Mythbusters has proven that rolling down your windows instead of turning on the air conditioner while driving is better for fuel mileage. But can the same concept be applied to your home? In this post, Superior Air, an expert in air conditioning repair, discusses what you need to know about the cooling and energy efficiency effects of keeping your air conditioner on during hot weather versus simply opening your windows.
Benefits of Opening Your Windows
Strategically opening windows can work well for homeowners who live in cooler climates. Indoor pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that eminate from cleaning products, paint and new furniture can aggravate allergies, but the natural ventilation that comes from opening the windows will help reduce this risk by drawing in fresh air and improving the home’s indoor air quality.
Benefits of Keeping Your Air Conditioner On
Today’s air conditioning systems perform better and are much more energy-efficient than early models. This means that your air conditioning unit can maintain the desired temperature for a longer period of time without consuming as much energy. If you’re concerned about outside humidity, then it’s better to keep your home tightly sealed and your AC running throughout the summer. As an air conditioning maintenance expert, we recommend doing this because, for many people, letting in outside humidity will make the home feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Even if you were to only open your windows at night, you’d still be increasing the amount of moisture and humidity inside your home. This additional moisture in the air also makes your air conditioning system work harder and consume more energy, offsetting the money you’d save by keeping your air conditioning system shut off. In summary, if you live in a warm and humid climate, keep your air conditioning system turned on.
At Superior Air, we’re the leading choice for air conditioning installation, maintenance and repairs in our area. We take pride in our work and strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. Give us a call at (559) 342-0023 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our products and services. We serve clients in Visalia, CA.
