function with a completely sealed home. Untreated air — both in regards to temperature and purity — enters as air escapes through open windows.

What Happens To AC When Windows Are Open?

If the system is on, the majority of the air that an air conditioner blows into your home will escape through open windows. Because an AC system is built with rotational air movement in mind, to make it colder while windows are open, you’ll need to re-adjust the system’s settings.

Internal Components Wear Down Prematurely

Increased levels of debris and moisture are carried inside the house by the air from outside. These changes have the potential to wear down and harm various system components, which are not designed to process everything contained in outdoor air.

Thermostats, filters and other HVAC components will have issues due to accumulating coatings of grit and particles.

Increased Utility And Service Expenses

The air that enters the unit isn’t being filtered or treated as it would be if it came from inside, so the AC system will need to work harder to chill and purify it. Your utility expenses will increase significantly as a result of the additional strain placed on the HVAC system.

As the system strains to create air of the same quality, it’s performance will decline and create broken parts. After some time, this will lead to more repairs visits — you may even find yourself scheduling an AC replacement.

Air Quality

Not only does your home’s clean air escape through an open window, but soiled air is also let in. This means that your air conditioning system is circulating dirty air around your home, exposing you and your family to it. Your cooling and heating system can also be harmed by the new dust, which coats its coils and parts, preventing them from functioning as intended.

What Can You Do In Place Of Leaving Windows Open?

In order to avoid lowering your home’s indoor air quality, you should not leave your windows open for extended periods of time. Although you make think the air is colder outdoors, you can take the following steps to maintain your home at a cool temperature, without opening any windows:

Using Curtains or Blinds

Adjust your drapes and blinds when you see that the sun is up, beaming and heating up by the second. Your room will stay cool if you keep it out of direct sunshine. This impact will vary for different regions, but functions by preventing the heat from the sun’s rays from entering the house.

Window Tinting

It can be very helpful to keep moderate temperatures in your home if you have tints installed alongside drapes. Windows with tints reflect light in the opposite direction to avoid heat entering the home.

Insulation

You have a limitless variety of materials to choose from when insulating your walls, floors and roof. Although insulating will surely cost you financially, it is a long-term fix that will save you money.

Insulation functions by keeping warm air from entering and cool air from leaving your home. Your air conditioner runs less frequently to provide a comfortable indoor atmosphere with proper insulation.

Humble Air Conditioner Services

We proudly serve our community as an HVAC repair company to make all homes comfortable and safe. If you are in need of AC maintenance, do not hesitate to contact Air Tech of Humble. It is our mission to provide you with the utmost satisfaction to restore your home’s comfort.