Can I leave my windows open while my air conditioner is running?

Is it okay to leave my windows open while my air conditioner is on? This is one of the most common queries we receive. Sadly, there is no conclusive response to this query. Some individuals think that leaving windows open causes the heat from the AC to escape and raises the indoor temperature. Others contend that letting more light into your home throughout the summer will help you save money and energy. It all boils down to what might work best for you in your particular circumstances.

Consequently, what will happen if I don't shut my windows throughout the summer?

The temperature inside your home will rise when the A/C is running if you decide not to close your windows during the summer (which many people do since they don't want to lose any air conditioning or cross ventilation). Increased energy use, dampness, and mold growth within the walls can result from this. You are essentially increasing the amount of moisture in your home by doing this. So, if you live somewhere that is extremely humid, like Florida, Georgia, or Alabama, condensation issues could be a big concern.

How Much Heat Can Leave Your Home When the Windows Are Open?

The quantity of heat that can escape via your windows and how long you keep them closed are the two main elements in this situation. Take each of them individually. It's not too difficult to determine the first factor. According to most studies, as long as the windows are closed, just 6–10% of the total heat from your central air system escapes through them. This means that before the heat from the air conditioner exits, 90–90% of it must enter your home. The remainder is up, down, and circular.

How long do you keep your windows closed? This brings us to the second consideration. For instance, the study reveals that around 35% of the heat that enters from outside doesn't even make it past your windows if you live in Texas and keep your windows closed during the day and open your garage door at night. In other words, 75% of the heat inside your home is trapped and never escapes.

Because closing your windows at night prevents fresh air from entering your home, doing so will undoubtedly result in higher energy costs. Although it won't have much of an impact, closing your windows for a few hours at a time will. From May through September, we advise keeping them closed for between 8 and 12 hours each day. Why twelve hours? It's really quite easy. When a house is closed for 12 hours, it gets too hot to be kept cool overnight.

The air from outside must enter your home when you open your windows. You always lose some heat when you balance the hot air flowing in with the chilly air leaving. As a result, opening your windows allows more heat to enter your house. Contact HVAC Installation and Repair Guide in Northern Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia, for help with installing and fixing heating, cooling, and HVAC systems.