Should You Keep Doors Closed When Running Air Conditioning in Summer? (Gold Coast Guide)
- Brett Wells
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
During summer on the Gold Coast, air conditioners often run for hours at a time to fight heat, humidity and rising indoor temperatures. One of the most common questions homeowners search online is:
“Should I keep my doors closed when running air conditioning?”
The short answer is yes, most of the time. But there is a right and wrong way to do it.
Closing doors incorrectly can lead to stale air, moisture issues and inefficient cooling. In this guide, EvidiAir explains how to use your air conditioner properly for maximum comfort, lower power bills and healthier indoor air.
Is It Correct to Keep Doors Closed When Using Air Conditioning in Summer?
Yes, keeping doors and windows closed while your air conditioner is running is essential for efficient cooling.
When doors or windows are left open:
Hot outdoor air enters the room
Cool air escapes
Humidity increases
The system works harder
Energy consumption rises
On the Gold Coast, where humidity is high, open doors make cooling even more difficult. Moist air constantly replaces the cooled air, forcing your system to run longer and harder.
Studies and field data show that leaving doors open can increase energy use by up to 30% during peak summer conditions.
For air conditioning Gold Coast homes, this often results in:
Higher power bills
Uneven cooling
Longer run times
Reduced system lifespan
Why Closing Doors Improves Air Conditioning Performance
Closing doors helps your system maintain a stable indoor environment.
Better Temperature Control
Sealed rooms cool faster and stay cooler longer.
Reduced Strain on Components
Compressors and fans don’t need to work continuously to compensate for heat loss.
Lower Running Costs
Shorter cooling cycles use less electricity.
Improved Humidity Control
Moisture is removed more effectively in enclosed spaces.
When doors are left open, your system never reaches optimal performance.
Where Many Homeowners Get It Wrong
The biggest mistake isn’t closing doors, it’s never ventilating at all.
Air conditioners recirculate indoor air. They do not bring in fresh oxygen.
If rooms remain sealed all day:
Carbon dioxide builds up
Air becomes stale
Dust and allergens circulate
Moisture can linger
Bacteria and mould risks increase
This can cause:
Dry throat
Headaches
Fatigue
Irritation
Poor sleep quality
Many people blame “air conditioning” for these symptoms, when the real issue is poor air exchange.
The Correct Way to Use Air Conditioning in Summer
To balance efficiency, comfort and air quality, follow this simple system.
1. Keep Doors and Windows Closed While Cooling
While the air conditioner is operating:
✔ Close internal doors
✔ Close windows
✔ Seal obvious gaps
This allows proper temperature and humidity control.
2. Ventilate the Room Periodically
Every few hours:
Turn off the AC
Open doors/windows
Allow fresh air in for 5–10 minutes
This refreshes oxygen levels and removes stale air without losing too much cooling.
3. Avoid Permanent Gaps
Leaving doors “slightly open” is one of the biggest energy wasters.
Even small openings:
Let heat in
Increase humidity
Reduce efficiency
Over time, this leads to higher bills and system wear.
How Poor Sealing Increases Power Bills on the Gold Coast
With rising electricity costs, inefficient cooling is becoming a major concern.
When doors remain open:
Systems run longer
Peak energy usage increases
Cooling becomes uneven
Smart controls lose accuracy
Many homeowners think they need a bigger system, when the real issue is poor airflow management.
At EvidiAir, we regularly see systems overworked simply due to open-plan airflow problems.
Why Professional Advice Matters
Every home is different.
Open-plan layouts, multi-level homes and ducted systems require customised airflow planning.
Without professional assessment, homeowners often:
Overcool some rooms
Undercool others
Waste energy
Reduce system life
Our trained technicians assess airflow, zoning and usage habits to optimise comfort and efficiency.
Final Answer: Should You Keep Doors Closed?
✔ Yes, keep doors and windows closed while cooling
✔ Yes, ventilate briefly every few hours
❌ No, don’t leave doors permanently open
❌ No, don’t seal rooms all day without fresh air
Used correctly, your air conditioner will:
Cool faster
Cost less
Control humidity better
Last longer
Feel more comfortable,
especially during harsh Gold Coast summers.
📞 Call for advice: 0414753300
📍 Servicing: ALL Gold Coast and surroundings
