Skip to main content

Rated: 4.9 / 5 based on 2,000+ reviews. Read our reviews

We're available! Call 518-545-3271 to schedule your service

Can Sleeping With the Windows Open Help You Save Energy?

Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda August, CEO of Grasshopper Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Published April 14, 2022
Can Sleeping With the Windows Open Help You Save Energy?

Spring weather is usually comfortable. That can tempt you to sleep with the windows open. Sleeping with the windows open can help you enjoy the fresh air. However, before doing so, you need to check how your HVAC system will react when you leave the windows open.

Opening your windows when your HVAC system is on can make the system overwork. Opening windows increases the amount of cool or warm air circulating in the indoor space. That, in turn, increases the load on an HVAC system, making it work harder. The system is likely to consume a lot of energy when it is overworking.

For instance, think of a situation where the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset thermostat temperature. In this case, cold air will flow in from the outdoor space, lowering the indoor temperature. Your heating system will start heating the indoor air. Since the air continuously circulates from the indoor to the outdoor space and vice versa, the heating system will be forced to work continuously. That will make it consume a lot of energy.

However, turning off your HVAC system and opening your windows will make you save energy. When the HVAC system is turned off, it will not consume any energy. That can help you lower your monthly energy bills. To make the most out of the open windows, you need to do the following.

Open Windows That Are Opposite to Each Other

You should always open two windows that are opposite each other. That will create cross ventilation. Cool, clean air will flow from the outdoor space through one of these windows. Warm, contaminated air that may be in your indoor space will escape to the outdoor space through the other window. In short, there will be steady airflow throughout your indoor space when these two windows are open.

Make Good Use of Your Indoor Ceiling Fan When the Windows Are Open

Ceiling fans usually aid in air circulation. They help the air circulating in an indoor space to circulate faster and to typically cool the air at the same time. They are a good alternative to air conditioning and will help you save on your energy bill. You should switch these fans on immediately after opening your windows. That will help keep your indoor space cool since they will help air flowing from the outdoor space to circulate in your indoor space faster. Using them after your AC turns off also helps keep the room cooler for a longer period of time.

When to Open Your Windows

Proper ventilation can offer you many benefits. However, if the outdoor space contains pollutants, you will not experience these benefits. Instead, you will have to deal with unpleasant allergy symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Another thing to consider is the outdoor air temperature. There is no sense in opening your windows if the air outside isn’t cooler than the air inside your home. This is even more true if the outdoor air is also humid. Your HVAC system will work harder and consume more energy just to dehumidify the air in your home. It is best to keep them closed through the hot, muggy months and open them when the crisp, fall season has arrived.

Think About Your Location When Deciding Whether to Open Your Windows or Not

Your location should be one of the factors to consider when deciding between leaving your windows open overnight and switching your HVAC system on. You can open your windows if you live far from major roads and cities. Otherwise, close them and turn on your HVAC system to avoid the pollution as much as possible.

If you decide to open them, leave them open for only a few minutes, and consider an indoor ventilation system. can offer you the best ventilation systems and answer any air questions you might have about indoor air quality.

The Best HVAC Company

is an HVAC company that offers affordable 24/7 emergency services. Some of the services that we offer are mini-split system installation, whole house fan installation, and humidifier installation services. We serve Burnt Hills, Latham, Troy, and Albany residents, and customer satisfaction is always our number one priority. Contact now, or visit our offices to learn more about our services!


Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda August

Amanda August is the CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, a rapidly growing HVAC company based in Albany, New York. She leads by focusing on creating opportunities that positively impact both employees and customers.


How a Ductless System Can Improve Comfort Room by Room

Published September 2, 2025
Many homes struggle with hot and cold spots, rooms that never quite reach the right temperature, or spaces that your central HVAC system just can’t seem to handle effectivel…

5 Common Summer AC Problems in Upstate NY—and How to Prevent Them

Published September 2, 2025
Summer heat in Upstate NY can push your air conditioning system to its limits. While temperatures may not reach the extremes of southern states, the combination of heat and humidi…

How To Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC Systems: Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Published March 24, 2025
Your HVAC systems work tirelessly to keep your home comfortable year-round, but this continuous operation takes a toll over time. Did you know that the average HVAC system lifespa…

Signs Your Capital District Home Air Conditioner Is About To Break Down

Published February 17, 2025
If you feel like your air conditioner in Capital District, NY, is not running as intended, you might worry that it needs repair. It helps to be proactive and look for AC repair si…

When Should I Schedule AC Maintenance for My Capital District, NY, Home?

Published February 13, 2025
Deciding when to schedule AC maintenance might feel like a difficult task. After all, if your air conditioner is running perfectly at your Capital District, NY, home, why bother w…

What Is Included in AC Maintenance Service in Capital District?

Published February 13, 2025
Do you know what is included in AC maintenance? If you’re unfamiliar with the service, Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can help you understand why it’s so important…
Asset 3@2x 9fde410d

“He installed our new unit a little over a year ago. He is professional, courteous and very knowledgeable – and willing to answer lots of questions from this engineer. Today he came back to trouble shoot an issue we were having, had it resolved in no time, and waived the diagnostic fee. Highly recommend.”

-Sara M.

“I am very impressed with the service I received from Grasshopper. I sent in an inquiry form and within minutes I was on the phone with a representative helping me with my concerns. He explained everything clearly and offered short and long term solutions. I am very grateful for his help!”

-Michelle J.

“Love Grasshopper! They did an awesome job! When we had an issue they came out the same day, did a quick fix and got us back up and running during a heat wave. Courteous and clean service. Everything from our first meeting to installation of mini-splits – all great experiences! 10/10 would recommend.”

-Kathleen C.

“Very informative and great service. They had someone out to our house the same day we called. He walked us through the process of what was going on with our current system and all the options. I would highly recommend Grasshopper Heating and Cooling to anyone who is looking for heating and cooling services.”

-Kim C.

“Tyler and Peter just came to my home. I was having problems with my air conditioner. They appointment was made quickly. They called before they came out. Diagnosed the problem and resolved it. They were professional and explained what the problem was. The pricing was fair and affordable. I definitely recommend Grasshopper”

-Dee B.

Schedule Service

* By clicking “Submit”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Grasshopper Heating and Cooling regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.