Short answer: Yes, you should keep all doors (and windows) closed most of the time when running air conditioning in summer. But closing them all the time without ventilation is where many people go wrong. Let’s explain why.
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Keep all doors closed when running air conditioning in summer: Is it correct?
When your air conditioner is on, its job is simple: remove heat from inside and push it outside.
If doors or windows are open:
- Hot outdoor air flows straight in
- Cool air escapes just as fast
- Your system works harder to keep up
This is why keeping all doors closed when running air conditioning in summer is generally correct. Open doors constantly fight against the cooling process.
In practical terms, leaving doors or windows open can increase energy consumption by up to 30%, especially during peak summer heat. For homeowners using air conditioning Gold Coast wide, this usually shows up as higher power bills and rooms that never feel properly cool.
Why do we need to close the door of an air conditioned room?
Closing doors helps your system:
- Maintain a stable indoor temperature
- Cool the space faster
- Reduce strain on the compressor
- Lower electricity costs
If one room is cooled while another door is left open, warm air keeps entering the conditioned space. The air conditioner responds by running longer and harder, which reduces efficiency and shortens its lifespan.
So if your goal is comfort and efficiency, keeping doors closed is the right move.
Where many people get it wrong
The mistake isn’t closing doors. The mistake is never ventilating at all.
Air conditioners circulate indoor air, they don’t bring in fresh oxygen. If a room stays sealed for hours:
- Carbon dioxide builds up
- Air becomes dry and stale
- Dust, allergens and bacteria keep circulating
That’s why some people feel:
- Dry throat
- Headaches
- Dizziness or fatigue
This often leads to the false belief that “closing doors causes health issues”, when in reality, it’s the lack of fresh air exchange.
The correct way to use air conditioning in summer
To use air conditioning properly without wasting energy or affecting comfort:
1. Close all doors and windows while cooling
This allows the system to work efficiently and cool the room faster.
2. Vent the room periodically
Every few hours, turn the system off briefly and open a door or window for about 5-10 minutes to refresh the air.
3. Don’t leave doors permanently open
Small gaps may feel harmless, but over time they significantly reduce cooling efficiency.
This balance is what most households miss.
Final answer
So, should you keep all doors closed when running air conditioning in summer?
Yes, keeping all doors closed is essential for efficient cooling and lower power bills.
No, you shouldn’t keep the space sealed for hours without any ventilation.
Used correctly, your air conditioner will cool better, cost less to run, and feel far more comfortable especially during harsh summer conditions across the air conditioning Gold Coast region.
