In summer, the air conditioner in your Aitkin, MN home has a complex, continuous job. In addition to regulating your indoor temperature, it also regulates your indoor humidity and filters your air, improving your home’s overall indoor air quality. Although leaving your windows open might feel like an effective and energy-efficient way to help it along, it can actually cause far more problems than it solves. Opening your windows is a great way to ventilate your living space, but you should always maintain an airtight living environment when your AC is on. Read on to find out why.
Opening Your Windows Can Increase Indoor Humidity and Pollution
On a temperate, low-pollen day, opening your windows allows fresh, outdoor air to flow in, and stale, stagnant air to flow out. However, during summer, this same tactic could bring outside allergens into your living space and leave the building interior heavy with excess moisture. After all, it’s not uncommon for Aitkin locals to see days with humidity levels as high as 92%.
Your Air Conditioner Will Struggle to Regulate Your Indoor Temperature
Central air conditioners provide uniform cooling throughout entire buildings. If you open windows in one or more rooms, your AC will have to work a lot harder to establish and maintain the temperature that you’ve set at your thermostat. Unfortunately, it will also be working harder to account for increases in humidity and airborne particulates as well. All of this extra effort is guaranteed to register on your energy bill and may end up requiring an AC repair if severe, and you’ll notice a significant increase in your monthly energy costs.
Air conditioners work best in closed and relatively airtight environments. When you want to ventilate your home by throwing your doors and windows open wide, it’s always best to turn your AC off first.
We’re committed to helping residents of Aitkin, MN maintain high-functioning and highly efficient cooling equipment. We offer heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services. We also provide top-notch indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions and preventative maintenance agreements. Call Northern Air Plumbing & Heating today to schedule an appointment.
Tags: AC Repair, Indoor Air Quality