There are plenty of reasons why we might leave our windows open. You might have accidentally burned your dinner and need to air out your smoke-filled kitchen. Or maybe you’re doing a deep cleaning of your home and want to make sure the fumes from your household cleaners don’t stay in.
No matter the case, keeping your windows open while running your AC isn’t good for your unit. An open window lets out the cool air in your home, causing your AC system to work harder to constantly maintain the set temperature. Think of a beach ball with a hole in it. No matter how much effort you put into blowing the ball up, it will never stay properly inflated.
Here are some insights from Champion AC & Plumbing on how to keep your home cool with your windows closed!
How Does Leaving Your Window Open Affect Your AC?
For more than one reason, leaving your windows open while your AC is running isn’t something you should do. Some of those reasons being:
System Works Harder
Open windows let cool air out and hot air in, which means your AC has to work constantly to make sure that hot air is being cooled. This puts more strain on your system than normal and will reduce your AC lifespan over time.
Uses More Electricity
When your AC is running constantly, it’s also using more energy than usual to keep it going. And as we all know, higher energy usage leads to higher utility bills and less money in your wallet.
Requires More AC Maintenance
When your cooling system is working hard, parts are more likely to wear out and break, eventually causing your system to malfunction. These repairs can be expensive, and an AC breakdown can pose a safety risk considering how hot it can get in Texas.
Can I Keep My Windows Open With The AC Off?
When the sun goes down in Austin in warmer months, so does the temperature. You might think about giving your cooling system a break by shutting it down at night and opening your windows to let the breeze keep you cool.
While giving your system a break has its benefits, it’s still not the best idea to leave your windows open. Open windows let in contaminants that bring your home’s air quality down, and your AC can’t filter these contaminants out of the air when it’s off.
How Can I Keep My Home Cool Without Constantly Running My AC?
It’s fair to say that opening your windows to cool your home should be avoided if possible, and constantly running your AC isn’t good either. At this point, you’re probably wondering, how can I possibly keep my home cool then? Fortunately, there are a few things that can help preserve your cooling system with your windows closed:
Closing The Curtains Or Blinds
Whenever the sun’s beating down on us on hot days, we’ll usually try to find a shady spot to cool off and get out of the sun. Closing your curtains or blinds is a similar concept, creating shade for the air in your home to prevent it from heating up as much. During the peak Texas heat, however, this solution might not be the most effective.
Insulating Your Home
Home insulation is a great way to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. It’s important to note that while insulation is a costly option, it will benefit your home in the long term. There are a variety of options and materials for insulating your walls, floors and roof.
You may also consider tinting your windows, which is a lower-cost option for insulating your windows. Unlike other forms of insulation that act as a barrier between hot and cool air, window tint keeps your home cool by reflecting sunlight away from your home. Check your local hardware store for standard-sized window tint options.
Switching Off Appliances That Aren’t In Use
Something we don’t often think about is the amount of heat that the appliances in our homes give off. Turning off the appliances you’re not currently using can not only keep your home cool but also reduce your energy bill. We’re not saying you should unplug your fridge or anything like that. Try to be mindful of items like TVs, gaming consoles and lamps.
Your Austin Area HVAC Repair Company
If you feel like your home just won’t stay cool no matter what you do or suspect something is wrong with your system, it may be time to call in the pros. Contact the HVAC specialists at Champion AC & Plumbing for all of your Austin air conditioner services!
