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. Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can offer you the best ventilation systems and answer any air questions you might have about indoor air quality.
The Best HVAC Company
Grasshopper Heating & Cooling 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 Grasshopper Heating & Cooling now, or visit our offices to learn more about our services!
