At this time of the year, as winter inches closer, the need to crank up the air conditioner to cool your home down becomes increasingly less. That being said, on those unseasonably warm days that might require a little cooling assistance, the last thing you want is your air conditioner to make your already warm home feel like a furnace.
Why does this happen?
Strangely enough, the issue often lies elsewhere than your air conditioner itself. It might seem like your AC is to blame, but it’s usually something else that’s at play. Here are some possible reasons why.
1. Your Air Conditioner Might Be the Wrong Size
The first of the possible causes of unwanted heat in your home is simply a wrong-sized air conditioner.
You might have a unit that is too small. It needs to work extra hard to bring some semblance of comfort, but it is never quite able to reach your desired temperature. Or you might have a system that is too big for your home. Though it will cool the air in your home quickly, it struggles to effectively remove the humidity, so the air always feels damp and clammy. Both extremes will generally result in higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on the system.
What you do want is an air conditioning unit that matches your home’s size, layout and insulation levels. A professional assessment from an After Hours Air Conditioning technician can help you get that right, delivering efficient, consistent cooling throughout the day.
2. Poor Insulation and Air Leaks
Your AC will also struggle to perform in your home has poor insulation or air leaks.
Either of these situations can lead to cool air escaping your home as hot air creeps in, meaning your air conditioner needs to work overtime. If you’ve often found particular rooms of the house staying warmer than others, or you’ve really got the aircon running but to little effect, put that down to leaks in your home forcing your unit to run harder.
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, you can waste up to 50% of the energy used to cool an uninsulated home through air leaks. Sealing gaps and improving insulation can make a noticeable impact on both your comfort and energy efficiency.
3. Dirty Filters or Blocked Vents
Dirty filters and blocked vents are another common culprit that causes your home to stay hot when you want the opposite.
Dust, pet hair and other debris can gradually clog your air conditioner filters, effectively restricting airflow and forcing the system to work harder. That limited airflow reduces the ability for cool air to circulate properly throughout your home, leading to uneven temperatures and poor performance.
Regularly cleaning or replacing filters and checking that vents are open and unobstructed can make a big difference. It’s a simple maintenance task that helps your AC run more efficiently and effectively.
4. Thermostat Troubles
A faulty thermostat can certainly throw off your air conditioning system, so it’s worth checking that out. It might read the wrong temperature, resulting in your aircon either shutting off too soon or running far longer than you need it to.
Where you install your thermostat in your home also has an effect. Place it in direct sunlight or close to appliances that create heat, and it can misread the temperature of the room. This invariably results in erratic cooling and added energy consumption.
If your home feels too hot despite the AC running, it’s worth checking your thermostat settings and location. Upgrading to a modern, programmable or smart thermostat can also help improve accuracy and give you better control over your home’s comfort.
5. Ductwork Problems
Ductwork problems can also make your air conditioner struggle on warmer days. Leaks, blockages or poor design can seriously affect the performance of your air conditioning system.
Ducts carry cooled air from your system to each room. However, the presence of gaps, holes or disconnected sections in your ductwork will allow much of that air to escape well before it even gets there. It leaves you essentially paying to cool your roof space or walls instead of your living areas. Dust and debris can also build up inside the ducts, reducing airflow and creating uneven temperatures. Poorly designed duct layouts might favour some rooms while leaving others warm and uncomfortable.
Calling in an air conditioning professional to inspect and seal your ductwork can restore proper airflow, boost energy efficiency, and help your aircon do its job more effectively.
6. External Heat Sources Inside the Home
Heat doesn’t just come from the air outside your home; there are several sources situated inside too, and they may be generating heat indoors without you realising it. These can include any of the following:
- Ovens, stoves, and other cooking appliances, especially when used during the hottest part of the day.
- Clothes dryers and dishwashers that release warm air and humidity.
- Uncovered windows that let in direct sunlight.
- Devices like TVs, computers and gaming consoles that give off heat when in use.
- Too many people in one space, which naturally raises the temperature.
- Lights (especially old incandescent or halogen bulbs) that create extra warmth.
These internal heat sources can undo all your AC’s hard work and leave your home feeling warmer than it should. Reducing them where you can will give your air conditioner a fighting chance to keep your home comfortable.
7. Your AC System Needs Maintenance or Repairs
Like all major household appliances, your air conditioner isn’t invincible. Even the most reliable system needs some TLC to keep running at its best.
If your home remains unnecessarily hot despite the AC being on, that may indicate your system is due for professional maintenance or repairs. Low refrigerant levels, worn-out parts or dirty coils can all drag down performance. You might hear strange noises, smell something you shouldn’t, or the AC might be short-cycling. Those are all signs something’s off.
Without regular servicing, small problems can snowball into costly repairs and leave you stuck with a sweltering home. A licensed technician can inspect, clean and fine-tune your system to make sure it’s working efficiently.
Time to Restore Comfort to Your Home
More often than not, there is usually a reason why your house still feels hot even when you have the air conditioner running. And thankfully, that reason is often easily resolvable. Such possible causes may range from blocked vents or filters to simply having an incorrectly-sized air conditioning system for your home. But once you know what to look for, you’re halfway to solving the problem.
Simple fixes like replacing filters or sealing up air leaks can make a big difference. Sometimes, though, you’ll need a pro to help you out. There’s no need to put up with the heat when your AC should be doing the work. Tackle the problem now and you’ll have your home feeling cool, calm and comfortable again before you know it.
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