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

As the weather starts to cool down, homeowners may want to let in the breeze into their homes. Before you crack open your windows, be sure to turn off your AC. Why? Because having your AC on with your windows open does more harm than good in your home. Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning advises homeowners to do either, but not both at the same time.

Here are some reasons why it is harmful to have your AC on with your windows open and other ways you can keep your home cool without running the AC.

Overworking Your AC

When you introduce air from the outside into your home, your AC unit works harder to provide the right temperature of air. While you may think the air outside is cooler, that is not always the case. Your AC unit could hold the colder air and with the windows open, that cold air will get pushed out of the house rather than kept inside.

Your AC could even go out from constant usage. To lower the risk of serious AC maintenance, make sure your windows are fully closed when you are running your AC unit.

Damaging Your AC From Humidity And Dust

One big difference between the air in your home and the air outside is the humidity levels. Air from the outside is higher in humidity, and the air outside also brings dust into your home. Both of these factors could impact your AC’s lifespan. Your AC filters air to make it more suitable for your home but inviting in the air from the outside causes problems to your unit. It could lead to a faulty thermostat and poorer air quality in your home. To limit the risk of damaging your AC, you shouldn’t run it with the windows open.

Higher Electric Bills

You’ll find that your electric bills will increase because of how hard your AC is working. Just as we mentioned before, your AC will work harder to try to keep your home cool when your windows are open. Keeping your AC on longer will run the energy cost higher. If you are looking for ways to lower your electric bill without overworking the AC, try one of these other solutions:

• Draw your curtains and blinds when it is warm
• Invest in blackout curtains or shutter blinds
• Tint your windows
• Insulate your home
• Research other HVAC systems that could benefit your home

Opening your windows isn’t the only solution to keeping your house cool without the AC. There are many other cost-effective ways to keep your home cool and your electric bill low.

When You Should Contact An AC Repair Company

If you have any concerns with your AC unit, you should contact professional repair companies to take a look before it becomes a serious problem. Homeowners should always take precautions to make sure their AC unit lasts a long time without major repairs. If you’re looking for Meridian air conditioning services, Heblon Heating & Air Conditioning would love to help out. Contact us today to set up a consultation!