The wonderful smell of spring and the feeling of a gentle breeze is a welcomed reprieve from harsh, cold winter weather. When the weather is pleasant and the sun is shining, we all want to open our windows and let in that fresh air. But wait! Should you open windows in the spring if you have your HVAC unit running?

There is a strategy to follow when opening up your windows, especially if it is the first time of the year. Keep these tips in mind and your HVAC unit and your allergies will thank you!

Do This Before You Open Your Windows

HVAC units are designed for specific load and capacity calibrations for optimal performance and to provide the desired comfort. When you open windows, you are making the HVAC unit work harder to maintain temperature which increases stress on the system. Plus, you’re losing that conditioned air right out the window and therefore wasting money. So before you open the windows, shut off your system.

Check the weather forecast for the air quality index. If you or a family member is particularly sensitive to allergies, you might want to skip opening the window until the quality improves.

Enjoy the Breeze

If your home doesn’t have a forced-air heating and cooling system, fresh air is a must! Open windows on opposite ends of your home for cross-ventilation. It’s also a good idea to turn on ceiling fans for additional air movement. All of that stale air from the colder months can finally be released!

When you open the window, you are letting pollen, dust, and particles into your home. Note that you may encounter extra dust that has been blown in. Wipe down areas where dust has accumulated to avoid lowering the air quality indoors.

HVAC System Downtime

Keep in mind that extended periods of downtime are not ideal for your HVAC unit. Before you turn it back on, check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. While the weather is nice enough that you don’t need heat or air conditioning, it’s a good time to have your system serviced. Contact the professionals at One Hour Heating and Air to schedule a maintenance checkup. If your unit might not make it through summer, call us to install a new system. You’ll be ready to bring on the heat with your healthy and happy air conditioning unit come summertime.

One Hour Heating and Air is available to assist you 24 hours a day!