Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot? (2024)

With summer here, many homeowners will use their air conditioning units to keep their indoors comfortable. Even so, many still resort to opening their windows during hot days to achieve a cooler home. Some, however, firmly believe in closing them instead. Which one is better?

Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot? (1)

Outdoor Temperature

We most often think that it’s always better to open the windows when it’s hot, but it’s not. Sometimes, the air outside your home can even be warmer than the air inside your home. Opening the windows simply lets cool air escape and hot air to enter, resulting in hotter interiors.

Before deciding to open all your windows at home during hot weather, grab a thermometer, and check if it’s hotter outside the house. If it’s cooler indoors, just close your windows.

Insulation Is Key

Generally, a home that has adequate insulation allows cool air to remain indoors during warm weather. In that regard, it would make sense to keep the windows closed, especially if the temperature outside is hotter than it is inside. Come nighttime, you have the option to open them since the outdoors are cooler than the indoors.

This, however, won’t work if certain areas of your home are not well-insulated. It feels hot inside a home with insufficient attic and wall insulation. In this instance, opening them throughout the entire day is imperative.

Preparing Your Home for Summer

Now that summer is fast approaching, not only should you focus on your windows, insulation and your use of the AC unit. Consider a home energy audit. This evaluation allows you to prioritize projects so you can save the most on your energy bills.

Breathe new life into your home with beautiful replacement windows from External Building Solutions! Contact us today at (314) 470-8783, or fill out ourcontact formto schedule a FREE consultation and estimate. We serve clients in St. Louis, Chesterfield and Wildwood.

Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot? (2024)

FAQs

Should You Open or Close Your Windows When It’s Hot? ›

If the weather outside is hotter, then close your windows to trap the “cool” air in. On the other hand, if the inside of your house is hotter, usually in the early morning or late evening, then open them up to let a cool breeze in.

Should windows be open or closed when it's hot? ›

Generally, if your house is decently insulated, keep the windows and blinds closed when the sun is shining. Open the windows in the evening and at night. More specifically, keep the windows closed when the outside temperature is hotter than it is inside, and open the windows when it's cooler outside than inside.

At what temp should you close your windows? ›

The basic rule of thumb is that you should close your windows when the temperature outside starts to exceed the temperature inside. It may seem counterintuitive, but as the temperature climbs, you'll often make your home warmer, not cooler, by opening the windows.

Does opening a window cool a room? ›

Although it's easy to imagine that flinging your windows wide might invite some hint of a cool and pleasant breeze, in all likelihood, you'll just be bringing warm air in – making your living space even hotter.

Should you open a window if you have a temperature? ›

Feeling more comfortable

drinking cool fluids, such as water and sucking ice chips. opening the window or having a fan in the room. during periods of chills, change any wet bed linen and clothes to keep you warm and dry, and keep away from drafts. rest as much as you can.

How do you keep your house cool in a heatwave? ›

From closing your windows during the day to building your own DIY AC, here is what you can do to lower the temperature in your home.
  1. Keep your curtains closed. ...
  2. Only open your windows at night. ...
  3. Build your own DIY air-conditoner. ...
  4. Turn off the tech. ...
  5. Lights out.
Jul 18, 2023

Should you sleep with window open when it's hot? ›

Depending on the season, opening a window at night can cool down your environment. Closed-off rooms can become hot and stuffy. In a hot room, you are more likely to sweat and feel uncomfortable. You may also become restless and dehydrated as the night wears on.

Does closing windows make room hotter? ›

For instance, if it's summer time and you don't have central air conditioning, open windows will let fresh and cooler air come into your house. When you close those windows, the effect of the Sun shining on your house will heat up the house by radiating heat inwards.

Should you open windows after turning off AC? ›

You make your air conditioner work harder to maintain a set temperature because a lot of the air you cool is escaping out the window. If you feel that opening your windows is necessary, turn off your HVAC system. When you are ready to use the AC, close your windows and turn the unit on.

How do I stop hot air from coming through my windows? ›

How to Reduce Heat Transfer From Windows
  1. Weatherize.
  2. Honeycomb Window Shades.
  3. Roller Shades.
  4. Insulated Window Quilts.
  5. Draperies.
  6. High-Reflectivity Films.
  7. Insulated Panels and Shutters.
  8. Replacement Windows.
Mar 1, 2024

Why is my room still hot with the window open? ›

If it is warm outside and the room is not heated, then opening the windows can make the room warmer as warm air will flow in, increasing the temperature inside. If the room has a well-insulated heating system, then opening the windows may not have a significant effect on the room temperature.

Should I close the windows when using a fan? ›

To ensure optimal cooling with a window fan, the US Department of Energy suggests putting it in a window where the wind is blowing away from the house. This helps pull the hot air out of your home. Make sure other nearby windows are closed so the hot air is forced to travel out the window with the fan.

Why is my room hot even with the windows open? ›

Dirty air filter—A dirty filter restricts airflow, not letting your home get enough cool air. Closed vents—Closed vents in rooms can cause them to be hotter than other rooms. Open windows—Your conditioned air can flow out of open windows, leaving uneven temperatures in your home.

What happens if you don't open windows? ›

If you never open your windows, your indoor air can become stagnant and filled with pollutants, leading to poor air quality. This can have adverse effects on your health and well-being, including allergies and respiratory issues. Additionally, high humidity levels can promote mould growth.

How do you bring your temperature down? ›

Self-treatment suggestions for fever

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration. Sponge exposed skin with tepid water.

When should I be worried about a 100.5 fever in adults? ›

Dangerous temperatures are high-grade fevers that range from over 104 F to 107 F. Low-grade fevers range from about 100 F-101 F; 102 F is intermediate grade for adults but a temperature at which adults should seek medical care for an infant (0-6 months). High-grade fevers range from about 103 F-104 F.

How do you cool a sun facing room? ›

How to Cool Rooms That Receive Direct Sunlight
  1. Install Window Treatments. The best way to prevent the sun from heating your rooms is to block its rays. ...
  2. Put Up Heat-Reflecting Film. Don't want to block your beautiful view of the backyard? ...
  3. Plant Some Trees. ...
  4. Turn On the Fan.
Jun 11, 2018

Does opening windows help with mold? ›

If the conditions in your home are warm and humid, but it is cool and dry outside, opening a window can serve to inhibit mold growth. It can be especially helpful in rooms where mold is prone to develop such as kitchens, basem*nts, lesser-used rooms on lower floors, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.

Why is my room so hot even with the window open? ›

Dirty air filter—A dirty filter restricts airflow, not letting your home get enough cool air. Closed vents—Closed vents in rooms can cause them to be hotter than other rooms. Open windows—Your conditioned air can flow out of open windows, leaving uneven temperatures in your home.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5832

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.