By now I’m sure we all know that the seasons in the Northeast can go from one extreme to the other. This means we’re probably on a first name basis with our HVAC system. But let’s be honest, windows were there first. It’s only fair to address the relationship this duo has, especially given that the utility bills in our region tend to be higher than the national average. Here are some of the most common questions that we wanted to address to be sure you have high comfort, high savings, and top air quality (not the other way around).
Windows and Air Conditioning: Is It Bad to Leave Windows Open With the AC On?
In short, yes, it is. If your AC is on, your windows should be closed. It’s counterproductive to leave your windows open. For one, efficiency plummets. The air that’s already cooled goes out the window, in all forms of that phrase. Likewise, the warm outdoor air comes in. If we also take the humidity into account, your system is likely to start playing double duty.
Windows as is account for a fair share of unneeded energy use, be it heating or cooling. If you open a window flat out, that statistic tends to soar.
In the above mentioned circumstances, your system has to work harder (and in turn longer) to achieve the desired result. Extended run time leads to an increase in energy consumption, and as a result an increase in your monthly bill. Plus, we can’t forget about the increased wear and tear, which will ultimately lead to a shortened lifespan.
Our advice, keep your windows tightly sealed, and allow your AC to recirculate the already cooled air. If you absolutely must open the windows, do so during cooler times, and switch your system to “fan only” mode.
Do Open Windows Increase Indoor Air Pollutants?
A catch 22 of a question. In theory, having good ventilation is key. Opening windows often helps with ventilation in a rather big regard. Plus, indoor air can oftentimes be dirtier than outdoor air, so “airing the place out” tends to be a good idea…most of the time. Here, it’s really important to consider the Air Quality Index (AQI) of where you live. Let’s be honest, NYC and surrounding areas aren’t per se known for their great air quality. On the contraire, we’re in one of the busiest and most densely populated parts of America.
We have our fair share of ports, highways, industrial complexes, and flat out pollution. The downside of being in the center of hustle and bustle is your exposure to all the gunk that’s in the air. Needless to say, not the best environment for folks dealing with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
In our case, it may be best to get a good system set up inside. This means keeping your ducts clean, having high efficiency air filters, and setting up an in home air filtration system. Of course, there is still a time and place to open your windows. For example, if you’re doing something that drastically raises indoor pollutants (like painting walls, using strong chemicals, or accidentally burning dinner) it’s best to air the place out.
Do Leaky Windows Affect Your Home’s Heating?
They most certainly do. This is a problem you should definitely keep your eye on especially if you live in an older building. As mentioned above, windows can account for a significant amount of energy loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Because your home constantly loses (the expensive) heat you’ve generated, your thermostat senses the change, and kicks your system on more frequently. By forcing your system to work harder and longer, you’re also pushing your energy bills higher.
Be proactive, inspect your windows, and should you find a problem, take action. To fix, you can consider caulking or weatherstripping around the window edges, installing insulation film, or if you’re able to, replace to new energy efficient models altogether.
Final Thoughts
Today we’ve looked at what feels like all the interactions different seasons can bring. From cooling loss, to heat loss, and ventilation in between. We hope you realized that windows can play a rather large role in the comfort of your home. We answered the most common questions that pertain to windows and touched on topics like when you should open your windows and what you should do when you find a leak. Monitoring your air quality is just as important. Our team at Green Ductors offers professional indoor air quality testing, and you can read about that service here. For greater peace of mind, and clean fresh air, we’ve got you covered. We may not handle wind replacements but from testing to duct cleaning, we’re your guys. So if you’re ready to take the air quality situation into your own hands, give us a ring at 888-334-1612 to discuss.
