Is it better to leave my windows shut and turn off the air conditioner on these cool days?

Question

My husband and I are in a debate. On the days that it is cool enough, I like to open the windows and get the fresh air inside (and of course, turn the air conditioner off). My husband however, believes that once we turn the air conditioner on for the season, windows should remain shut due to the amount of work that it will take for the house to "re cool" and "de-humidify" when it is too warm for windows to be open again. Which is more energy ($$$) efficient-to open the windows and turn the air off on cooler days or to just let that Central AC run?

Answer 1

I prefer open windows when the weather is cool and dry but that doesn't answer your question about cost effectiveness.  And my answer isn't going to be scientific but it works beautifully.  

When the morning forecast calls for higher heat and humidity, I close the windows right away while it's still cool to keep out encroaching dampness, turn on the AC, and forget about it.  It sometimes takes hours to kick on.  When it does, it doesn't work any harder than if I had left it on.      

I 've had this discussion many times and one friend swears by her electric bill that the biggest energy waster is adjusting the temperature while the AC's running.  Her theory is to find a temperature and lock it in.