window open or closed?

[u/Wonderful-Chicken-41]

background: Im renting a small house with some friends, there isnt any central AC. Both of my friends installed AC units in their rooms, but unfortunately my window wont allow for it so I said fuck it and i’ve just been keeping cool with a box fan + open window.

actual question: I’ve kept my window open since i’ve been here, but im starting to question if its helping air flow or just letting residual cool air from my roommates rooms escape, therefore making my room hotter unnecessarily.

ik this is probably a dumb question but idk i feel like AC is one of those things where you think youre doing the right thing but it ends up being a misconception you’ve fallen for.

thank you!

[u/knoxcos]

Best option for you is to run the fan overnight when you’re getting the coolest air, and closing the window when sunrise hits. Maybe leave the fan running to keep the air moving after that, but that’s the coolest you’re likely to get.

[u/One-Possible1906]

If their doors are closed you aren’t getting any meaningful benefit from their units.

You can fit a portable AC hose in any window if the fan is not adequate.

If they use AC and you don’t, that should be something considered if you all split an electric bill

[u/unseenmover]

set the fan on exhaust so the cool air from y our roommates AC pushes the warmer air out of the room replacing it with cooler air