Forget the Air Conditioner – Open the Window

In the heat of summer, do you reach for the window latch or the air conditioner remote?

Air conditioners provide quick relief, but they consume large amounts of power, resulting in monstrous electric bills.

Most people run air conditioners with the windows closed, as the cooling system works best in a contained area. Window glass, however, absorbs heat and continues to do so as the air conditioning runs. The cooling system must constantly fight against incoming heat. Often you can cool a room simply by opening the window.

Hot Air / Cold Air

A common myth says opening the windows “just lets the hot air in.” Actually, the air in your home is usually hotter than the air outside because of your windows ability to absorb heat.

Opening windows provides cooling circulation. The simple act of opening a window can cool a room significantly. Opening multiple windows allows air to move through the house, creating a cooling cross breeze.

Hot air rises, so opening second-story windows allows rising air to circulate out of the house. As hot air leaves the home, open windows on the lower level pull in cooler air. The effect is similar to how an airplane wing creates an uplifting wind. Just be sure not to open windows children or pets can access. A cooling breeze isn’t worth a fatal fall.

Quick Tricks

During hot weather, you can cool incoming air by placing ice trays on window sills. Hanging a damp cloth in front of the window also cools the breeze and adds some moisture to the air.

You can block some heat with lace curtains and other window treatments air can pass through easily. Placing a large plant in front of the window also helps block incoming heat.

When You Need an Air Conditioner

Despite their limitations, air conditioners are necessary in some circumstances. People with severe allergies, asthma or other breathing disorders benefit from cooling systems with high quality filters.

Some climates can become overly hot, whether the windows are open or closed. New Mexico, for instance, has summer temperatures which reach dangerously high levels, increasing the risk of heatstroke even indoors. For more temperate climates, however, an open window usually provides the relief you need.