Open Window Vs. Air Conditioning

Differences

• Opening a window allows you to benefit from cross ventilation. Cross ventilation occurs when you open one or more windows in the opposite side of your house. The opened windows cool the indoor temperature by allowing fresh air to move throughout, pushing the warm air out of a building. An air conditioner works by pulling hot air from inside a home to the outside. The hot air cools over a set of cold pipes inside the air conditioner, called an evaporator coil, filled with refrigerant.

Potential Problems

• Opening a window has limited potential problems. For example, if a window won't stay open, you may have to prop it up with an object such as a book or can. However, an air conditioner poses potential problems as well, such as not working properly. Besides the evaporator coil filled with refrigerant, an air conditioner has complex mechanical systems together to cool the air. For example, if the refrigerant charge doesn't work properly, an air conditioner doesn't work to full capacity. Thus, you may have to pay professional to fix the air conditioner.

Weather Conditions

• An air conditioner works regardless of weather conditions, such as extremely hot or humid weather. An opened window, however, doesn't. While an air conditioner reduces the humid air entering, an opened window doesn't stop humid air from circulating through a building --- thus rendering cross ventilation ineffective.

Cost

• Purchasing an air conditioner cost more than opening a window. Opening a window costs nothing. An air conditioner costs approximately $100 to $300 if you want to cool a 140-to-400 square-foot room. An air conditioner adds, on average, approximately $375 a year to your electricity bill.

Considerations

• An opened window doesn't obstruct your view outside. However, placing an air conditioner may. Mechanical ventilation also includes a ceiling fan, an exhaust fans located in the bathroom and kitchen. You can choose from four types of air conditioners: a window air conditioner, portable air conditioner, central air and through-the-wall unit (reference 4).