top of page

The Dangers of Closed Doors with Operating Air Conditioning: Why It's Harmful for Both Your AC Unit and Indoor Air Quality



During hot summer days or in regions where heat is a constant challenge, the air conditioning unit becomes our best friend, offering respite from the sweltering heat.


However, there's a common mistake many make: closing doors while the AC is running. This seemingly harmless act can have detrimental effects on both your AC unit's longevity and the quality of indoor air. Let's delve into the reasons why you should avoid this practice:


1. Restricted Airflow:

Closing doors impedes the flow of air throughout your home. Air conditioning units rely on proper airflow to distribute cool air evenly. When doors are shut, it creates pressure imbalances, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially causing strain on the AC unit's compressor.


2. Increased Energy Consumption:

With restricted airflow, your AC unit works harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption. This not only spikes your energy bills but also contributes to unnecessary wear and tear on the system, potentially shortening its lifespan.


3. Risk of Frozen Coils:

Limited airflow caused by closed doors can lead to the freezing of the AC unit's evaporator coils. When airflow is obstructed, the coils may not receive enough warm air to prevent condensation from freezing on them. Frozen coils not only impair cooling efficiency but can also cause water damage to the unit and surrounding areas.


4. Poor Indoor Air Quality:

Closing doors traps indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inside rooms. Without proper ventilation, these pollutants accumulate, leading to degraded indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, especially for sensitive individuals.


5. Uneven Temperature Distribution:

Closed doors create temperature disparities between rooms. Some areas may become excessively cold while others remain warmer, leading to discomfort for occupants. Moreover, temperature differentials can encourage moisture buildup in certain areas, promoting mold and mildew growth, which further deteriorates indoor air quality.


In conclusion, while closing doors while the air conditioning system is operating might seem like a harmless habit, it can have detrimental effects on both the AC unit and indoor air quality. To ensure optimal performance and maintain a healthy indoor environment, it's best to keep doors open to allow proper airflow and ventilation throughout your home. By doing so, you'll not only prolong the life of your AC unit but also safeguard the well-being of your household members.


Air Conditioning Guys is a full service indoor air comfort expert serving the local region since 1951 and the only one on the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) Board of Directors representing California serving over 60,000 HVAC Contractor's issues across the country. Installation, Service, Repair, Maintenance and Air Duct Cleaning. www.acguyscalifornia.com


 

 


TRY OUR NEW HVAC SELECTION TOOL AND GET AN ACCURATE QUOTE NOW!



HVAC Selection Tool



If you are looking to replace your HVAC system soon, now may be a good time. Our experience and time has allowed us to develop a system to give you an accurate recommendation and price. Try it below.




13 views0 comments
bottom of page