I need a lesson in thermodynamics..

[draggar]

OK, how is this possible?

We keep the AC at 78-80 during the day.

The past several nights it's been down to the low 70's, high 60's. So, when the temperature drops, we open windows and put fans in them, blowing inside. Currently it is 68 degrees outside.

Yet, the temperature inside our hose has gone from 79 to 81.

So, we're pumping cooler air into our home yet the temperature is going up?

[Greenday]

You need to get the hot air out of your house, not try to get the cold in. Works much better for me.

[draggar]

Turn the fans around, then?

Edit: I just pointed the fan upstairs to blow out (hot air rises) so we'll see if that helps.

[Chanlin]

Linky: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Window-Fans-for-Home-Cooling

Summary:

You want an even capacity of fans drawing air in and blowing air out. IE same size fans to draw air in and blow it out. In general you want slightly more drawing in than blowing out. - For a multi level home you generally want all of the fans on a lower level to draw air in and all of the fans on the upper level to blow air out. This will assist in the natural convection process.

Also, it should go without saying, but don't close any doors in any rooms that have fans if you can help it.

[draggar]

Also, it should go without saying, but don't close any doors in any rooms that have fans if you can help it.

the only time we do that is when we turn the fan in the bedroom to blow inward and we close that door, allowing cool air to come in and it works pretty well.